Ray County, MO

DWI Lawyer in Ray County, MO

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

If you find yourself in the challenging situation of facing DWI charges after being pulled over in the Ray County, MO area, it’s critical to enlist the support of an experienced DWI lawyer in Ray County. Waste no time; call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible 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 Ray County, MO Area?

Having a tenacious and effective Ray County, 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 seasoned Ray County, MO DWI attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of all our clients throughout the Ray County, 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 Ray County, MO DWI case the personal attention you expect and create a legal strategy that is built to get you the best possible results.

Our unparalleled track record of success in defending Ray County 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 Ray 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 hardships you may be facing, to mount a robust defense against your DWI charges in Ray County, 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 Ray County, 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 Ray County, 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, choosing a well-lit location 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 near Ray County, MO.
• 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 reason to continue an investigation and arrest you, so it’s wise not to provide unnecessary information. 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 primarily used to establish probable cause for an arrest.
• Call a lawyer if you are arrested. Your conversation with an attorney is entirely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Seeking guidance from an experienced Ray County, MO DWI lawyer regarding whether to undergo a breath test at the station, addressing any issues that arose in the stop, or other questions you might have can make the difference between losing the ability to drive for months and your case potentially being dismissed.

Being charged with driving under the influence carries severe legal repercussions in Ray County, MO, encompassing fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, and the possibility of incarceration. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the potential consequences is critical, 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 Ray County, 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 repercussions in Ray County, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Knowing the potential outcomes is essential, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will do that and more during a free consultation. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas surrounding Ray 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 DWI Case in Ray County, MO

DWI cases in Missouri involve two distinct 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 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 knowledgeable Ray County, MO legal team makes sure that the residents of Ray County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation, no matter the circumstance. After all, good people often find themselves in dire situations. In addition to DWI defense in Ray County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in numerous forms of law, 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
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer

What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI?

If this is your second DWI arrest in Ray County, 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.
• 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 facet in a Ray County, MO DWI case pertains to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue manages your license revocation or suspension. Most drivers in the Ray County, MO area do not know that you can appeal the automatic suspension or revocation of your license, as long as that appeal is filed within 15 days of your initial arrest in Ray County, MO.

When you hire the Ray County, 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, look at the facts of your case, identify potential holes in the Ray County police report or arrest, and create a strategy that is built to win. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Contact A Ray County, MO DWI Lawyer Who Wins | Combs Waterkotte

If you’ve recently faced arrest and DWI charges in Ray County, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. The sooner you can get a skilled Ray County, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, amass evidence, and construct a robust case, the higher the likelihood that the repercussions of your Ray County DWI arrest will be greatly mitigated or even eradicated.

For numerous people in Ray County, MO, Combs Waterkotte has been a beacon of support when facing DWI charges. Our firm combines top-notch legal expertise and aggressive litigation with a commitment to personalized service and communication that stands out among DWI law firms near Ray County, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI attorneys 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 commitment is an integral part of our pledge to gain complete client satisfaction, as affirmed by our satisfied clients.

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