DWI Lawyer in Smithville, MO
DWI Lawyer in Smithville, MO. Facing allegations of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a daunting experience, particularly considering the likely repercussions for Smithville, MO drivers. Beyond the immediate consequences of a minimum 60-day suspension of your driving privileges, hefty fines, elevated insurance expenses, and enduring points on your license, the aftermath extends to enduring damage to your reputation within your Smithville community or your professional sphere. Also, international travel prospects may be thwarted, with countries like Canada prohibiting entry for people with a DWI conviction on their record.
If you have been pulled over and are facing DWI charges, you need a top-tier Smithville, 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
Getting pulled over and charged with DWI in Smithville, MO can feel overwhelming—but the right attorney can make all the difference. At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve helped hundreds of drivers avoid the most serious consequences of a DWI arrest. This guide walks you through every stage of the process, including how to respond during a stop in the Smithville, MO area, what penalties you could face, and how to fight the charges. Whether it’s your first offense or you’ve been down this road before, our legal team delivers personalized defense strategies that get results—from case dismissals to reduced charges and alternative sentencing.
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 Smithville, MO Area?
Having a tenacious and effective Smithville, 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 Smithville, MO DWI attorneys are dedicated advocates for all our clients throughout the Smithville, 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 Smithville, MO DWI case the personal attention you expect and craft a legal strategy that is built to get you the best possible results.
Our unparalleled track record of success in defending individuals in Smithville accused of DWI speaks volumes, and our dedication extends to ensuring total client satisfaction in every facet of our service. When facing DWI charges near Smithville, 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 hardships you may be facing, to mount a robust defense against your DWI charges in Smithville, MO.
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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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Do You Need a DWI Lawyer in Smithville, MO?
How a Combs Waterkotte DWI Lawyer can help you in Smithville, MO:
- Review the traffic stop and arrest procedures for legality
- Challenge questionable breath or blood test results
- Identify constitutional violations (lack of probable cause)
- Represent you in both criminal court and administrative hearing
What Should I Do After I’m Pulled Over For DWI in Smithville, MO?
After being pulled over by a police officer suspecting impairment due to alcohol or drugs in the Smithville, MO area, it’s natural to feel nervous. Any encounter with law enforcement for a moving violation can trigger a “fight or flight” response, and this is amplified when you’re facing accusations of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous Smithville, 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. 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. Try to avoid parking on grass.
- 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 Smithville, MO.
- Avoid self-incrimination. Exercise your right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. 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 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 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.
- 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 Smithville, MO DWI lawyer regarding whether to undergo 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 Smithville, 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 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 Smithville, MO, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from an lawyer well-versed in the local legal landscape for personalized advice tailored to your unique circumstancesDriving under the influence has serious legal consequences in Smithville, MO, including fines, license suspension, and possible 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 consultation. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas neighboring Smithville, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with an attorney familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your circumstances.
Platte County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Platte County and Missouri.
Fighting Both Sides Of Your Smithville, MO DWI Case
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 potentially 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 restored 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 Smithville, MO legal team ensures that the residents of Smithville, 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 Smithville, MO, our lawyers are experienced in many forms of law, like:
- Traffic Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Felony Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
- Gun Charges Attorney
Can a DWI Charge Be Reduced in Smithville, MO?
Yes, many Smithville, MO residents charged with DWI can get those charges reduced, depending on the facts of the case and the strength of their legal defense. At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve successfully reduced DWI charges in Smithville, MO and across Missouri to lesser offenses like reckless driving or a traffic violation when:
- It’s a first offense with no prior criminal record
- Your BAC was close to the .08% limit
- No crash or injury occurred in Smithville, MO
- Procedural errors by law enforcement (e.g., improper stop, flawed field sobriety or breath tests)
- Your defense effectively challenges the evidence
What Can a Lawyer Do to Help?
Our experienced Smithville, MO DWI defense attorneys take a strategic, aggressive approach by:
- Negotiate a plea to a lesser charge
- Advocating for diversion programs or alcohol treatment alternatives
- Filing motions to dismiss unlawfully obtained evidence
- Point to mitigating details that support leniency
Why a Reduction Matters
A reduced charge in Smithville, MO can help you:
- Reduced or no jail time
- Keep your driver’s license or reduce the suspension period
- Protect your criminal record
- Helps you keep your job or professional license
- Minimize insurance rate increases
What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI in Smithville, MO?
If you find yourself facing a second DWI arrest in Smithville, 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 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 aspect of a DWI case in Smithville, MO has to do with your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue handles your license revocation or suspension. Most drivers in the Smithville, MO area may not be aware that , provided the appeal is submitted within 15 days of your initial arrest in Smithville, MO.
When you hire the DWI lawyers with experience in Smithville, MO at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured that our firm will tackle 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 gather evidence, scrutinize the details of your case, identify potential discrepancies in the Smithville police report or arrest, and develop a strategy that is built for success. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Reach Out To a Smithville, MO DWI Lawyer Who Wins Today at Combs Waterkotte
If you have recently faced arrest and DWI charges in Smithville, MO, you are probably well aware that time is of the essence when dealing with your case. Swift action is critical in securing a seasoned Smithville, MO DWI lawyer to examine documents, amass evidence, and build your case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your Smithville DWI arrest will be substantially mitigated or even eradicated.
For numerous people in Smithville, MO, Combs Waterkotte has been a beacon of support when facing DWI charges. Our firm combines top-notch legal expertise and assertive advocacy with a dedication to personal service and communication that stands out among DWI law firms near Smithville, 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 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 Smithville, MO area, make (314) 900-HELP your first call for a free initial .
