DWI Attorney in Belton, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Belton, MO can have severe and enduring, if not permanent, implications on your life, including your freedom, finances, and any future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you have been arrested for DWI in Belton, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, you deserve the expertise of a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney in your corner.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Belton, MO are devoted to offering you the strongest possible defense, making sure your rights are protected every step of the way. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges in Belton, MO, negotiate a lesser penalty via a plea bargain, or contest your conviction in court.
Give Combs Waterkotte a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our Belton, MO DWI attorneys so that you can speak about the specifics of your case and get confidential legal advice.
DWI Attorney in Belton, MO: Protect Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers
No matter the situation, you need the best legal representation available in Belton, MO. Whether you’re facing your first DWI charge or your third, have been arrested for driving while intoxicated under the influence of marijuana or some other intoxicating substance, or have been involved in an accident while driving impaired, you need the expertise of Combs Waterkotte immediately.
Hiring a determined Belton, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between possibly feeling like you have to plead guilty and potentially having your charges reduced or even dismissed. Call a DWI attorney in Belton, MO right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in Belton, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
DWI charges in Belton, MO can carry serious penalties, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Belton, MO case, to enroll in and complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) program, as well as being responsible for filing SR-22 insurance.
Penalties for DWI in Belton, MO include:
- First Offense: Penalties may include up to 6 months in jail, fines up to $500, and a 30-day license suspension followed by a 60-day restricted driving period.
- Second Offense: Classified as a “prior offender,” penalties include 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.
Cass County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Cass County and Missouri.
DWI Attorney in Belton, MO: What You Should Do If Pulled Over in the Belton, MO Area
Being stopped by law enforcement at any time in Belton, MO can be a frightening experience, but particularly so if you’ve been drinking. If you find yourself stopped for a DWI, it is vital to handle the situation carefully. Here are the 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 location. Keep your composure by taking deep breaths to remain calm throughout the interaction with the police officer.
- Keep Your Hands Visible and Be Polite: Place your hands on the steering wheel as the officer approaches, showing you are not a threat and cooperative. Politely greet the officer and follow their instructions – this goes a long way.
- Limit Your Conversation: Avoid self-incrimination or long-winded conversations. 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 are not obligated to answer questions about your whereabouts near Belton, MO, activities, or alcohol consumption. You can politely decline to answer by saying, “I prefer not to answer that question,” or “I’d rather not answer without legal counsel.”
- Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in Belton, 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: Seek an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our knowledgeable legal team can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights and future. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in Belton, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense
While facing a DWI charge in Belton, 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 providing you with exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you get a fair trial in Belton, MO and the best possible outcome. We provide:
Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our Belton, MO DWI Attorney
With more than 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense, the DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a deep understanding of the DWI laws in Belton, MO and throughout Missouri. We are adept at managing the complexities of DWI charges just like yours, and have successfully defended numerous clients in the Belton, MO area 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 Talented Belton, MO DWI Attorney
We start with a detailed, confidential, free consultation to understand the specifics of your case. This allows our proficient team in Belton, MO to assess the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore possible defense strategies tailored to your situation.
A Belton, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence
Each Belton, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach simply won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys develop a tailored defense strategy based on your specific circumstances in Belton, 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 Belton, MO DWI Attorney Who is Skilled in Negotiating Plea Bargains
If we decide your case is unlikely to be dismissed, we negotiate plea bargains to reduce charges and penalties. There might be mitigating circumstances that could be used in your defense. We always aim for the most favorable outcome for our clients in and around Belton, MO.
Expert Court Representation From a Belton, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
Should your Belton, 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, securing a verdict of not guilty and/or minimizing the possibility of penalties imposed in Belton, MO.
When you are charged with a DWI in or around Belton, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the leading DWI attorney in Belton, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to DWI defense from our esteemed DWI attorney, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Belton, 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
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
Reach Out to the Leading Belton, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing a DWI charge in Belton, MO, don’t leave your future to chance. Leave it to the skilled and tenacious DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our legal team is prepared to defend you and safeguard your rights with the aggressive representation you need in Belton, MO.
Take the first step in protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the Belton, 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.