DWI Lawyer in Lebanon, MO
DWI Lawyer in Lebanon, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is likely one of the worst experiences a Lebanon, 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 raising insurance premiums, and have points on your license for years to come. Even worse, your reputation in the Lebanon, MO community or your workplace could take a significant 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 Lebanon, MO area, it’s critical to enlist the support of a highly skilled DWI lawyer in Lebanon. 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-strings-attached consultation to discuss the details of your situation and your next steps.
Article Summary
A DWI arrest in the Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, MO build smart, aggressive defenses designed to protect your future—and help you move forward with confidence.
Legal Videos
DWI Stop Advice – Always Have Your Paperwork Ready
DWI/DUI Stop Advice and Tips. Attorneys Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte provide a real-time walkthrough of the proper actions to take—and crucial mistakes to avoid—during a DWI/DUI …
(Making Of) DWI Behind the Scenes Video – Bonus Footage
Before we could shoot our behind-the-scenes video, there was… this. A quick glimpse at the setup, the laughs, and everything that didn’t quite make the final cut. While this is a fun video …
Behind the Scenes of a DWI/DUI Traffic Stop (Step-by-Step Walkthrough)
Missouri criminal defense and DWI attorneys Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte provide a real-time walkthrough of the proper actions to take—and crucial mistakes to avoid—during a DWI/DUI …
What Is the Process of Going to Court for a DWI?
What happens when you go to court for a DWI or DUI charge? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte outline what to expect when going to court for a DWI or DUI.
Long Term Consequences of a DWI
What are the long-term consequences of a DWI? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss the potential long-term consequences of a DWI or DUI conviction on your …
What to Do If You Are Pulled Over for DWI in Missouri
What actions should you take if you are pulled over for suspicion of a DWI in Missouri? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss how to handle the difficult situation of …
DWI Stop Advice – Always Have Your Paperwork Ready
DWI/DUI Stop Advice and Tips. Attorneys Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte provide a real-time walkthrough of the proper actions to take—and crucial mistakes to avoid—during a DWI/DUI …
(Making Of) DWI Behind the Scenes Video – Bonus Footage
Before we could shoot our behind-the-scenes video, there was… this. A quick glimpse at the setup, the laughs, and everything that didn’t quite make the final cut. While this is a fun video …
Behind the Scenes of a DWI/DUI Traffic Stop (Step-by-Step Walkthrough)
Missouri criminal defense and DWI attorneys Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte provide a real-time walkthrough of the proper actions to take—and crucial mistakes to avoid—during a DWI/DUI …
What Is the Process of Going to Court for a DWI?
What happens when you go to court for a DWI or DUI charge? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte outline what to expect when going to court for a DWI or DUI.
Long Term Consequences of a DWI
What are the long-term consequences of a DWI? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss the potential long-term consequences of a DWI or DUI conviction on your …
What to Do If You Are Pulled Over for DWI in Missouri
What actions should you take if you are pulled over for suspicion of a DWI in Missouri? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss how to handle the difficult situation of …
Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the Lebanon, MO Area?
Having an aggressive and proficient Lebanon, MO DWI lawyer on your case can be the pivotal factor between accepting a DWI conviction with severe repercussions and achieving a more favorable outcome such as reduced charges or even dismissal. At Combs Waterkotte, our knowledgeable Lebanon, MO DWI attorneys are dedicated advocates for all our clients throughout the Lebanon, MO area facing DWI charges. No matter if 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 Lebanon, 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 Lebanon is second to none, and we are committed to complete client satisfaction in all that we do. After you have been arrested for DWI in or anywhere near Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, MO DWI charges.
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Wondering what happens after your DWI/DUI arrest? The experienced Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
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Contact the skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
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Should You Hire a DWI Lawyer in Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, MO DWI charges, and win.
What our DWI Attorneys do for you in Lebanon, MO:
- Scrutinize the traffic stop and arrest for errors or rights violations
- Challenge breathalyzer or blood test accuracy
- Identify constitutional violations (lack of probable cause)
- Represent you at both your court trial and administrative hearing
What Should I Do After I’m Pulled Over For DWI in Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, MO, 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 Lebanon, MO-area DWI cases, our firm suggests the following course of action if you find yourself pulled over for DWI:
- Pull over safely. 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. Maintain composure and cooperation during the encounter. Hostility can escalate the situation and lead to increased scrutiny. Politeness goes a long way when being pulled over for DWI in the Lebanon, MO area.
- 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 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 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. Conversations with an attorney are completely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Getting advice from an experienced Lebanon, 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 your driving privileges for months and your case potentially being dismissed.
Being charged with driving under the influence carries severe legal repercussions in Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, MO, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from an lawyer well-versed in the local legal landscape for personalized advice tailored to your unique situationDriving under the influence has serious legal consequences in Lebanon, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Having a firm grasp of the potential outcomes is vital, and a Combs Waterkotte lawyer will do that and more during a free case review. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas neighboring Lebanon, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with a lawyer familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your circumstances.
Laclede County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Laclede County and Missouri.
Fighting Both Sides Of Your DWI Case in Lebanon, MO
DWI cases in Missouri involve two distinct 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 consequences under Missouri law, as it is defined 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 Lebanon, MO legal team ensures that the residents of Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, MO, our lawyers are experienced in many types of cases, like:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
Can a DWI Charge Be Reduced in Lebanon, MO?
Absolutely, but it’s not automatic. Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, MO DWI defense attorneys have helped clients across Missouri get their charges dropped to reckless driving or a traffic violation in cases where:
- First-time offense with no prior criminal record
- Your BAC was close to the legal limit (.08%)
- No crash or injury occurred in Lebanon, MO
- Police violated protocols during the stop or testing
- We can dispute the accuracy or reliability of the tests
What Can a Lawyer Do to Help?
Our experienced Lebanon, MO DWI defense attorneys take a strategic, aggressive approach by:
- Negotiate with the prosecution for a plea to a lesser offense
- Propose community service or education as a substitute for conviction
- 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 Lebanon, MO can help you:
- Avoid jail time
- Keep your driver’s license or reduce the suspension period
- 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 Lebanon, MO?
If this is your second DWI arrest in Lebanon, MO, be prepared for the prospect of dealing with 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 ranges 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.
- Regular, verifiable 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 in a Lebanon, MO DWI case relates to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue manages your license revocation or suspension. Most Lebanon, MO-area drivers may not be aware that , as long as that appeal is filed within 15 days of your initial arrest in Lebanon, MO.
When you enlist the impeccable services of the Lebanon, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured that our firm will promptly address 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, pinpoint potential holes in the Lebanon police report or arrest, and develop a strategy that is built to win. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Contact a Lebanon, MO DWI Lawyer Who Wins Right Now at Combs Waterkotte
If you’ve recently faced arrest and DWI charges in Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, MO DWI lawyer to examine documents, amass evidence, and construct a robust case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your DWI arrest in Lebanon will be significantly mitigated or even eradicated.
For numerous individuals in Lebanon, MO, Combs Waterkotte has been a beacon of support when facing DWI charges. Our firm blends top-notch legal expertise and assertive litigation with a dedication to personalized service and communication that is unmatched among DWI law firms near Lebanon, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI lawyers assure you that, regardless of the time, location, or circumstance, they will swiftly answer your call to discuss your case or any other legal concerns. 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 Lebanon, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP to schedule a free initial .
