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Ellisville, MO

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Posted by Emily Herr on June 29, 2021

DWI Lawyer in Ellisville, MO

DWI Lawyer in Ellisville, MO. Facing allegations of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a daunting experience, particularly considering the potential repercussions for Ellisville, MO drivers. Beyond the immediate consequences of a minimum 60-day suspension of your driving privileges, hefty fines, elevated insurance premiums, and enduring points on your license, the aftermath extends to enduring damage to your reputation within your Ellisville 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 have been pulled over and are facing DWI charges, you need a top-tier Ellisville, 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 Ellisville, MO Area?

Having an aggressive and effective DWI lawyer on your Ellisville, MO 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 Ellisville, MO DWI attorneys are dedicated advocates for all our Ellisville, MO area DWI clients. Whether 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 Ellisville, MO DWI case the personal attention you expect 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 Ellisville is second to none, and we are committed to complete client satisfaction in all that we do. When facing DWI charges near Ellisville, 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 Ellisville, 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 Ellisville, 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 only increased when you’re accused of impaired driving. Having tried hundreds of DWI cases in Ellisville, 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, choosing a well-lit area 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.
  • Remain 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 near Ellisville, 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 it’s wise not to provide unnecessary data. You can always choose not to answer potentially incriminating questions, like “Have you been drinking?” by stating that you prefer not to respond without legal advice.
  • Do not take a 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 only used to establish probable cause for an arrest.
  • If you are arrested, call a lawyer as soon as you can. Your conversation with an attorney is entirely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Getting advice from an experienced Ellisville, MO DWI lawyer regarding whether to undergo a breath test at the station, addressing any issues that arose in your 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 Ellisville, 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 attorney is ready to provide detailed insights and more during a free case review. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Ellisville, 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 consequences in Ellisville, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Having a firm grasp of the potential outcomes is vital, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will provide that and more during a free case review. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas neighboring Ellisville, 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 DWI Case in Ellisville, 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, categorizing 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 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 experienced Ellisville, MO legal team makes sure that the residents of Ellisville, 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 Ellisville, MO, our lawyers are experienced in many forms of law, like:

    What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI?

    If this is your second DWI arrest in Ellisville, MO, be prepared for the prospect of dealing with 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 ranges 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, verifiable 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 facet in a Ellisville, MO DWI case relates to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue deals with your license revocation or suspension. Most drivers in the Ellisville, 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 Ellisville, MO.

    When you hire the Ellisville, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured that our firm will quickly address both components of your DWI case as soon as possible and strive to mitigate the impact of a DWI arrest on your life. We will compile evidence, look at the facts of your case, pinpoint potential holes in the Ellisville police report or arrest, and create a strategy that is built to win. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

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

    If you have recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Ellisville, MO, you are probably well aware that time is of the essence when dealing with your case. Swift action is crucial in securing a seasoned Ellisville, MO DWI lawyer to examine documents, amass evidence, and build your case, the higher the likelihood that the repercussions of your DWI arrest in Ellisville will be greatly mitigated or even eradicated.

    Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of Ellisville, MO-area residents from all walks of life take on DWI charges. Our firm seamlessly combines unparalleled legal expertise and aggressive litigation with a dedication to personalized service and communication that is unmatched among DWI law firms near Ellisville, 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, which our previous clients can attest to as well.

    After you have been pulled over and arrested for DWI in the Ellisville, MO area, make (314) 900-HELP your first call for a free initial .

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