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Bowling Green, MO

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Posted by Emily Herr on June 29, 2021

DWI Lawyer in Bowling Green, MO

DWI Lawyer in Bowling Green, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is potentially one of the worst fears a Bowling Green, MO-area driver can have. Not only will you be stripped of your driving privileges for a minimum of 60 days, you will have to pay a substantial fine, face increased insurance costs, and have points on your license for years to come. Even worse, your reputation in the Bowling Green, MO community or your workplace could take a significant hit, and your ability to potentially travel out of the United States could be limited, as countries like Canada prohibit individuals with DWI convictions on their record from entering.

If you have been pulled over and are facing DWI charges, you need a top-tier Bowling Green, MO DWI lawyer on your side right now. Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible 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-obligation consultations where they can discuss the specifics of your case with you and plan your next steps.

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

Having an aggressive and proficient DWI lawyer on your Bowling Green, 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 knowledgeable Bowling Green, MO DWI attorneys are devoted advocates for all our Bowling Green, MO area DWI clients. Whether this is your first encounter with law enforcement or if you are dealing with DWI charges again, our firm will give your Bowling Green, MO DWI case the personal attention you expect and craft a legal strategy that is built to get you the best possible outcome.

Our unparalleled track record of success in defending individuals in Bowling Green accused of DWI speaks volumes, and our dedication extends to ensuring complete client satisfaction in every aspect of our service. When facing DWI charges near Bowling Green, 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 Bowling Green, 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 Bowling Green, MO area, it’s natural to feel nervous. Being stopped by law enforcement for any moving violation is something that can trigger a “fight or flight” response, and this is amplified when you are facing accusations of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous Bowling Green, MO-area DWI cases, our firm suggests the following course of action if you find yourself pulled over for DWI:

  • Pull over safely. Ensure a safe pull-over by using your turn signal, selecting a well-lit area on the side of the road, and opting for a shoulder or nearby parking lot if available. 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 in the Bowling Green, MO area.
  • 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 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 prefer not to respond without legal advice.
  • Do not take a 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 to establish probable cause for an arrest.
  • If you are arrested, call a lawyer as soon as you can. Conversations with an attorney are completely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Seeking guidance from an experienced Bowling Green, MO DWI lawyer about whether you should take a breath test at the station, addressing any issues during your stop, or clarifying other concerns can be the critical 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 Bowling Green, 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 critical, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney is ready to provide detailed insights and more during a free consultation. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Bowling Green, MO, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from an attorney well-versed in the local legal landscape for personalized advice tailored to your unique circumstancesDriving under the influence has severe legal consequences in Bowling Green, MO, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Knowing the potential outcomes is vital, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will provide that and more during a free consultation. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas neighboring Bowling Green, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with a lawyer familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your situation.

Fighting Both Sides Of Your DWI Case in Bowling Green, MO

DWI cases in Missouri have two 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, referred to as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility or an SR-22

Our experienced Bowling Green, MO legal team makes sure that the residents of Bowling Green, MO receive the best possible legal presentation, no matter the circumstance. After all, good people often find themselves in dire situations. Along with DWI defense in Bowling Green, MO, our attorneys are experienced in numerous types of cases, such as:

What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI?

If you find yourself facing a second DWI arrest in Bowling Green, MO, you will likely be facing 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, 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 aspect of a DWI case in Bowling Green, MO has to do with your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue manages the revocation or suspension of your license. Many drivers in the Bowling Green, MO area do not know that , as long as that appeal is filed within 15 days of your initial arrest in Bowling Green, MO.

When you hire the Bowling Green, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that our firm will tackle both facets 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 holes in the Bowling Green police report or arrest, and craft a strategy that is built for success. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Contact A Bowling Green, MO DWI Lawyer Who Wins | Combs Waterkotte

If you have recently faced arrest and DWI charges in Bowling Green, MO, you are probably well aware that time is of the essence when dealing with your case. Swift action is crucial in securing a seasoned Bowling Green, MO DWI lawyer to examine documents, gather evidence, and build your case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your DWI arrest in Bowling Green will be greatly mitigated or even eradicated.

Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of Bowling Green, MO-area residents from all walks of life take on DWI charges. Our firm seamlessly combines unparalleled legal expertise and assertive advocacy with a commitment to personalized service and communication that stands out among DWI law firms near Bowling Green, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI lawyers assure you that, regardless of the time, location, or circumstance, they will promptly answer your call to discuss your case or any other legal concerns. This is part of our commitment to complete client satisfaction, which our previous clients can attest to as well.

If you find yourself pulled over and facing DWI charges in the Bowling Green, MO area, make (314) 900-HELP your first call for a free initial .

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