DWI/DUI Lawyer Lathrop, MO

DWI/DUI Lawyer in Lathrop, MO. Facing DWI/DUI charges in Lathrop, MO is a serious legal matter that can result in severe penalties, including license suspension, steep fines, and even jail time. Additionally, a DWI/DUI can impact your career, professional license, and personal reputation in Lathrop, MO.

At Combs Waterkotte, we have successfully defended 10,000+ cases just like yours in Lathrop and across Missouri. With over 60 years of combined experience as Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI lawyers, we know how to challenge evidence, negotiate reduced charges, and fight for your rights. Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation in Lathrop, MO and take the first step toward protecting your future.

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

What many Lathrop, MO residents may not know about DWI/DUI cases is that there are two components—a criminal case and a civil case with the Missouri Department of Revenue. The criminal side, which is a class B misdemeanor, could lead to up to 6 months in jail, a fine of up to $500, 8 points on your driving record, required participation in a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP), required purchase of an SR-22, and a 90-day driver’s license suspension.

The civil case, which often goes unnoticed, deals specifically with your driving privileges. You only have 15 days after your arrest to request a hearing to fight your license suspension—if you miss this deadline, your license is automatically suspended or even revoked. The penalties can include months or years of license restrictions, potentially requiring an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).

With so much at stake, you need an experienced Lathrop, 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 and Southern Illinois’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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Steps to Take After Being Pulled Over for DWI/DUI in Lathrop, MO

A routine traffic stop in Lathrop, MO is stressful enough, but if an officer suspects you of DWI/DUI, it can quickly escalate into a serious legal matter. The way you handle the situation can affect your charges, defense options, and even potentially the outcome of your case. The Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI legal team has handled hundreds of DWI/DUI cases and advises drivers to follow these key steps when pulled over on suspicion of DWI/DUI in Lathrop, MO:

• Pull over in a safe manner. 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.
• Stay calm and cooperative. A confrontational attitude can work against you. Remain polite and avoid making any sudden movements. The more cooperative and respectful you are in Lathrop, MO, the less likely the officer will escalate the situation.
• Exercise your right to remain silent. Beyond providing basic documents, you have no obligation to answer questions about drinking or even your whereabouts. Simply state that you are choosing to remain silent.
• Do not take a field sobriety test, a breathalyzer, or a blood test. 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.
• Document everything. 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
• Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as you can at (314) 900-HELP. Your conversation with an attorney is entirely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Getting advice from a knowledgeable Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI lawyer about whether you should answer questions at the station, any issues that arose during your stop, or other questions you might have can make the difference between losing the ability to drive, as well as possibly going to jail, and your case potentially being dismissed.

Knowing the possible consequences of a DWI/DUI charge is crucial, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will walk you through them—and more—during a free, confidential case review. DWI/DUI laws can differ between jurisdictions, even within Lathrop, MO, and Johnson County. That’s why it’s important to speak with a DWI/DUI lawyer who understands the specific laws in your area and can provide guidance tailored to your case.

When you hire a Combs Waterkotte Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI lawyer, you’re not just choosing a leading DWI/DUI lawyer in Lathrop, MO and beyond – you are safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to experienced DWI/DUI attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Lathrop, MO residents:

• DWI Lawyer With Payment Plan
• Assault Defense Lawyer
• Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

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

Unfortunately, many Lathrop, MO residents make the mistake of thinking they can handle a DWI/DUI charge on their own. Missouri’s drunk driving laws are complex, and without skilled legal representation, you could be looking at harsh penalties that affect your livelihood and reputation. Here’s why hiring a DWI/DUI lawyer in Lathrop, MO is critical:

• In-Depth Legal Knowledge in Lathrop, 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.
• Challenging Test Results — Breathalyzers and field sobriety tests aren’t always accurate; a Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can dispute flawed evidence and improper procedures.
• Skilled Plea Bargaining — A skilled Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can negotiate for reduces penalties, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal of charges.

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

If you’ve been arrested for DWI/DUI in the Lathrop, MO area, time is of the essence. Delaying legal representation can jeopardize your defense and lead to harsh penalties. A knowledgeable Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of Missouri’s laws and protect your future.

At Combs Waterkotte, our DWI/DUI lawyers in Lathrop, 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 Lathrop, MO.