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DWI Lawyer Harrisonville, MO

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Last Updated: September 27, 2024

DWI Lawyer in Harrisonville, MO

DWI Lawyer in Harrisonville, MO. Facing allegations of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a daunting experience, especially considering the potential repercussions for Harrisonville, 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 Harrisonville community or your professional sphere. Additionally, international travel prospects may be thwarted, with countries like Canada prohibiting entry for people 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 Harrisonville, MO area, it’s critical to enlist the support of an experienced DWI lawyer in Harrisonville. 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.


Article Summary

Getting pulled over and charged with DWI in Harrisonville, MO can feel overwhelming—but the right attorney can make all the difference. At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve helped hundreds of drivers avoid the most serious consequences of a DWI arrest. This guide walks you through every stage of the process, including how to respond during a stop in the Harrisonville, MO area, what penalties you could face, and how to fight the charges. Whether it’s your first offense or you’ve been down this road before, our legal team delivers personalized defense strategies that get results—from case dismissals to reduced charges and alternative sentencing.


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

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

Our record of success for those accused of DWI in Harrisonville 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 Harrisonville, MO, make (314) 900-HELP your first call. Initial case reviews are always free, and Combs Waterkotte will work with you no matter what financial difficulties you might have to help you beat your Harrisonville, MO DWI charges.

Do You Need a DWI Lawyer in Harrisonville, MO?

If you’ve been charged with DWI in the Harrisonville, MO area, hiring a DWI lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights, your record, and your future. Without a Harrisonville, MO DWI defense lawyer, you could unintentionally give up critical rights or miss opportunities to reduce or eliminate the charges.

{How Combs Waterkotte Protects You in Harrisonville, MO

  • Investigate whether your traffic stop and arrest followed the law
  • Challenge inaccurate or poorly administered chemical tests
  • Identify constitutional violations (lack of probable cause)
  • Represent you in both criminal court and administrative hearing

DWI Lawyer in St. Louis | Combs Waterkotte

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

After you have been pulled over by a police officer who suspects that you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs near Harrisonville, MO, 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 only increased when you’re facing accusations of impaired driving. Having tried hundreds of Harrisonville, MO-area DWI cases, our firm recommends that you take the following course of action if you are ever 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 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. 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 Harrisonville, MO.
  • Avoid self-incrimination. Remember: you have the right to remain silent. Give the officer your license and insurance/registration, but don’t give them any other information. Law enforcement is seeking 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 stating that you would rather not answer without legal advice.
  • Avoid the 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 only used as a way for an officer to get probable cause to arrest you.
  • Call a lawyer if you are arrested. Your conversation with an attorney is entirely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Seeking guidance from an experienced Harrisonville, MO DWI lawyer regarding whether to undergo a breath test at the station, addressing any issues that arose in the 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 Harrisonville, MO, encompassing fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, and the possibility of incarceration. 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 case review. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Harrisonville, MO, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from an lawyer well-versed in the local legal landscape for personalized advice tailored to your unique circumstancesDriving under the influence has serious legal consequences in Harrisonville, 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 surrounding Harrisonville, 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 Harrisonville, MO DWI Case

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 potentially resulting in significant 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 skilled Harrisonville, MO legal team makes sure that the residents of Harrisonville, 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 Harrisonville, MO, our lawyers are experienced in numerous forms of law, like:

Can a DWI Charge Be Reduced in Harrisonville, MO?

Yes, a DWI charge can be reduced in Harrisonville, MO—but it depends on several factors, including the specifics of your case and the quality of your legal defense. The Combs Waterkotte DWI defense attorneys have had numerous DWI charges in Harrisonville, MO and across Missouri reduced to a lesser offense like reckless driving or a traffic violation under circumstances like these:

  • First-time offense with no prior criminal record
  • Your BAC was close to the .08% limit
  • No accident, injury, or property damage involved in Harrisonville, MO
  • The police may have made mistakes during the stop
  • Your defense effectively challenges the evidence

What Can a Lawyer Do to Help?

Our experienced Harrisonville, MO DWI defense attorneys take a strategic, aggressive approach by:

  • Negotiate a plea deal to reduce the charges
  • Argue for reduced penalties in exchange for substance abuse treatment or community service
  • Challenge improper searches or roadside procedures
  • Point to mitigating details that support leniency

Why a Reduction Matters

A reduced charge in Harrisonville, MO can help you:

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

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

If this is your second DWI arrest in Harrisonville, MO, you will likely be facing class A misdemeanor charges, encompassing potential 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 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, 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 Harrisonville, MO DWI case relates to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue manages the revocation or suspension of your license. Many Harrisonville, MO-area drivers may be unaware 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 Harrisonville, MO.

When you enlist the impeccable services of the Harrisonville, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured that our firm will tackle 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, identify potential discrepancies in the Harrisonville police report or arrest, and create a strategy that is built for success. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Reach Out To a Harrisonville, MO DWI Lawyer Who Wins Right Now at Combs Waterkotte

If you have recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Harrisonville, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. Swift action is critical in securing a seasoned Harrisonville, MO DWI lawyer to examine documents, gather evidence, and construct a robust case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your Harrisonville DWI arrest will be substantially reduced, if not eliminated.

Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of Harrisonville, 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 is unmatched among DWI law firms near Harrisonville, 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 gain complete client satisfaction, which our previous clients can attest to as well.

If you find yourself pulled over and facing DWI charges in the Harrisonville, MO area, make (314) 900-HELP your first call to schedule a free initial consultation. Trust the experienced Harrisonville, MO DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte to diligently handle your case.

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