Cleveland, MO

DWI/DUI Lawyer in Cleveland, MO. Being charged with DWI/DUI in Cleveland, MO is a serious offense that can lead to serious consequences, including license suspension, large fines, and possibly even jail time. That’s not to mention the possibility of losing your job or professional license, as well as damage to your reputation.

If you have been pulled over and are facing DWI/DUI charges, you need an expert Cleveland, MO DWI/DUI lawyer on your side immediately. Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online so that we can get to work building your defense in Cleveland, MO. Our attorneys—who have over 40 years of combined experience and have successfully handled 10,000+ cases just like yours throughout the Cleveland, MO area and across Missouri—are available for free, confidential consultations where they can discuss the specifics of your case and provide expert legal guidance on next steps.

Combs Waterkotte Defends You on Both Fronts of Your Cleveland, MO DWI/DUI

Many Cleveland, MO residents don’t realize that a DWI/DUI charge involves both a criminal case and a civil case with the Missouri Department of Revenue. The criminal case, classified as a class B misdemeanor, can result in 6 months of jail time, a fine of up to $500, 8 points on your driving record, a 90-day driver’s license suspension, and additional penalties like mandatory participation in a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) and purchasing SR-22 insurance.

The civil case is the lesser known of the two sides. However, the Combs Waterkotte Cleveland, MO DWI/DUI lawyers provide a wealth of information on protecting your license, next steps to follow, and more. You have 15 days following your arrest to request an administrative hearing or your license will automatically be suspended or revoked. If you are successful in the hearing, you get your license back. If you lose, your license will be suspended or revoked. Suspension periods range from 30 days to 1 year. Revocation periods are 1 year. Both could be followed by mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for at least 6 months.

With so much at stake, you need an experienced Cleveland, MO DWI/DUI lawyer to fight for you. Combs Waterkotte has the knowledge and experience to handle both sides of your case. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

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Don’t “Blow” Your DWI/DUI Case: Key Mistakes to Avoid

Combs Waterkotte, Missouri’s leading DWI/DUI law firm, has handled over 10,000 cases successfully. This ebook guides you through the DWI/DUI defense process and helps you avoid key mistakes.

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Pulled Over for DWI/DUI in Cleveland, MO? Here’s What You Should Do

After you have been pulled over by a police officer who suspects that you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it’s natural to be nervous. Being stopped by law enforcement for a moving violation is something that can heighten anxiety and have you feeling overwhelmed, and this is only increased when you are accused of impaired driving. Having handled hundreds of Cleveland, MO-area DWI/DUI cases, our firm recommends that you do the following if you are ever pulled over for DWI/DUI:

• Pull over safely. Use your turn signal, slow down, and stop in a safe location such as a shoulder or parking lot. Remain calm, keep your hands visible, and comply with the officer’s lawful requests.
• Remain calm and respectful. A confrontational attitude can work against you. Remain polite and avoid making any sudden movements. The more cooperative and respectful you are in Cleveland, MO, the less likely the officer will escalate the situation.
• Exercise your right to remain silent. Remember: you have the right to remain silent. While you must provide basic information such as your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance, you are not required to answer questions about where you have been or whether you have been drinking. Police officers are looking for any excuse to continue an investigation and arrest you, so don’t give them any. Politely inform the officer that you choose to exercise your right to remain silent.
• Refuse field sobriety, breathalyzer, and blood tests. While Missouri does have an implied consent law that automatically revokes your driver’s license for one year if you refuse a breathalyzer or a blood test, this only applies after you have been placed under arrest for DWI/DUI. Portable breathalyzers are unreliable and are only used as a way for an officer to get probable cause to arrest you.
• Take notes on the stop. Note everything you can as quickly as possible, including the reason given for the stop, the officer’s conduct, and any statements exchanged. This could be vital evidence in your defense
• Contact Combs Waterkotte immediately. Legal guidance from an expert Cleveland, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can make the difference between the best possible outcome and severe penalties. Your conversation with an attorney is completely confidential, and we can help you with the next steps to protect your rights and driving privileges. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online now.

Understanding the potential outcomes of DWI/DUI is essential, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will do that and more during a free consultation. Laws regarding DWI/DUI vary by jurisdiction, even surrounding Cleveland, MO and throughout Johnson County, so it’s advisable to consult with an attorney familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your situation.

When you choose a Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI lawyer in the Cleveland, MO area, you’re not just choosing the ideal DWI/DUI lawyer in Cleveland, MO and beyond – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to esteemed DWI/DUI lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Cleveland and beyond:

• Criminal Defense Lawyers

Why Hiring a DWI/DUI Lawyer in Cleveland, MO is Critical

Many people in Cleveland, MO assume they can handle a DWI/DUI charge without legal help, only to find themselves facing severe consequences. Missouri’s drunk driving laws are tough, and without a knowledgeable attorney, you risk losing your license, paying heavy fines, or even serving jail time. Here’s why hiring a DWI/DUI lawyer in Cleveland, MO is critical:

• An Unparalleled Understanding of the Law in Cleveland, MO — A DWI/DUI attorney knows the legal system inside and out and can expose flaws in the prosecution’s case.
• Protecting Your License — An attorney can help you navigate administrative proceedings to prevent or reduce the length of a license suspension.
• Fighting Unreliable Evidence — Field sobriety tests and breathalyzer results aren’t always accurate—an experienced Cleveland, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can challenge their validity.
• Plea Bargaining & Reduction of Charges — A skilled Cleveland, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can negotiate for reduces penalties, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal of charges.

Need a DWI/DUI Lawyer in Cleveland, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Right Away

If you’ve been arrested for DWI/DUI in or around Cleveland, MO, don’t roll the dice and leave your future to chance. The sooner you contact a skilled Cleveland, MO DWI/DUI lawyer, the better your chances of securing the best possible outcome in your case.

At Combs Waterkotte, our DWI/DUI lawyers in Cleveland, MO have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against charges. Let us fight for your rights and work toward the best possible outcome. Call (314) 900-HELP as soon as possible or contact us online for a free case review in Cleveland, MO.