Image

Ballwin, MO

Verified Content

Posted by Emily Herr on

DWI Lawyer in Ballwin, MO

DWI Lawyer in Ballwin, MO. Facing allegations of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a frightening experience, especially considering the potential repercussions for Ballwin, MO drivers. Beyond the immediate consequences of a minimum 60-day suspension of your driving privileges, hefty fines, elevated insurance premiums, and enduring points on your license, the aftermath extends to enduring damage to your reputation within your Ballwin community or your professional sphere. Also, international travel prospects may be constrained, with countries like Canada prohibiting entry for individuals with a DWI conviction on their record.

If you have been pulled over and are facing DWI charges, you need a top-tier Ballwin, MO DWI lawyer on your side right now. Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online so that we can get to work building your defense right away. Our attorneys are available for free, no-strings-attached consultations where they can discuss the specifics of your case with you and plan your next steps.

Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the Ballwin, MO Area?

Having a tenacious and effective DWI lawyer on your Ballwin, MO case can — and often does — make the difference between pleading guilty to DWI and suffering all its consequences, and having charges reduced or even dismissed. At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced Ballwin, MO DWI attorneys are dedicated advocates for all our clients throughout the Ballwin, MO area facing DWI charges. No matter if this is your first encounter with law enforcement or if you are dealing with DWI charges again, our firm is committed to providing your Ballwin, MO DWI case with the attention it deserves. We devise a legal strategy tailored specifically to securing the best possible outcome for you.

Our unparalleled track record of success in defending Ballwin residents accused of DWI speaks volumes, and our dedication extends to ensuring complete client satisfaction in every facet of our service. When facing DWI charges near Ballwin, MO, prioritize making (314) 900-HELP your initial contact. We provide free case reviews and, at Combs Waterkotte, we are devoted to working with you, accommodating any financial challenges you may be facing, to mount a robust defense against your DWI charges in Ballwin, MO.

What Should I Do After I’m Pulled Over For DWI?

After being pulled over by a police officer suspecting impairment due to alcohol or drugs in the Ballwin, MO area, it’s natural to be nervous. Any encounter with law enforcement for a moving violation can trigger a “fight or flight” response, and this is amplified when you are accused of impaired driving. Having tried hundreds of DWI cases in Ballwin, MO, our firm recommends that you take the following course of action if you are ever pulled over for DWI:

  • Safely pull over. Safely pull your vehicle to the side of the road. Use your turn signal, and choose a well-lit safe location. If you are on a road with a shoulder, pull over there, or find a nearby parking lot. Try to avoid parking on grass.
  • Remain calm and cooperative. Remain calm and composed. Being hostile to a police officer will only make them more likely to search your car or subject you to increased scrutiny. Being polite goes a long way when stopped for DWI near Ballwin, MO.
  • Avoid self-incrimination. Exercise your right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Give the officer your license and insurance/registration, but refrain from offering additional information. Law enforcement is seeking any reason to continue an investigation and arrest you, so it’s wise not to provide unnecessary information. You can always choose not to answer potentially incriminating questions, like “Have you been drinking?” by stating that you would rather not answer without legal advice.
  • Avoid the portable breath 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. Portable breathalyzers are frequently deemed unreliable and are primarily used as a way for an officer to get probable cause to arrest you.
  • Call a lawyer if you are arrested. Conversations with an attorney are completely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Getting advice from an experienced Ballwin, MO DWI lawyer about whether you should take a breath test at the station, addressing any issues that arose in the stop, or other questions you might have can make the difference between losing your driving privileges for months and your case potentially being dismissed.

Being charged with driving under the influence carries severe legal repercussions in Ballwin, MO, encompassing fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, and the possibility of incarceration. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the potential consequences is critical, and a Combs Waterkotte lawyer is ready to provide detailed insights and more during a free case review. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Ballwin, MO, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from an lawyer well-versed in the local legal landscape for personalized advice tailored to your unique circumstancesDriving under the influence has severe legal consequences in Ballwin, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Having a firm grasp of the potential outcomes is essential, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will do that and more during a free consultation. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas neighboring Ballwin, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with an attorney familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your circumstances.

Fighting Both Sides Of Your Ballwin, MO DWI Case

DWI cases in Missouri involve two distinct components: the criminal aspect and the civil facet. The criminal punishments for DWI in Missouri, as you likely know, are serious. Even a first DWI offense could lead to the following repercussions under Missouri law, as it is categorized as a class B misdemeanor:

  • 8 points on your driving record
  • Up to 6 months in jail
  • Up to a $500 fine
  • A 90-day drivers’ license suspension, the last 60 of which can be reduced to a restricted driving privilege (RDP) permit
  • Required participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program known as Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP)
  • Required purchase of a high-risk auto insurance plan, also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility or an SR-22

Our knowledgeable Ballwin, MO legal team makes sure that the citizens of Ballwin, MO receive the best possible legal presentation, no matter the circumstance. After all, good people often find themselves in dire situations. In addition to DWI defense in Ballwin, MO, our lawyers are experienced in many forms of law, like:

What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI?

If this is your second DWI arrest in Ballwin, MO, be prepared for the prospect of dealing with class A misdemeanor charges, which include these penalties:

  • No more than one year in jail (any jail sentence for a second DWI must include a minimum of 10 days of “shock time” in jail before possible suspension of sentence or probation)
  • Maximum two years probation
  • Fines of no more than $1,000
  • The suspension of your driving privileges, which can be between from one to five years
  • You must install and maintain, at your own expense, a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). This prevents someone from starting a vehicle if their BAC is over a certain limit.
  • Continuous, trackable alcohol consumption monitoring (either by regular breath tests or a wearable device)
  • Mandatory participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program
  • Required purchase of a high-risk auto insurance plan (SR-22)

The administrative facet of a DWI case in Ballwin, MO pertains to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue manages your license revocation or suspension. Many drivers in the Ballwin, MO area may not be aware that , as long as that appeal is filed within 15 days of your initial arrest in Ballwin, MO.

When you hire the Ballwin, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that our firm will quickly address both components of your DWI case as soon as possible and strive to mitigate the impact of a DWI arrest on your life. We will gather evidence, look at the facts of your case, pinpoint potential discrepancies in the Ballwin police report or arrest, and craft a strategy that is built for success. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Contact A Ballwin, MO DWI Lawyer Who Wins | Combs Waterkotte

If you have recently faced arrest and DWI charges in Ballwin, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. The sooner you can get a skilled Ballwin, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, amass evidence, and build your case, the higher the likelihood that the repercussions of your DWI arrest in Ballwin will be greatly reduced, if not eliminated.

Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of Ballwin, MO-area residents from all walks of life take on DWI charges. Our firm seamlessly blends unparalleled legal expertise and aggressive advocacy with a dedication to personalized service and communication that is unmatched among DWI law firms near Ballwin, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI attorneys assure you that, regardless of the time, location, or situation, they will promptly answer your call to discuss your case or any other legal concerns. This commitment is an integral part of our pledge to achieve complete client satisfaction, as affirmed by our satisfied clients.

After you have been pulled over and arrested for DWI in the Ballwin, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP for a free initial case review and put the experienced Ballwin, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte to work for you.

View Service Areas