DWI Attorney in Christian County, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Christian County, MO can have major and long-lasting, if not permanent, implications on your life, including your freedom, finances, and any future housing, career, and personal opportunities. If you have been arrested for DWI in Christian County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need the expertise of a seasoned Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney in your corner.
Our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Christian County, MO are devoted to providing you with the best possible defense, ensuring your rights are upheld at every stage. Depending on the specifics of your case, a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney may be able to get your charges in Christian County, MO reduced or even dropped, arrange a lesser penalty via a plea bargain, or contest your conviction in a trial.
Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our DWI attorneys in Christian County, MO so that you can have a discussion about the specifics of your case and receive expert legal advice.
DWI Attorney in Christian County, MO: Protect Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers
No matter your scenario, procuring the best legal representation throughout the Christian County, MO area is vital. Whether you’ve been charged with your first DWI 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 right now.
Hiring a tenacious Christian County, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between possibly feeling like you have to plead guilty and potentially having your charges reduced or dismissed. Call a DWI attorney in Christian County, MO right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in Christian County, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
Christian County, MO DWI charges can result in severe consequences, such as fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Christian County, 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.
The penalties for DWI in Christian County, MO amount to:
- First Offense: Penalties may include up to 6 months in jail, fines of 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: 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: This is a Class C felony, and you can expect a prison sentence of up to 15 years, along with the suspension of your license.
DWI Attorney in Christian County, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in Christian County, MO
Being pulled over by law enforcement in Christian County, MO can be an harrowing experience, especially if you have been drinking. If you find yourself stopped for a DWI, it is vital to handle the situation with care. Here are the steps recommended by 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 area. Maintain your composure by taking deep breaths to remain calm throughout the interaction with the police officer.
- Keep Your Hands Visible and Be Polite: Keep your hands on the steering wheel as the officer approaches, showing you’re not a threat and cooperative. Politely greet the police office and follow their instructions – this goes a long way.
- Limit Your Conversation: Avoid self-incrimination. You have the right to remain silent. Once law enforcement pulls you over, officers will do everything in their power to arrest you or use “strongarm” investigative techniques. You don’t have to answer questions about where you’ve been in the Christian County, MO area, what you have been doing, or whatever it is you’ve been drinking. 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 Christian County, MO, or anywhere else. These tests are subjective and often only used to establish probable cause for your arrest. An officer may ask you to 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 tests are unreliable and, like FSTs, are used primarily to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
- Call a DWI Attorney Immediately: It is critical to seek the advice of an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced lawyers can help navigate the legal system and protect your rights and future. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.
DWI Attorney in Christian County, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense
While facing a DWI charge in the Christian County, MO area is certainly daunting, with the ideal legal representation you can be in a far better scenario than going solo. Combs Waterkotte is devoted to providing you with exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you receive a fair trial and the best possible outcome in Christian County, MO. Our firm offers:
A Christian County, MO DWI Attorney With Extensive Experience & Expertise
The DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a deep understanding of the DWI laws in Christian County, 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 Christian County, MO clients against these accusations. We are committed to complete client satisfaction, and our record of success speaks for itself.
Comprehensive Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Talented DWI Attorney in Christian County, MO
We begin with a in-depth, no-obligation, free consultation to understand the specifics of your case. This allows our skilled team in Christian County, MO to evaluate the evidence against you and identify possible weaknesses or holes in the prosecution’s case, along with likely avenues for defense strategies.
A Christian County, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence
Every Christian County, 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 Christian County, MO. Our lawyers investigate every aspect of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the actual arrest. We scrutinize the legality of the stop and the procedures followed by law enforcement.
A Christian 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 factors that could be used in your defense. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our clients in and around Christian County, MO.
Court Representation From a Christian County, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
Should your Christian County, MO DWI case proceed to trail, our attorneys provide vigorous representation in court, presenting a compelling defense strategy on your behalf. We cross-examine witnesses, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and present supporting evidence and testimony. Our priority is casting reasonable doubt on the prosecution’s case, aiming to secure a not guilty verdict and/or minimize any potential penalties in Christian County, MO.
When you are facing a DWI charge in or around Christian County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading DWI attorney in Christian County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re 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 residents in Christian County and beyond:
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
- Juvenile Defense Lawyer
- Sexual Misconduct Lawyer
- Traffic Ticket Lawyer
Contact the Ideal Christian County, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing a DWI charge in Christian County, MO, don’t leave your future to chance. Trust the experienced and determined DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our legal team is prepared to defend you and safeguard your rights with the aggressive representation you need in Christian County, MO.
Take the first step toward protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the Christian County, MO area by calling a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.
