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Stoddard County, MO

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Last Updated: September 27, 2024

DWI Lawyer in Stoddard County, MO

DWI Lawyer in Stoddard County, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is likely one of the worst experiences a Stoddard County, MO-area driver can have. Not only will you be stripped of your driver’s license for a minimum of 60 days, you will have to pay a substantial fine, face increased insurance premiums, and have points on your license for years to come. Even worse, your reputation in the Stoddard County, MO community or your workplace could take a substantial 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 have been pulled over and are facing DWI charges, you need a top-tier Stoddard 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-strings-attached consultations where they can discuss the specifics of your case with you and plan your next steps.

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Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the Stoddard County, MO Area?

Having a tenacious and effective Stoddard 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 Stoddard County, MO DWI attorneys are devoted advocates for all our clients throughout the Stoddard County, 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 Stoddard County, MO DWI case the personal attention you are looking for and create a legal strategy that is built to get you the best possible outcome.

Our record of success for those accused of DWI in Stoddard County is second to none, and we are committed to total client satisfaction in everything we do. When facing DWI charges near Stoddard 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 challenges you may be facing, to mount a robust defense against your DWI charges in Stoddard 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 Stoddard 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 accused of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous DWI cases in Stoddard County, 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, selecting 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.
  • Stay 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 Stoddard 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 often 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. Conversations with an attorney are completely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Seeking guidance from an experienced Stoddard County, 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 Stoddard 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 case review. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Stoddard County, 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 severe legal repercussions in Stoddard County, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Knowing 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 surrounding Stoddard County, 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 Stoddard County, 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 significant repercussions 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, referred to as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility or an SR-22

Our experienced Stoddard County, MO legal team makes sure that the residents of Stoddard 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 Stoddard County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in many forms of law, like:

What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI?

If you find yourself facing a second DWI arrest in Stoddard County, MO, be prepared for the prospect of dealing with class A misdemeanor charges, encompassing possible 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 prevents someone from starting a vehicle if their BAC is over a certain limit.
  • Continuous, verifiable alcohol consumption 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 Stoddard County, MO DWI case relates to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue handles the revocation or suspension of your license. Most drivers in the Stoddard County, MO area may not be aware that , as long as that appeal is filed within 15 days of your initial arrest in Stoddard County, MO.

When you enlist the impeccable services of the DWI lawyers with experience in Stoddard County, MO 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 Stoddard County police report or arrest, and create a strategy that is built to win. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

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

If you’ve recently faced arrest and DWI charges in Stoddard County, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. The sooner you can get a skilled Stoddard County, MO DWI lawyer to examine documents, amass evidence, and build your case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your DWI arrest in Stoddard County will be significantly mitigated or even eradicated.

For numerous individuals in Stoddard County, 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 commitment to personalized service and communication that is unmatched among DWI law firms near Stoddard County, 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, as affirmed by our satisfied clients.

If you find yourself pulled over and facing DWI charges in the Stoddard County, MO area, make (314) 900-HELP your first call to schedule a free initial .

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