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Pacific, MO

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Posted by Emily Herr on June 29, 2021

DWI Lawyer in Pacific, MO

DWI Lawyer in Pacific, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is potentially one of the worst experiences a Pacific, 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 increased insurance costs, and have points on your license for years to come. Even worse, your reputation in the Pacific, 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 have been pulled over and are facing DWI charges, you need a top-tier Pacific, MO DWI lawyer on your side right now. Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online so that we can get to work building your defense right away. Our attorneys are available for free, no-obligation consultations where they can discuss the specifics of your case with you and plan your next steps.

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

Having an aggressive and effective Pacific, 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 or even dismissed charges. At Combs Waterkotte, our knowledgeable Pacific, MO DWI attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of all our Pacific, MO area DWI clients. No matter if this is your first encounter with law enforcement or if you are dealing with DWI charges again, our firm is committed to providing your Pacific, 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 Pacific 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 Pacific, 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 challenges you might have to help you beat your Pacific, MO DWI charges.

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 Pacific, 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’re accused of impaired driving. Having tried hundreds of Pacific, 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. Ensure a safe pull-over by using your turn signal, selecting a well-lit area 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 stopped for DWI in the Pacific, MO area.
  • Avoid self-incrimination. Exercise your right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Give the officer your license and insurance/registration, but refrain from offering additional 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 saying that you prefer not to respond 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 primarily used as a way for an officer to get probable cause to arrest you.
  • Call a lawyer if you are arrested. Conversations with an attorney are completely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Seeking guidance from an experienced Pacific, 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 crucial 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 Pacific, 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 Pacific, MO, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from an attorney well-versed in the local legal landscape for personalized advice tailored to your unique situationDriving under the influence has severe legal consequences in Pacific, MO, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Knowing the potential outcomes is essential, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will do that and more during a free case review. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas neighboring Pacific, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with an attorney familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your circumstances.

Fighting Both Sides Of Your DWI Case in Pacific, MO

DWI cases in Missouri have two components: the criminal aspect and the civil facet. 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 categorized 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 known as 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 experienced Pacific, MO legal team ensures that the citizens of Pacific, 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 Pacific, MO, our attorneys are experienced in many forms of law, such as:

    What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI?

    If this is your second DWI arrest in Pacific, MO, you will likely be facing class A misdemeanor charges, which include these penalties:

    • 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, 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, verifiable 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 facet in a Pacific, MO DWI case pertains to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue manages the revocation or suspension of your license. Most drivers in the Pacific, MO area may not be aware 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 Pacific, MO.

    When you hire the Pacific, 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 compile evidence, scrutinize the details of your case, pinpoint potential holes in the Pacific police report or arrest, and develop a strategy that is built to win. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

    Contact A Pacific, MO DWI Lawyer Who Wins | Combs Waterkotte

    If you have recently faced arrest and DWI charges in Pacific, MO, you are probably well aware that time is of the essence when dealing with your case. The sooner you can get a skilled Pacific, MO DWI lawyer to examine documents, gather evidence, and construct a robust case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your Pacific DWI arrest will be substantially mitigated or even eradicated.

    Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of Pacific, MO-area residents from all walks of life take on DWI charges. Our firm blends top-notch legal expertise and assertive advocacy with a commitment to personal service and communication that stands out among DWI law firms near Pacific, 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 gain complete client satisfaction, which our previous clients can attest to as well.

    After you have been pulled over and arrested for DWI in the Pacific, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP for a free initial .

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