Putnam County, MO

DWI Lawyer in Putnam County, MO

DWI Lawyer in Putnam County, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is likely one of the worst experiences a Putnam 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 costs, and have points on your license for years to come. Even worse, your reputation in the Putnam 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 travelers with DWI convictions on their record from entering.

If you have been pulled over and are facing DWI charges, you need a top-tier Putnam County, 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-strings-attached consultations where they can discuss the specifics of your case with you and plan your next steps.

Article Summary

If you’ve been arrested for DWI in the Putnam 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 Putnam 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 Putnam 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 Putnam County, MO attorneys create strategic defenses built to win—often securing dismissals, reductions, or alternative sentencing.

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

Having an aggressive and proficient DWI lawyer on your Putnam 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 Putnam County, MO DWI attorneys are dedicated advocates for all our clients throughout the Putnam County, 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 Putnam County, MO DWI case with the attention it deserves. We devise a legal strategy tailored specifically to securing the best possible outcome for you.

Our unparalleled track record of success in defending individuals in Putnam County accused of DWI speaks volumes, and our dedication extends to ensuring total client satisfaction in every aspect of our service. When facing DWI charges near Putnam 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 Putnam County, MO.

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

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

• Scrutinize the traffic stop and arrest for errors or rights violations
• Challenge questionable breath or blood test results
• Build a strong constitutional defense, including probable cause issues
• Represent you at both your court trial and administrative hearing

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

After being pulled over by a police officer suspecting impairment due to alcohol or drugs in the Putnam County, MO area, 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 Putnam County, MO-area DWI cases, our firm suggests the following course of action if you find yourself pulled over for DWI:

• Safely pull over. Ensure a safe pull-over by using your turn signal, choosing a well-lit location on the side of the road, and opting for a shoulder or nearby parking lot if available. Avoid parking on grass to maintain safety and compliance.
• Remain 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 Putnam County, MO.
• Avoid self-incrimination. Exercise your right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Provide the officer your license and insurance/registration, but don’t give them any other 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. Refrain from taking a portable breath test. While Missouri enforces implied consent laws that lead to a one-year license revocation for refusing a breathalyzer or blood test, this is applicable only after you are formally arrested for DWI. Portable breathalyzers are often 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. Conversations with an attorney are completely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Seeking guidance from an experienced Putnam County, MO DWI lawyer about whether you should take a breath test at the station, addressing any issues during your 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 Putnam County, 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 lawyer is ready to provide detailed insights and more during a free consultation. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Putnam County, 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 severe legal consequences in Putnam County, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential 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 neighboring Putnam 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 Putnam County, 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 possibly resulting in significant consequences 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 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 knowledgeable Putnam County, MO legal team makes sure that the residents of Putnam County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation, no matter the circumstance. After all, good people often find themselves in bad situations. Along with DWI defense in Putnam County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in many forms of law, such as:

• Weapons Crime Attorney
• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer

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

Yes, a DWI charge can be reduced in Putnam 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 Putnam 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
• Low blood alcohol content (BAC) near the legal limit of .08%
• No one was hurt and nothing was damaged in Putnam County, 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?

With a skilled DWI defense attorney in Putnam County, MO on your side, we may be able to:

• Negotiate with the prosecution for a plea to a lesser offense
• Advocating for diversion programs or alcohol treatment alternatives
• Filing motions to dismiss unlawfully obtained evidence
• Point to mitigating details that support leniency

Why it Matters

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

• Reduced or no jail time
• 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 Putnam County, MO?

If you find yourself facing a second DWI arrest in Putnam County, 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 component in a Putnam County, MO DWI case pertains to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue deals with your license revocation or suspension. Many Putnam County, MO-area drivers may not be aware that they have the option to appeal the automatic suspension or revocation, as long as that appeal is filed within 15 days of your initial arrest in Putnam County, MO.

When you hire the DWI lawyers with experience in Putnam County, MO at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured that our firm will promptly address both components 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, identify potential holes in the Putnam County police report or arrest, and develop a strategy that is built to win. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Call a Putnam County, MO DWI Lawyer Who Wins Today at Combs Waterkotte

If you have recently faced arrest and DWI charges in Putnam County, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. The sooner you can get a skilled Putnam County, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, amass evidence, and construct a robust case, the higher the likelihood that the repercussions of your DWI arrest in Putnam County will be greatly reduced, if not eliminated.

For numerous individuals in Putnam County, MO, Combs Waterkotte has been a beacon of support when facing DWI charges. Our firm seamlessly blends unparalleled legal expertise and assertive advocacy with a dedication to personalized service and communication that stands out among DWI law firms near Putnam County, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI lawyers assure you that, regardless of the time, location, or circumstance, they will promptly 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.

After you have been pulled over and arrested for DWI in the Putnam County, MO area, make (314) 900-HELP your first call to schedule a free initial consultation. Trust the experienced Putnam County, MO DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte to diligently handle your case.