St. Louis, MO

DWI Lawyer in St. Louis, MO

DWI Lawyer in St. Louis, MO. Facing allegations of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a daunting experience, especially considering the likely repercussions for St. Louis, 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 St. Louis community or your professional sphere. Additionally, international travel prospects may be thwarted, with countries like Canada prohibiting entry for individuals with a DWI conviction on their record.

If you find yourself in the challenging situation of facing DWI charges after being pulled over in the St. Louis, MO area, it’s crucial to enlist the support of a highly skilled DWI lawyer in St. Louis. Waste no time; call Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 St. Louis, MO Area?

Having an aggressive and effective St. Louis, 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 seasoned St. Louis, MO DWI attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of all our St. Louis, MO area DWI clients. Whether this is your first encounter with law enforcement or if you are dealing with DWI charges again, our firm will give your St. Louis, MO DWI case the personal attention you expect and craft a legal strategy that is built to get you the best possible outcome.

Our record of success for those accused of DWI in St. Louis is second to none, and we are committed to total client satisfaction in all that we do. When facing DWI charges near St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO area, it’s natural to be nervous. Any encounter with law enforcement for a moving violation 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 St. Louis, MO, 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. 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 stopped for DWI in the St. Louis, MO area.
• Avoid self-incrimination. Remember: you have the right to remain silent. 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 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 only 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 St. Louis, 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 crucial 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 St. Louis, 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 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 St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Having a firm grasp of the potential outcomes is vital, and a Combs Waterkotte lawyer will provide that and more during a free case review. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas neighboring St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO

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 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, also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility or an SR-22

Our knowledgeable St. Louis, MO legal team makes sure that the residents of St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO, our lawyers are experienced in many forms of law, like:

• 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 St. Louis, 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 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.
• Regular, trackable alcohol consumption monitoring (either by regular breath tests or a wearable device)
• Mandatory participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program
• Required purchase of a high-risk auto insurance plan (SR-22)

The administrative component of a DWI case in St. Louis, MO relates to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue handles your license revocation or suspension. Many drivers in the St. Louis, MO area may not be aware that they have the option to appeal the automatic suspension or revocation, provided the appeal is submitted within 15 days of your initial arrest in St. Louis, MO.

When you hire the St. Louis, MO DWI lawyers 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, scrutinize the details of your case, identify potential holes in the St. Louis police report or arrest, and develop a strategy that is built to win. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Contact A St. Louis, MO DWI Lawyer Who Wins | Combs Waterkotte

If you’ve recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in St. Louis, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. Swift action is critical in securing a seasoned St. Louis, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, amass evidence, and build your case, the higher the likelihood that the repercussions of your St. Louis DWI arrest will be significantly mitigated or even eradicated.

For numerous individuals in St. Louis, 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 dedication to personal service and communication that stands out among DWI law firms near St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP for a free initial case review and put the experienced St. Louis, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte to work for you.