Independence, MO

DWI Attorney in Independence, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Independence, MO can have serious and enduring, if not permanent, implications on your life, including your freedom, finances, and any future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you are facing these charges in Independence, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you should have the expertise of a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney by your side.

Our experienced Independence, MO criminal defense attorneys are committed to offering you the strongest possible defense, safeguarding your rights every step of the way. Depending on the specifics of your case, a skilled DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges in Independence, MO, arrange a lesser penalty via a plea bargain, or contest your conviction in a trial.

Give Combs Waterkotte a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free, no-obligation case review with one of our DWI attorneys in Independence, MO where you can have a discussion about the specific circumstances of your case and receive confidential legal advice.

DWI Attorney in Independence, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Legal Team

No matter your scenario, you need the best legal representation available in Independence, MO. Whether you’ve been charged with your first DWI or your third, have been arrested for driving 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 away.

Hiring a determined Independence, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and potentially having your charges reduced or even dismissed. Contact a Independence, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

DWI Attorney in Independence, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri

Independence, MO DWI charges can result in severe consequences, like fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Independence, MO case, to enroll in and complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) and file for SR-22 insurance.

The penalties for DWI in Independence, 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: In addition to 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.

DWI Attorney in Independence, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in the Independence, MO Area

Being pulled over by law enforcement in Independence, MO can be an intimidating experience, particularly if you have been partaking in alcoholic drinks. If you find yourself stopped 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:

• Stay Calm and Compliant: Pull over safely to the side of the road, signaling as you do so, finding a safe, well-lit spot. Maintain your composure, taking deep breaths in order to stay calm throughout the interaction with law enforcement.
• Keep Your Hands Visible and Be Polite: Keep your hands on the steering wheel as the officer approaches your vehicle to demonstrate you are 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. You have the right to remain silent. Once law enforcement has you pulled over, officers may use various investigative techniques to gather evidence against you. You don’t have to answer questions about where you’ve been in the Independence, MO area, what you have been doing, or whatever it is you’ve been drinking. You can politely decline questions by saying, “I prefer not to answer that question,” or “I would rather not answer without legal advice.”
• Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in Independence, MO, or anywhere else for that matter, as they are subjective and typically used only to establish probable cause to arrest you. An officer might request that you take a portable breath test, or breathalyzer. While Missouri’s implied consent law mandates a one-year license suspension for refusing a breathalyzer after a DWI arrest, this not apply to tests conducted before an arrest. These portable tests are unreliable and, like FSTs, are only used to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
• Contact a DWI Attorney as Soon as Possible: It is critical to seek the advice of 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 protect your rights and future. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.

DWI Attorney in Independence, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help

While facing a DWI charge in Independence, MO is certainly daunting, with the right legal representation you can be in a far better scenario than going it alone. Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to offering exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you get a fair trial in Independence, MO and the best possible outcome. We provide:

Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our Independence, MO DWI Attorney

The DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a comprehensive understanding of the DWI laws in Independence, MO and throughout Missouri, with over 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense. We have the capability to handle the intricacies of DWI charges just like yours, and have had numerous successful results defending Independence, 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 Independence, MO DWI Attorney

We start with a in-depth, confidential, free consultation to understand the specifics of your Independence, MO case. This allows our proficient team in Independence, MO to assess the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore possible defense strategies tailored to your circumstances.

A Independence, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence

Every Independence, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach just won’t cut it. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys craft a personalized defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in Independence, MO. Our lawyers investigate every aspect 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.

Skilled Plea Bargain Negotiations From Our Independence, MO DWI Attorney

If we decide your case is unlikely to be dismissed, we negotiate plea bargains to reduce charges and penalties. There may also be mitigating factors that could be used to your advantage. We always aim for the most favorable outcome for our clients in the Independence, MO area.

Expert Court Representation From a Independence, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience

Should your Independence, MO DWI case proceed to trail, our attorneys provide vigorous representation in court, delivering compelling arguments on your behalf. We cross-examine witnesses, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and present supporting evidence and testimony. Our primary objective is to establish reasonable doubt in the prosecution’s case, aiming to secure a not guilty verdict and/or minimize any potential penalties in Independence, MO.

When you’re facing a DWI charge in or around Independence, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal DWI attorney in Independence, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with DWI defense from our esteemed DWI attorney, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Independence, MO residents:

• Homicide Lawyer
• Assault Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer
• Sex Offense Lawyers
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
• Criminal Lawyer

Reach Out to the Leading Independence, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte

Facing a DWI charge in the Independence, MO area? Do not leave your future to chance. Place it in the trustworthy hands of the tenacious and experienced DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our legal team is prepared to defend you and uphold your rights with the aggressive representation you need in Independence, MO.

Take the first step toward protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the Independence, MO area by reaching out to a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free and confidential case review.