Image

Bowling Green, MO

Verified Content

Posted by Emily Herr on

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 driver’s license 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 substantial hit, and your ability to potentially travel out of the United States could be limited, as countries such as Canada prohibit travelers 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.

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

Having a tenacious and proficient Bowling Green, MO DWI lawyer on your case can be the pivotal factor between accepting a DWI conviction with severe repercussions and achieving a more favorable outcome such as reduced or even dismissed charges. At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced Bowling Green, MO DWI attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of all our Bowling Green, 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 is committed to providing your Bowling Green, MO DWI case with the attention it deserves. We formulate a legal strategy tailored specifically to securing the best possible outcome for you.

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 facet 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 hardships 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 accused of impaired driving. Having tried hundreds of DWI cases in Bowling Green, MO, our firm suggests the following course of action if you find yourself 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. Avoid parking on grass to maintain safety and compliance.
  • Stay 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 being pulled over for DWI near Bowling Green, MO.
  • Avoid self-incrimination. Remember: you have the right to remain silent. Provide the officer your license and insurance/registration, but don’t give them any other information. Law enforcement is seeking any excuse to continue an investigation and arrest you, so it’s wise not to provide unnecessary data. 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.
  • Do not take a 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.
  • 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 regarding whether to undergo a breath test at the station, addressing any issues that arose in 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 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 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 situationDriving under the influence has serious legal repercussions in Bowling Green, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Knowing the potential outcomes is essential, and a Combs Waterkotte lawyer will provide that and more during a free case review. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas surrounding Bowling Green, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with an attorney familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your situation.

Fighting Both Sides Of Your Bowling Green, MO DWI Case

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 potentially resulting in substantial repercussions 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 restored 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 ensures 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 many types of cases, such as:

What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI?

If this is your second DWI arrest in Bowling Green, 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 anywhere 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.
  • Continuous, verifiable 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 aspect in a Bowling Green, MO DWI case pertains to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue manages the revocation or suspension of your license. Most Bowling Green, MO-area drivers may be unaware that , as long as that appeal is filed within 15 days of your initial arrest in Bowling Green, MO.

When you enlist the impeccable services of the DWI lawyers with experience in Bowling Green, MO at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured 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, scrutinize the details of your case, pinpoint potential holes in the Bowling Green police report or arrest, and develop a strategy that is built for success. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

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

If you’ve recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Bowling Green, MO, you are probably well aware that time is of the essence when dealing with your case. Swift action is critical in securing a seasoned Bowling Green, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, gather evidence, and build your case, the higher the likelihood that the repercussions of your Bowling Green DWI arrest will be substantially reduced, if not eliminated.

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

After you have been pulled over and arrested for DWI in the Bowling Green, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP to schedule a free initial .

View Service Areas