Berkeley, MO

DWI Lawyer in Berkeley, MO

DWI Lawyer in Berkeley, MO. Facing allegations of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a frightening experience, especially considering the likely repercussions for Berkeley, 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 Berkeley community or your professional sphere. Additionally, international travel prospects may be constrained, with countries like Canada prohibiting entry for people with a DWI conviction on their record.

If you find yourself in the challenging situation of facing DWI charges after being pulled over in the Berkeley, MO area, it’s crucial to enlist the support of a highly skilled DWI lawyer in Berkeley. Waste no time; call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form to initiate the process of crafting a robust defense for your case. Take advantage of our attorneys’ expertise through a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the details of your situation and your next steps.

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

Having an aggressive and effective DWI lawyer on your Berkeley, MO case can be the pivotal factor between accepting a DWI conviction with severe repercussions and achieving a more favorable outcome such as reduced charges or even dismissal. At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced Berkeley, MO DWI attorneys are devoted advocates for all our Berkeley, MO area DWI clients. Whether this is the first time you have ever been pulled over for anything or if this is not the first time you are facing DWI charges, our firm will give your Berkeley, MO DWI case the personal attention you expect and craft a legal strategy that is built to get you the best possible results.

Our record of success for those accused of DWI in Berkeley is second to none, and we are committed to complete client satisfaction in all that we do. When facing DWI charges near Berkeley, 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 Berkeley, 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 Berkeley, MO area, it’s natural to feel nervous. Any encounter with law enforcement for a moving violation can trigger a “fight or flight” response, and this is only increased when you’re facing accusations of impaired driving. Having tried hundreds of DWI cases in Berkeley, MO, our firm suggests the following course of action if you find yourself pulled over for DWI:

• Pull over safely. Safely pull your vehicle to the side of the road. Use your turn signal, and select 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.
• Stay calm and cooperative. Maintain composure and cooperation during the encounter. Hostility can escalate the situation and lead to increased scrutiny. Politeness goes a long way when being stopped for DWI near Berkeley, MO.
• Avoid self-incrimination. Exercise your right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Provide the officer your license and insurance/registration, but refrain from offering additional information. Law enforcement officers are looking for any reason to continue an investigation and arrest you, so do not give them any. You can always choose not to answer potentially incriminating questions, like “Have you been drinking?” by saying that you would rather not answer without legal advice.
• Avoid the portable breath test. Refrain from taking a portable breath test. While Missouri enforces implied consent laws that lead to a one-year license revocation for refusing a breathalyzer or blood test, this is applicable only after you are formally arrested for DWI. Portable breathalyzers are frequently deemed unreliable and are only used to establish probable cause for an arrest.
• Call a lawyer if you are arrested. Your conversation with an attorney is entirely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Getting advice from an experienced Berkeley, MO DWI lawyer regarding whether to undergo a breath test at the station, addressing any issues during your stop, or clarifying other concerns can be the crucial difference between facing months of license suspension and potentially having your case dismissed.

Being charged with driving under the influence carries severe legal repercussions in Berkeley, MO, encompassing fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, and the possibility of jail time. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the potential consequences is crucial, 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 Berkeley, 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 Berkeley, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Knowing the potential outcomes is essential, and a Combs Waterkotte lawyer will do that and more during a free case review. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas surrounding Berkeley, 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 DWI Case in Berkeley, MO

DWI cases in Missouri involve two distinct components: a criminal side and a civil side. The criminal punishments for DWI in Missouri are undeniably severe, with even a first DWI offense possibly resulting in substantial consequences as outlined in accordance with Missouri law, categorizing it 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 experienced Berkeley, MO legal team ensures that the citizens of Berkeley, MO receive the best possible legal presentation, no matter the circumstance. After all, good people often find themselves in bad situations. Along with DWI defense in Berkeley, MO, our attorneys are experienced in numerous types of cases, like:

What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI?

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

• 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 ranges from one to five years
• You must install and maintain, as well as pay for, a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). This prevents someone from starting a vehicle if their BAC is over a certain limit.
• Regular, trackable BAC monitoring (either by regular breath tests or a wearable device)
• Required 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 Berkeley, MO relates to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue deals with the revocation or suspension of your license. Most Berkeley, MO-area drivers do not know that , provided the appeal is submitted within 15 days of your initial arrest in Berkeley, MO.

When you enlist the impeccable services of the Berkeley, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured that our firm will tackle both facets of your DWI case as soon as possible and work hard to minimize the effect a DWI arrest has on your life. We will compile evidence, scrutinize the details of your case, pinpoint potential holes in the Berkeley police report or arrest, and develop a strategy that is built to win. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Contact A DWI Lawyer Who Wins in Berkeley, MO | Combs Waterkotte

If you’ve recently faced arrest and DWI charges in Berkeley, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. The sooner you can get a skilled Berkeley, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, amass evidence, and construct a robust case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your DWI arrest in Berkeley will be significantly mitigated or even eradicated.

For numerous individuals in Berkeley, MO, Combs Waterkotte has been a beacon of support when facing DWI charges. Our firm blends top-notch legal expertise and assertive advocacy with a dedication to personal service and communication that is unmatched among DWI law firms near Berkeley, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI lawyers promise that no matter the time, no matter the situation, and no matter the circumstances, they will be able to answer your call and discuss your case or any other legal topic. This commitment is an integral part of our pledge to gain complete client satisfaction, as affirmed by our satisfied clients.

If you find yourself pulled over and facing DWI charges in the Berkeley, MO area, make (314) 900-HELP your first call for a free initial consultation. Trust the experienced Berkeley, MO DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte to diligently handle your case.