DeKalb County, MO

DWI Lawyer in DeKalb County, MO

DWI Lawyer in DeKalb County, MO. Facing allegations of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a frightening experience, especially considering the potential repercussions for DeKalb County, 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 DeKalb County 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 have been pulled over and are facing DWI charges, you need a top-tier DeKalb County, 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 DeKalb County, MO Area?

Having a tenacious and proficient DeKalb County, 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 DeKalb County, MO DWI attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of all our DeKalb County, MO area DWI clients. 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 DeKalb 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 record of success for those accused of DWI in DeKalb County is second to none, and we are committed to complete client satisfaction in everything we do. When facing DWI charges near DeKalb 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 DeKalb County, MO.

What Should I Do After I’m Pulled Over For DWI?

After being pulled over by a police officer suspecting impairment due to alcohol or drugs in the DeKalb 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 amplified when you’re accused of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous DeKalb 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. 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 pulled over for DWI near DeKalb 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 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. 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 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. Conversations with an attorney are completely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Seeking guidance from an experienced DeKalb County, MO DWI lawyer regarding whether to undergo a breath test at the station, addressing any issues during the 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 DeKalb 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 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 DeKalb 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 serious legal repercussions in DeKalb County, MO, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Having a firm grasp of the potential outcomes is vital, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will do that and more during a free case review. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas surrounding DeKalb County, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with a lawyer familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your situation.

Fighting Both Sides Of Your DeKalb County, MO DWI Case

DWI cases in Missouri involve two distinct components: a criminal side and a civil side. The criminal punishments for DWI in Missouri, as you likely know, are serious. Even a first DWI offense could lead to the following repercussions 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 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 skilled DeKalb County, MO legal team makes sure that the residents of DeKalb County, 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 DeKalb County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in many types of cases, such as:

• Homicide Lawyer
• Assault Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer
• Sex Offense Lawyers
• DWI Attorney
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
• Criminal Lawyer

What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI?

If this is your second DWI arrest in DeKalb 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 between 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, 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 facet in a DeKalb County, MO DWI case has to do with your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue manages the revocation or suspension of your license. Most drivers in the DeKalb County, 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 DeKalb County, MO.

When you enlist the impeccable services of the DWI lawyers with experience in DeKalb County, MO at Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that our firm will promptly address 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, identify potential discrepancies in the DeKalb County police report or arrest, and craft a strategy that is built for success. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

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

If you’ve recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in DeKalb County, MO, you are probably well aware that time is of the essence when dealing with your case. The sooner you can get a skilled DeKalb County, MO DWI lawyer to examine documents, gather evidence, and build your case, the higher the likelihood that the repercussions of your DWI arrest in DeKalb County will be significantly mitigated or even eradicated.

Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of DeKalb County, MO-area residents from all walks of life take on DWI charges. Our firm blends top-notch legal expertise and aggressive advocacy with a dedication to personalized service and communication that stands out among DWI law firms near DeKalb County, 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, which our previous clients can attest to as well.

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