Cape Girardeau, MO

DWI Lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO

DWI Lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO. Facing allegations of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a frightening experience, particularly considering the potential repercussions for Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau, 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.

Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the Cape Girardeau, MO Area?

Having a tenacious and effective Cape Girardeau, 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 knowledgeable Cape Girardeau, MO DWI attorneys are devoted advocates for all our Cape Girardeau, MO area DWI clients. Whether this is your first encounter with law enforcement or if you are dealing with DWI charges again, our firm is committed to providing your Cape Girardeau, MO DWI case with the attention it deserves. We devise a legal strategy tailored specifically to securing the best possible results for you.

Our unparalleled track record of success in defending individuals in Cape Girardeau accused of DWI speaks volumes, and our dedication extends to ensuring total client satisfaction in every facet of our service. After you have been arrested for DWI in or anywhere near Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau, MO DWI charges.

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 Cape Girardeau, 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 facing accusations of impaired driving. Having tried hundreds of DWI cases in Cape Girardeau, MO, our firm suggests the following course of action if you find yourself pulled over for DWI:

• Pull over safely. Safely pull your vehicle to the side of the road. Use your turn signal, and select a well-lit safe area. If you are on a road with a shoulder, pull over there, or find a nearby parking lot. Avoid parking on grass to maintain safety and compliance.
• 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 being pulled over for DWI in the Cape Girardeau, MO area.
• Avoid self-incrimination. Exercise your right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Provide the officer your license and insurance/registration, but refrain from offering additional information. Law enforcement officers are looking for 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 stating that you would rather not answer without legal advice.
• Do not take a 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 as a way for an officer to get probable cause to arrest you.
• 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 Cape Girardeau, MO DWI lawyer regarding whether to undergo a breath test at the station, addressing any issues during the stop, or other questions you might have can make the difference between losing your driving privileges for months and your case potentially being dismissed.

Being charged with driving under the influence carries severe legal repercussions in Cape Girardeau, 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 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 Cape Girardeau, 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 serious legal consequences in Cape Girardeau, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Knowing the potential outcomes is essential, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will provide that and more during a free consultation. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas neighboring Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau, MO DWI Case

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 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 converted 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 Cape Girardeau, MO legal team ensures that the citizens of Cape Girardeau, MO receive the best possible legal presentation, no matter the circumstance. After all, good people often find themselves in dire situations. Along with DWI defense in Cape Girardeau, 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 you find yourself facing a second DWI arrest in Cape Girardeau, MO, be prepared for the prospect of dealing with 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 prevents someone from starting a vehicle if their BAC is over a certain limit.
• Regular, 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 Cape Girardeau, MO DWI case has to do with your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue deals with the revocation or suspension of your license. Many drivers in the Cape Girardeau, MO area may be unaware 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 Cape Girardeau, MO.

When you enlist the impeccable services of the Cape Girardeau, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured that our firm will promptly address both components 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, scrutinize the details of your case, identify potential discrepancies in the Cape Girardeau police report or arrest, and create a strategy that is built to win. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Contact A Cape Girardeau, MO DWI Lawyer Who Wins | Combs Waterkotte

If you have recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Cape Girardeau, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. The sooner you can get a skilled Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau will be significantly mitigated or even eradicated.

Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of Cape Girardeau, MO-area residents from all walks of life take on DWI charges. Our firm blends top-notch legal expertise and assertive advocacy with a dedication to personal service and communication that is unmatched among DWI law firms near Cape Girardeau, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI lawyers assure you that, regardless of the time, location, or situation, 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, which our previous clients can attest to as well.

If you find yourself pulled over and facing DWI charges in the Cape Girardeau, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP for a free initial consultation. Trust the experienced Cape Girardeau, MO DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte to diligently handle your case.