DWI Lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO
DWI Lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Facing allegations of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a frightening experience, especially considering the potential repercussions for Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO area, it’s critical to enlist the support of an experienced DWI lawyer in Ste. Genevieve. Waste no time; call Combs Waterkotte immediately 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.
Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the Ste. Genevieve, MO Area?
Having an aggressive and proficient Ste. Genevieve, 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 experienced Ste. Genevieve, MO DWI attorneys are devoted advocates for all our clients throughout the Ste. Genevieve, MO area facing DWI charges. No matter if this is your first encounter with law enforcement or if you are dealing with DWI charges again, our firm will give your Ste. Genevieve, MO DWI case the personal attention you are looking for and craft a legal strategy that is built to get you the best possible outcome.
Our record of success for those accused of DWI in Ste. Genevieve 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 Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO DWI charges.
Ste. Genevieve County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Ste. Genevieve 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO, 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 accused of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous DWI cases in Ste. Genevieve, MO, our firm suggests the following course of action if you find yourself pulled over for DWI:
- Pull over safely. 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. 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 near Ste. Genevieve, MO.
- Avoid self-incrimination. Remember: you have the right to remain silent. 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 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 frequently deemed unreliable and are primarily 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. Seeking guidance from an experienced Ste. Genevieve, 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 critical 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 Ste. Genevieve, 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 consultation. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Ste. Genevieve, 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 repercussions in Ste. Genevieve, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Knowing the potential outcomes is vital, and a Combs Waterkotte lawyer will provide that and more during a free case review. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas surrounding Ste. Genevieve, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with an attorney familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your situation.
Fighting Both Sides Of Your DWI Case in Ste. Genevieve, 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 potentially resulting in substantial consequences 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 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 experienced Ste. Genevieve, MO legal team ensures that the citizens of Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO, our attorneys are experienced in many types of cases, such as:
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI?
If you find yourself facing a second DWI arrest in Ste. Genevieve, 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, at your own expense, a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). This keeps someone from starting a vehicle if their BAC is over a certain limit.
- Continuous, trackable alcohol 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 of a DWI case in Ste. Genevieve, MO pertains to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue deals with your license revocation or suspension. Most drivers in the Ste. Genevieve, MO area do not know that , as long as that appeal is filed within 15 days of your initial arrest in Ste. Genevieve, MO.
When you hire the DWI lawyers with experience in Ste. Genevieve, MO 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 gather evidence, look at the facts of your case, pinpoint potential holes in the Ste. Genevieve police report or arrest, and create a strategy that is built to win. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Contact A DWI Lawyer Who Wins in Ste. Genevieve, MO | Combs Waterkotte
If you have recently faced arrest and DWI charges in Ste. Genevieve, MO, you are probably well aware that time is of the essence when dealing with your case. The sooner you can get a skilled Ste. Genevieve, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, gather evidence, and build your case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your DWI arrest in Ste. Genevieve will be significantly mitigated or even eradicated.
For numerous individuals in Ste. Genevieve, MO, Combs Waterkotte has been a beacon of support when facing DWI charges. Our firm seamlessly combines unparalleled legal expertise and assertive advocacy with a dedication to personal service and communication that is unmatched among DWI law firms near Ste. Genevieve, 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 is part of our commitment to complete client satisfaction, as affirmed by our satisfied clients.
After you have been pulled over and arrested for DWI in the Ste. Genevieve, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP to schedule a free initial consultation. Trust the experienced Ste. Genevieve, MO DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte to diligently handle your case.