O’Fallon, MO

DWI Lawyer in O’Fallon, MO

DWI Lawyer in O’Fallon, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is potentially one of the worst fears a O’Fallon, 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 premiums, and have points on your license for years to come. Even worse, your reputation in the O’Fallon, 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 such as 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 O’Fallon, MO DWI lawyer on your side right now. Call Combs Waterkotte immediately 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.

Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the O’Fallon, MO Area?

Having an aggressive and effective O’Fallon, MO DWI lawyer on your case can be the pivotal factor between accepting a DWI conviction with severe repercussions and reaching a more favorable outcome such as reduced or even dismissed charges. At Combs Waterkotte, our seasoned O’Fallon, MO DWI attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of all our O’Fallon, MO area DWI clients. Whether 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 O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon residents accused of DWI speaks volumes, and our dedication extends to ensuring complete client satisfaction in every aspect of our service. When facing DWI charges near O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, MO.

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 O’Fallon, 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 amplified when you are facing accusations of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous DWI cases in O’Fallon, MO, our firm recommends that you take the following course of action if you are ever pulled over for DWI:

• Pull over safely. 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.
• 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 in the O’Fallon, MO area.
• Avoid self-incrimination. Remember: you have the right to remain silent. 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. 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 as a way for an officer to get probable cause to arrest you.
• 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 O’Fallon, MO DWI lawyer regarding whether to undergo 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 O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, MO, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from an attorney well-versed in the local legal landscape for personalized advice tailored to your unique circumstancesDriving under the influence has severe legal consequences in O’Fallon, 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 consultation. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas surrounding O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, MO

DWI cases in Missouri involve two distinct 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 substantial 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 restored 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 knowledgeable O’Fallon, MO legal team makes sure that the citizens of O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, MO, our attorneys are experienced in numerous forms of law, like:

What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI?

If you find yourself facing a second DWI arrest in O’Fallon, 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 between 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, verifiable 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 aspect of a DWI case in O’Fallon, MO relates to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue manages your license revocation or suspension. Most drivers in the O’Fallon, MO area do not know 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 O’Fallon, MO.

When you hire the O’Fallon, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured 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, look at the facts of your case, identify potential discrepancies in the O’Fallon police report or arrest, and craft a strategy that is built to win. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Contact A O’Fallon, MO DWI Lawyer Who Wins | Combs Waterkotte

If you have recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in O’Fallon, MO, you are probably well aware that time is of the essence when dealing with your case. The sooner you can get a skilled O’Fallon, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, amass evidence, and construct a robust case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your O’Fallon DWI arrest will be significantly reduced, if not eliminated.

For numerous individuals in O’Fallon, MO, Combs Waterkotte has been a beacon of support when facing DWI charges. Our firm seamlessly blends unparalleled legal expertise and aggressive advocacy with a dedication to personalized service and communication that stands out among DWI law firms near O’Fallon, 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 commitment is an integral part of our pledge to achieve complete client satisfaction, as affirmed by our satisfied clients.

After you have been pulled over and arrested for DWI in the O’Fallon, MO area, make (314) 900-HELP your first call to schedule a free initial case review and put the experienced O’Fallon, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte to work for you.