DWI Attorney in Pettis County, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Pettis County, MO can have severe and enduring, if not permanent, consequences on your life, including your freedom, finances, and your future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you are facing these charges in Pettis County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need the expertise of a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney by your side.
Our experienced Pettis County, MO criminal defense attorneys are devoted to offering you the best possible defense, making sure your rights are protected every step of the way. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, a skilled DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte may be able to get your charges in Pettis County, MO reduced or even dropped, arrange a lesser penalty via a plea bargain, or contest your conviction in a trial.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our DWI attorneys in Pettis County, MO so that you can discuss the specifics of your case and receive expert legal advice and guidance.
DWI Attorney in Pettis County, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers
No matter your situation, procuring the best legal representation throughout the Pettis County, MO area is vital. Whether you’re facing your first DWI charge or your third, have been arrested for driving while intoxicated under the influence of marijuana or another intoxicating substance, or have been involved in an accident while driving impaired, you need the help of Combs Waterkotte right now.
Hiring an aggressive Pettis County, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and possibly having your charges reduced or dismissed. Call a DWI attorney in Pettis County, MO right away at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.
DWI Attorney in Pettis County, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
DWI charges in Pettis County, MO can result in severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Pettis County, MO case, to enroll in and complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) and file for SR-22 insurance.
Penalties for DWI in Pettis County, MO include:
- First Offense: You could receive a jail term of up to 6 months, fines of up to $500, and a 30-day license suspension followed by a 60-day restricted driving period.
- Second Offense: Considered a “prior offender” so you face up to 1 year in jail, fines up to $1,000, and a license suspension ranging from 1 to 5 years.
- Third Offense: Classified as a “persistent offender” and a Class E felony offense, so you could face up to 4 years in prison, fines up to $5,000, and a 10-year license revocation.
- Fourth Offense: Along with a Class D felony offense, you may receive a prison sentence up to 7 years, fines up to $5,000, and license suspension.
- Fifth Offense: A Class C felony, you will be facing a prison sentence of up to 15 years, along with the suspension of your license.
Pettis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Pettis County and Missouri.
DWI Attorney in Pettis County, MO: What You Should Do If Pulled Over in the Pettis County, MO Area
Being stopped by law enforcement at any time in Pettis County, MO can be a frightening experience, but especially so if you’ve been drinking. If you are pulled over for a DWI, it is crucial to handle the situation with care. The following are steps you should follow according to the Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys:
- Remain Calm and Compliant: Pull over safely to the side of the road, signaling as you do so, finding a safe, well-lit spot. Keep your composure by taking deep breaths to remain calm throughout the interaction with the officer.
- Keep Your Hands Visible and Be Polite: Place your hands on the steering wheel as the officer approaches your vehicle to demonstrate you’re not a threat and are cooperative. Politely greet the police office and follow their instructions, as this can positively influence the encounter.
- Limit Your Conversation: Avoid self-incrimination or long-winded conversations. You have the right to remain silent. Once law enforcement pulls you over, officers may use various investigative techniques to gather evidence against you. You are not obligated to answer questions about your whereabouts near Pettis County, MO, activities, or alcohol consumption. You can always politely decline questions by saying, “I prefer not to answer that question,” or “I would rather not answer without legal counsel.”
- Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in Pettis County, MO, or anywhere else for that matter, as they are subjective and typically used only to establish probable cause to arrest you. An officer may ask you to take a portable breath test, or breathalyzer. While the state of Missouri has an implied consent law that suspends your license for 1 year if you refuse a breathalyzer – called chemical revocation – this is only applicable after a DWI arrest, not before. These tests are unreliable and, like FSTs, are only used to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
- Call a DWI Attorney Immediately: It is crucial to consult with an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, such as the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced legal team can guide you through the legal process and safeguard your rights and future. Give us a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.
DWI Attorney in Pettis County, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense
Facing a DWI charge in or around Pettis County, MO can be overwhelming, but with the right legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to offering exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you get a fair trial and the best possible outcome in Pettis County, MO. Our firm offers:
A Pettis County, MO DWI Attorney With Extensive Experience & Expertise
With over 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense, the DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a deep understanding of the DWI laws in Pettis County, MO and throughout Missouri. We have the capability to handle the intricacies of DWI charges just like yours, and have had numerous successful results defending Pettis County, MO clients against these accusations. Our record of success speaks for itself, and we are dedicated to total client satisfaction.
An Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Skilled DWI Attorney in Pettis County, MO
We begin with a in-depth, no-strings-attached, free case review to understand the specifics of your Pettis County, MO case. This allows our skilled team in Pettis County, MO to assess the evidence against you and identify potential weaknesses or holes in the case, along with likely avenues for defense strategies.
A Pettis County, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence
Each Pettis County, MO DWI case is unique and a one-size-fits-all approach won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys craft a customized defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in Pettis County, MO. Our lawyers investigate every angle of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the actual arrest. We scrutinize the validity of the stop and the procedures followed by law enforcement.
A Pettis County, MO DWI Attorney Who is Skilled in Negotiating Plea Bargains
If dismissal of your case is unlikely, we work to negotiate plea bargains that can your charges and penalties. There may also be mitigating circumstances that could be used to your advantage. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our clients in and around Pettis County, MO.
Expert Court Representation From a Pettis County, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
If your Pettis County, MO DWI case proceeds to trial, our attorneys provide robust representation in court, delivering a compelling defense strategy on your behalf. We present supporting evidence and testimony, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and cross-examine witnesses. Our priority is casting reasonable doubt on the prosecution’s case, securing a verdict of not guilty and/or lessening the possibility of penalties imposed in Pettis County, MO.
When you are facing a DWI charge in or around Pettis County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal DWI attorney in Pettis County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to DWI defense from our esteemed DWI attorney, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Pettis County, MO residents:
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
Reach Out to the Leading Pettis County, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte
If you’re facing a DWI charge in Pettis County, MO, don’t leave your future to chance. Trust the experienced and determined DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our lawyers are ready to fight for you and your rights, and provide the aggressive defense you need in Pettis County, MO.
Take the first step toward protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the Pettis County, MO area by reaching out to a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for a free and confidential case review.