DWI Attorney in Clayton, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Clayton, MO can have major 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 Clayton, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you deserve the expertise of a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney in your corner.
Our knowledgeable Clayton, MO criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to offering you the best possible defense, ensuring your rights are upheld at every stage. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney may be able to get your charges in Clayton, MO reduced or even dropped, negotiate a lesser punishment through a plea bargain, or fight your conviction in a trial.
Give Combs Waterkotte a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our Clayton, MO DWI attorneys so that you can discuss the specific circumstances of your case and get confidential legal advice and guidance.
DWI Attorney in Clayton, MO: Protect Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Legal Team
Regardless of your scenario, securing top-tier legal representation in Clayton, MO is crucial. Whether you’ve been charged with your first DWI or your third, have been charged with driving 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 away.
Hiring a determined Clayton, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and potentially having your charges reduced or dismissed. Contact a Clayton, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in Clayton, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
Clayton, MO DWI charges can carry serious penalties, such as fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Clayton, MO case, to enroll in and complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) program and be responsible for filing SR-22 insurance.
The penalties for DWI in Clayton, MO amount to:
- First Offense: You could receive a jail term of up to 6 months, fines 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: 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 Clayton, MO: What You Should Do If Pulled Over in the Clayton, MO Area
Being pulled over by law enforcement in Clayton, MO can be an intimidating experience, especially if you have been partaking in alcoholic drinks. If you are pulled over for a DWI, it is vital 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 location. Keep your composure by taking deep breaths to remain calm throughout the interaction with law enforcement.
- 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 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 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 Clayton, MO, activities, or alcohol consumption. You can politely decline questions by saying, “I prefer not to answer that question,” or “I’d rather not answer without legal advice.”
- Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in Clayton, 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 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 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, like the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our knowledgeable lawyers can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights and future. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in Clayton, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help
Facing a DWI charge in Clayton, MO can be overwhelming, but with the best legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing you with exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you receive a fair trial in Clayton, MO and the best possible outcome. We provide:
A Clayton, 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 Clayton, MO and throughout Missouri. We have the capability to handle the intricacies of DWI charges just like yours, and have successfully defended numerous clients in the Clayton, MO area against these accusations. Our record of success speaks for itself, and we are devoted to total client satisfaction.
Comprehensive Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Talented Clayton, MO DWI Attorney
We start with a detailed, no-strings-attached, free consultation to understand the specifics of your Clayton, MO case. This allows our proficient team in Clayton, MO to assess the evidence against you and identify possible weaknesses or holes in the case, as well as likely avenues for defense strategies.
A Clayton, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence
Every Clayton, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach just won’t cut it. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys build a customized defense strategy based on your specific circumstances in Clayton, MO. Our lawyers investigate every angle of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the arrest, closely examining the legality of the stop and the procedures followed by law enforcement.
A Clayton, 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. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our clients in the Clayton, MO area.
Court Representation From a Clayton, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
If your Clayton, MO DWI case proceeds to trial, our attorneys provide robust 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 primary objective is to establish reasonable doubt in the prosecution’s case, securing a verdict of not guilty and/or lessening the possibility of penalties imposed in Clayton, MO.
When you are charged with a DWI in or around Clayton, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading DWI attorney in Clayton, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with DWI defense from our esteemed DWI attorney, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Clayton, MO residents:
- 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 Clayton, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing a DWI charge in Clayton, 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 Clayton, MO.
Take the crucial first step toward protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the Clayton, MO area by reaching out to a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for a free and confidential consultation.
