DWI Lawyer in Kansas City, MO
DWI Lawyer in Kansas City, MO. Facing allegations of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a daunting experience, especially considering the likely repercussions for Kansas City, 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 Kansas City community or your professional sphere. Additionally, international travel prospects may be constrained, 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 Kansas City, MO area, it’s crucial to enlist the support of a highly skilled DWI lawyer in Kansas City. 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.
Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the Kansas City, MO Area?
Having an aggressive and proficient Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO DWI attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of all our clients throughout the Kansas City, MO area facing DWI charges. Whether this is your first encounter with law enforcement or if you are dealing with DWI charges again, our firm is committed to providing your Kansas City, MO DWI case with the attention it deserves. We formulate a legal strategy tailored specifically to securing the best possible results for you.
Our record of success for those accused of DWI in Kansas City is second to none, and we are committed to total client satisfaction in all that we do. After you have been arrested for DWI in or anywhere near Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO DWI charges.
Jackson County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Jackson County and Missouri.
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 Kansas City, MO, it’s natural to be 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 Kansas City, MO, 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 choose a well-lit safe location. 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.
- Stay 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 near Kansas City, MO.
- Avoid self-incrimination. Remember: you have the right to remain silent. Provide the officer your license and insurance/registration, but refrain from offering additional information. Law enforcement officers are looking for 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 saying 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.
- 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. Getting advice from an experienced Kansas City, MO DWI lawyer about whether you should take a breath test at the station, addressing any issues during the stop, or other questions you might have can make the difference between losing your driving privileges for months and your case potentially being dismissed.
Being charged with driving under the influence carries severe legal repercussions in Kansas City, 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 case review. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Having a firm grasp of the potential outcomes is essential, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will provide that and more during a free case review. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas surrounding Kansas City, 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 DWI Case in Kansas City, 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, categorizing 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 converted 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 experienced Kansas City, MO legal team makes sure that the residents of Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO, our attorneys are experienced in numerous types of cases, such as:
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI?
If you find yourself facing a second DWI arrest in Kansas City, MO, be prepared for the prospect of dealing with class A misdemeanor charges, which include these punishments:
- 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.
- Regular, trackable alcohol 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 of a DWI case in Kansas City, MO relates to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue handles your license revocation or suspension. Many drivers in the Kansas City, MO area may be unaware 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 Kansas City, MO.
When you hire the Kansas City, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured 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 gather evidence, look at the facts of your case, identify potential discrepancies in the Kansas City police report or arrest, and create a strategy that is built for success. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Contact A DWI Lawyer Who Wins in Kansas City, MO | Combs Waterkotte
If you’ve recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Kansas City, MO, you are probably well aware that time is of the essence when dealing with your case. Swift action is crucial in securing a seasoned Kansas City, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, amass evidence, and construct a robust case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your Kansas City DWI arrest will be substantially mitigated or even eradicated.
Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of Kansas City, MO-area residents from all walks of life take on DWI charges. Our firm seamlessly blends unparalleled legal expertise and assertive advocacy with a dedication to personal service and communication that stands out among DWI law firms near Kansas City, 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, which our previous clients can attest to as well.
If you find yourself pulled over and facing DWI charges in the Kansas City, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP to schedule a free initial consultation. Trust the experienced Kansas City, MO DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte to diligently handle your case.