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DWI Lawyer Clarkson Valley, MO

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Posted by Emily Herr on June 29, 2021

DWI Lawyer in Clarkson Valley, MO

DWI Lawyer in Clarkson Valley, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is likely one of the worst fears a Clarkson Valley, 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 premiums, and have points on your license for years to come. Even worse, your reputation in the Clarkson Valley, 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 like Canada prohibit individuals with DWI convictions on their record from entering.

If you find yourself in the challenging situation of facing DWI charges after being pulled over in the Clarkson Valley, MO area, it’s critical to enlist the support of a highly skilled DWI lawyer in Clarkson Valley. Waste no time; call Combs Waterkotte immediately 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.


Article Summary

A DWI arrest in the Clarkson Valley, MO area can upend your life—leading to license suspension, costly fines, a permanent record, and even jail. But being charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty. With a skilled legal team like Combs Waterkotte, you can fight back. This article breaks down everything you need to know after a DWI stop in or around Clarkson Valley, MO, from legal rights during a traffic stop to challenging chemical tests and understanding the penalties for first and repeat offenses. Our veteran DWI lawyers in Clarkson Valley, MO build smart, aggressive defenses designed to protect your future—and help you move forward with confidence.


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

Having a tenacious and effective DWI lawyer on your Clarkson Valley, MO 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 experienced Clarkson Valley, MO DWI attorneys are devoted advocates for all our clients throughout the Clarkson Valley, 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 will give your Clarkson Valley, MO DWI case the personal attention you expect and craft a legal strategy that is built to get you the best possible outcome.

Our record of success for those accused of DWI in Clarkson Valley is second to none, and we are committed to total client satisfaction in everything we do. After you have been arrested for DWI in or anywhere near Clarkson Valley, MO, make (314) 900-HELP your first call. Initial case reviews are always free, and Combs Waterkotte will work with you regardless of any financial challenges you might have to help you beat your Clarkson Valley, MO DWI charges.

Should You Hire a DWI Lawyer in Clarkson Valley, MO?

After a DWI arrest, your next steps matter. Without a trusted DWI defense lawyer, you risk losing your license, paying hefty fines, and carrying a criminal record for life. Combs Waterkotte knows how to fight Clarkson Valley, MO DWI charges, and win.

What our DWI Attorneys do for you in Clarkson Valley, MO:

  • Scrutinize the traffic stop and arrest for errors or rights violations
  • Challenge questionable breath or blood test results
  • Expose any constitutional violations in your case
  • Represent you in both criminal court and administrative hearing

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What Should I Do After I’m Pulled Over For DWI in Clarkson Valley, MO?

After being pulled over by a police officer suspecting impairment due to alcohol or drugs in the Clarkson Valley, 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 are facing accusations of impaired driving. Having tried hundreds of DWI cases in Clarkson Valley, 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 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. 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 in the Clarkson Valley, MO area.
  • Avoid self-incrimination. Exercise your right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. 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 information. 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.
  • 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 often 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. Your conversation with an attorney is entirely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Seeking guidance from an experienced Clarkson Valley, 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 Clarkson Valley, 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 attorney is ready to provide detailed insights and more during a free case review. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Clarkson Valley, 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 repercussions in Clarkson Valley, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential 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 case review. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas neighboring Clarkson Valley, 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 DWI Case in Clarkson Valley, MO

DWI cases in Missouri have two 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 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 skilled Clarkson Valley, MO legal team makes sure that the citizens of Clarkson Valley, 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 Clarkson Valley, MO, our attorneys are experienced in numerous types of cases, like:

Can a DWI Charge Be Reduced in Clarkson Valley, MO?

Yes, many Clarkson Valley, MO residents charged with DWI can get those charges reduced, depending on the facts of the case and the strength of their legal defense. At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve successfully reduced DWI charges in Clarkson Valley, MO and across Missouri to lesser offenses like reckless driving or a traffic violation when:

  • It’s a first offense with no prior criminal record
  • Low blood alcohol content (BAC) near the legal limit of .08%
  • No accident, injury, or property damage involved in Clarkson Valley, MO
  • The police may have made mistakes during the stop
  • Your defense effectively challenges the evidence

How Does This Happen?

With a skilled DWI defense attorney in Clarkson Valley, MO on your side, we may be able to:

  • Negotiate a plea to a lesser charge
  • Argue for reduced penalties in exchange for substance abuse treatment or community service
  • Filing motions to dismiss unlawfully obtained evidence
  • Point to mitigating details that support leniency

Why a Reduction Matters

A reduced charge in Clarkson Valley, MO can help you:

  • Reduced or no jail time
  • Less impact on your driver’s license
  • Protects your permanent record
  • Helps you keep your job or professional license
  • Minimizes insurance hikes

What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI in Clarkson Valley, MO?

If you find yourself facing a second DWI arrest in Clarkson Valley, MO, you will likely be facing class A misdemeanor charges, encompassing possible penalties like:

  • 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 keeps someone from starting a vehicle if their BAC is over a certain limit.
  • Regular, verifiable BAC 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 in a Clarkson Valley, MO DWI case pertains to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue deals with the revocation or suspension of your license. Many drivers in the Clarkson Valley, MO area may not be aware that you can appeal the automatic suspension or revocation of your license, as long as that appeal is filed within 15 days of your initial arrest in Clarkson Valley, MO.

When you hire the Clarkson Valley, 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 compile evidence, scrutinize the details of your case, pinpoint potential holes in the Clarkson Valley police report or arrest, and develop a strategy that is built for success. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Contact a Clarkson Valley, MO DWI Lawyer Who Wins Right Now at Combs Waterkotte

If you’ve recently faced arrest and DWI charges in Clarkson Valley, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. Swift action is crucial in securing a seasoned Clarkson Valley, MO DWI lawyer to examine documents, amass evidence, and build your case, the higher the likelihood that the repercussions of your DWI arrest in Clarkson Valley will be greatly reduced, if not eliminated.

For numerous individuals in Clarkson Valley, MO, Combs Waterkotte has been a beacon of support when facing DWI charges. Our firm seamlessly blends unparalleled legal expertise and assertive litigation with a commitment to personalized service and communication that is unmatched among DWI law firms near Clarkson Valley, 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 achieve complete client satisfaction, as affirmed by our satisfied clients.

After you have been pulled over and arrested for DWI in the Clarkson Valley, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP for a free initial consultation. Trust the experienced Clarkson Valley, MO DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte to diligently handle your case.

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