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Cape Girardeau County, MO

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Last Updated: September 27, 2024

DWI Lawyer in Cape Girardeau County, MO

DWI Lawyer in Cape Girardeau County, MO. Facing allegations of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a frightening experience, especially considering the likely repercussions for Cape Girardeau County, 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 Cape Girardeau County community or your professional sphere. Additionally, international travel prospects may be thwarted, with countries like Canada prohibiting entry for individuals 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 Cape Girardeau County, MO area, it’s crucial to enlist the support of a highly skilled DWI lawyer in Cape Girardeau County. 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.

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Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the Cape Girardeau County, MO Area?

Having a tenacious and effective Cape Girardeau County, MO DWI lawyer on your case can be the pivotal factor between accepting a DWI conviction with severe repercussions and reaching a more favorable outcome such as reduced charges or even dismissal. At Combs Waterkotte, our seasoned Cape Girardeau County, MO DWI attorneys are devoted advocates for all our clients throughout the Cape Girardeau County, MO area facing DWI charges. No matter if 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 Cape Girardeau County, MO DWI case the personal attention you expect and create a legal strategy that is built to get you the best possible outcome.

Our unparalleled track record of success in defending individuals in Cape Girardeau County accused of DWI speaks volumes, and our dedication extends to ensuring total client satisfaction in every aspect of our service. When facing DWI charges near Cape Girardeau County, 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 Cape Girardeau County, MO.

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

After you have been pulled over by a police officer who suspects that you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs near Cape Girardeau County, MO, 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 accused of impaired driving. Having tried hundreds of DWI cases in Cape Girardeau County, 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 choose a well-lit safe area. 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.
  • Remain 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 in the Cape Girardeau County, MO area.
  • Avoid self-incrimination. Remember: you have the right to remain silent. Give the officer your license and insurance/registration, but refrain from offering additional information. Law enforcement officers are looking for any excuse 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 stating 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 often deemed unreliable and are only used to establish probable cause for an arrest.
  • Call a lawyer if you are arrested. Conversations with an attorney are completely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Getting advice from an experienced Cape Girardeau County, 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 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 Cape Girardeau County, 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 consultation. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Cape Girardeau County, 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 severe legal repercussions in Cape Girardeau County, MO, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Having a firm grasp of 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 surrounding Cape Girardeau County, 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 Cape Girardeau County, MO

DWI cases in Missouri involve two distinct components: a criminal side and a civil side. The criminal punishments for DWI in Missouri, as you likely know, are serious. Even a first DWI offense could lead to the following consequences 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 converted 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 knowledgeable Cape Girardeau County, MO legal team makes sure that the residents of Cape Girardeau County, 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 Cape Girardeau County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in numerous forms of law, like:

What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI?

If you find yourself facing a second DWI arrest in Cape Girardeau County, 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, 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, verifiable alcohol 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 in a Cape Girardeau County, MO DWI case relates to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue manages your license revocation or suspension. Most drivers in the Cape Girardeau County, MO area do not know that they have the option to appeal the automatic suspension or revocation, as long as that appeal is filed within 15 days of your initial arrest in Cape Girardeau County, MO.

When you hire the DWI lawyers with experience in Cape Girardeau County, MO at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured that our firm will quickly address both components 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, look at the facts of your case, pinpoint potential holes in the Cape Girardeau County police report or arrest, and develop a strategy that is built for success. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Contact A DWI Lawyer Who Wins in Cape Girardeau County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

If you have recently faced arrest and DWI charges in Cape Girardeau County, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. Swift action is critical in securing a seasoned Cape Girardeau County, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, gather evidence, and build your case, the higher the likelihood that the repercussions of your DWI arrest in Cape Girardeau County will be significantly mitigated or even eradicated.

For numerous individuals in Cape Girardeau County, MO, Combs Waterkotte has been a beacon of support when facing DWI charges. Our firm seamlessly blends unparalleled legal expertise and aggressive advocacy with a commitment to personalized service and communication that stands out among DWI law firms near Cape Girardeau County, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI lawyers 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 Cape Girardeau County, MO area, make (314) 900-HELP your first call for a free initial case review and put the experienced Cape Girardeau County, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte to work for you.

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