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Daviess County, MO

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Last Updated: September 27, 2024

DWI Lawyer in Daviess County, MO

DWI Lawyer in Daviess County, MO. Facing allegations of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a frightening experience, especially considering the likely repercussions for Daviess 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 Daviess County community or your professional sphere. Additionally, international travel prospects may be constrained, 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 Daviess County, MO area, it’s crucial to enlist the support of an experienced DWI lawyer in Daviess County. 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

If you’ve been arrested for DWI in the Daviess County, MO area, the consequences can be severe—license suspension, steep fines, a criminal record, and even jail time. But a charge is not a conviction, and with the right legal team, you may be able to avoid the most damaging outcomes. At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced Daviess County, MO DWI lawyers fight aggressively to protect your rights, reputation, and future. This in-depth page covers everything you need to know after a DWI arrest in or around Daviess County, MO: what to do at a traffic stop, the criminal and administrative penalties involved, first-time and repeat offense consequences, and how to challenge breath tests, field sobriety evidence, and police procedures. Whether this is your first DWI or a subsequent offense, our Daviess County, MO attorneys create strategic defenses built to win—often securing dismissals, reductions, or alternative sentencing.


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

Having an aggressive and proficient Daviess County, MO DWI lawyer on your 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 Daviess County, MO DWI attorneys are dedicated advocates for all our Daviess County, 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 Daviess County, MO DWI case the personal attention you are looking for and create a legal strategy that is built to get you the best possible outcome.

Our unparalleled track record of success in defending Daviess County residents accused of DWI speaks volumes, and our dedication extends to ensuring total client satisfaction in every facet of our service. After you have been arrested for DWI in or anywhere near Daviess County, 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 difficulties you might have to help you beat your Daviess County, MO DWI charges.

Should You Hire a DWI Lawyer in Daviess County, 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 Daviess County, MO DWI charges, and win.

What our DWI Attorneys do for you in Daviess County, MO:

  • Review the traffic stop and arrest procedures for legality
  • Challenge questionable breath or blood test results
  • Build a strong constitutional defense, including probable cause issues
  • Represent you at both your court trial and administrative hearing

DWI Lawyer in St. Louis | Combs Waterkotte

What Should I Do After I’m Pulled Over For DWI in Daviess County, MO?

After being pulled over by a police officer suspecting impairment due to alcohol or drugs in the Daviess County, MO area, it’s natural to be nervous. Being stopped by law enforcement for any moving violation is something that can trigger a “fight or flight” response, and this is only increased when you are facing accusations of impaired driving. Having tried hundreds of Daviess County, MO-area DWI cases, our firm recommends that you take the following course of action if you are ever pulled over for DWI:

  • Pull over safely. Ensure a safe pull-over by using your turn signal, selecting a well-lit location 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 near Daviess County, 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 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 primarily 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. Seeking guidance from an experienced Daviess County, MO DWI lawyer about whether you should take a breath test at the station, addressing any issues during your stop, or other questions you might have can make the difference between losing the ability to drive for months and your case potentially being dismissed.

Being charged with driving under the influence carries severe legal repercussions in Daviess 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 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 Daviess 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 circumstancesDriving under the influence has serious legal repercussions in Daviess County, MO, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Knowing the potential outcomes is vital, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will do that and more during a free consultation. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas surrounding Daviess County, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with a lawyer familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your circumstances.

Fighting Both Sides Of Your DWI Case in Daviess County, MO

DWI cases in Missouri have two 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 repercussions as outlined in accordance with Missouri law, defining 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 called 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 knowledgeable Daviess County, MO legal team makes sure that the residents of Daviess County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation, no matter the circumstance. After all, good people often find themselves in bad situations. In addition to DWI defense in Daviess County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in numerous types of cases, such as:

Can a DWI Charge Be Reduced in Daviess County, MO?

Absolutely, but it’s not automatic. Daviess County, MO prosecutors will sometimes agree to reduce a DWI charge if the circumstances warrant it, and if you have a strong defense team behind you. At Combs Waterkotte, our Daviess County, MO DWI defense attorneys have helped clients across Missouri get their charges dropped to reckless driving or a traffic violation in cases where:

  • 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 Daviess County, MO
  • Procedural errors by law enforcement (e.g., improper stop, flawed field sobriety or breath tests)
  • We can dispute the accuracy or reliability of the tests

What Can a Lawyer Do to Help?

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

  • Negotiate with the prosecution for a plea to a lesser offense
  • Argue for reduced penalties in exchange for substance abuse treatment or community service
  • Filing motions to dismiss unlawfully obtained evidence
  • Present mitigating circumstances or lack of evidence to pressure the state into reducing charges

Why it Matters

A reduced charge in Daviess County, MO can help you:

  • Avoid jail entirely
  • Less impact on your driver’s license
  • Protect your criminal record
  • Maintain employment, especially for CDL or professional license holders
  • Minimizes insurance hikes

What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI in Daviess County, MO?

If you find yourself facing a second DWI arrest in Daviess County, 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 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 in a Daviess County, MO DWI case relates to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue deals with the revocation or suspension of your license. Many drivers in the Daviess County, MO area do not know that you can appeal the automatic suspension or revocation of your license, provided the appeal is submitted within 15 days of your initial arrest in Daviess County, MO.

When you enlist the impeccable services of the DWI lawyers with experience in Daviess County, MO at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured that our firm will tackle 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 gather evidence, scrutinize the details of your case, pinpoint potential holes in the Daviess County police report or arrest, and create a strategy that is built to win. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Reach Out To a DWI Lawyer Who Wins in Daviess County, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

If you’ve recently faced arrest and DWI charges in Daviess County, MO, you are probably well aware that time is of the essence when dealing with your case. The sooner you can get a skilled Daviess 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 Daviess County will be significantly mitigated or even eradicated.

Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of Daviess County, MO-area residents from all walks of life take on 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 Daviess County, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI attorneys 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 Daviess County, MO area, make (314) 900-HELP your first call for a free initial case review and put the experienced Daviess County, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte to work for you.

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