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DWI Lawyer Henry County, MO

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Last Updated: September 27, 2024

DWI Lawyer in Henry County, MO

DWI Lawyer in Henry County, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is likely one of the worst fears a Henry County, MO-area driver can have. Not only will you be stripped of your driving privileges for a minimum of 60 days, you will have to pay a substantial fine, face raising insurance premiums, and have points on your license for years to come. Even worse, your reputation in the Henry County, 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 Henry County, MO area, it’s crucial to enlist the support of an experienced DWI lawyer in Henry 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-strings-attached consultation to discuss the details of your situation and your next steps.


Article Summary

If you’ve been arrested for DWI in the Henry 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 Henry 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 Henry 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 Henry 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 Henry County, MO Area?

Having a tenacious and proficient DWI lawyer on your Henry County, 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 seasoned Henry County, MO DWI attorneys are devoted advocates for all our clients throughout the Henry County, 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 Henry County, MO DWI case the personal attention you are looking for and craft a legal strategy that is built to get you the best possible results.

Our record of success for those accused of DWI in Henry County is second to none, and we are committed to complete client satisfaction in all that we do. When facing DWI charges near Henry 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 Henry County, MO.

Should You Hire a DWI Lawyer in Henry County, MO?

How a Combs Waterkotte Henry County, MO DWI Lawyer can help you:

  • Investigate whether your traffic stop and arrest followed the law
  • Challenge breathalyzer or blood test accuracy
  • Build a strong constitutional defense, including probable cause issues
  • Represent you at both your court trial and administrative hearing

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

After being pulled over by a police officer suspecting impairment due to alcohol or drugs in the Henry 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’re facing accusations of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous Henry 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.
  • 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 Henry County, MO.
  • 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 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 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 Henry County, MO DWI lawyer about whether you should take a breath test at the station, addressing any issues that arose in 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 Henry County, MO, encompassing fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, and the possibility of incarceration. 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 Henry 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 consequences in Henry County, MO, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Having a firm grasp of 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 Henry 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 Henry County, MO

DWI cases in Missouri have two components: the criminal aspect and the civil facet. 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, referred to as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility or an SR-22

Our skilled Henry County, MO legal team makes sure that the residents of Henry 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 Henry County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in many types of cases, such as:

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

    Yes, a DWI charge can be reduced in Henry County, 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 Henry County, MO and across Missouri reduced to a lesser offense like reckless driving or a traffic violation under circumstances like these:

    • You’ve never been in trouble before
    • Your BAC was close to the .08% limit
    • No crash or injury occurred in Henry 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?

    Our experienced Henry County, 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
    • Highlighting mitigating factors that favor leniency

    Why it Matters

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

    • Avoid jail entirely
    • Keep your driver’s license or reduce the suspension period
    • 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 Henry County, MO?

    If you find yourself facing a second DWI arrest in Henry County, MO, be prepared for the prospect of dealing with 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 ranges 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, trackable 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 component in a Henry 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 Henry County, MO area do not know that they have the option to appeal the automatic suspension or revocation, provided the appeal is submitted within 15 days of your initial arrest in Henry County, MO.

    When you hire the Henry County, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that our firm will tackle both facets 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, identify potential holes in the Henry County police report or arrest, and develop a strategy that is built to win. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

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

    If you have recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Henry 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 Henry County, MO DWI lawyer to examine documents, gather evidence, and construct a robust case, the higher the likelihood that the repercussions of your DWI arrest in Henry County will be substantially reduced, if not eliminated.

    For numerous individuals in Henry County, MO, Combs Waterkotte has been a beacon of support when facing DWI charges. Our firm seamlessly combines unparalleled legal expertise and aggressive litigation with a dedication to personal service and communication that stands out among DWI law firms near Henry County, 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 is part of our commitment to complete client satisfaction, which our previous clients can attest to as well.

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

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