Clayton, MO

DWI Attorney in Clayton, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Clayton, MO can have serious and long-lasting, if not permanent, implications on your life, including your freedom, finances, and any future housing, career, and personal opportunities. If you are facing these charges in Clayton, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you should have the expertise of a seasoned Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney in your corner.

Our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Clayton, MO are dedicated to offering you the strongest possible defense, safeguarding your rights every step of the way. Depending on the specifics 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 via a plea bargain, or contest your conviction in a trial.

Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review with one of our Clayton, MO DWI attorneys where you can speak about the specific circumstances of your case and receive expert legal advice.

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

Regardless of your scenario, procuring the best legal representation throughout the Clayton, MO area is vital. 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 help of Combs Waterkotte immediately.

Hiring a tenacious Clayton, 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. 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

DWI charges in Clayton, MO can result in severe consequences, like fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Depending on your situation in Clayton, MO, you may be required to complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) program and be responsible for filing SR-22 insurance.

Penalties for DWI in Clayton, MO amount to:

• 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: 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: Now considered a “persistent offender” and a Class E felony offense, penalties can include 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 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 harrowing experience, particularly if you have been partaking in alcoholic drinks. If you find yourself stopped 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:

• Stay 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’re 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 don’t have to answer questions about where you’ve been in the Clayton, MO area, what you have been doing, or whatever it is you’ve been drinking. 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 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 might request that you 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.
• Reach Out to a DWI Attorney as Soon as Possible: Seek an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, such as the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our knowledgeable legal team can help navigate the legal system and protect your rights and future. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

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

While facing a DWI charge in Clayton, MO is certainly daunting, with the ideal legal representation you can be in a far better situation than going it alone. Combs Waterkotte is committed to offering exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you get a fair trial in Clayton, MO and the best possible outcome. Our firm offers:

Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our Clayton, 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 Clayton, MO and throughout Missouri. We are adept at managing the complexities of DWI charges just like yours, and have had numerous successful results defending Clayton, MO clients against these types of charges. Our record of success speaks for itself, and we are devoted to total client satisfaction.

An Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Skilled Clayton, MO DWI Attorney

We start with a thorough, confidential, free case review to understand the specifics of your Clayton, MO case. This allows our talented team in Clayton, MO to assess the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore potential defense strategies tailored to your situation.

A Clayton, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence

Every Clayton, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys craft a personalized defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in Clayton, MO. Our attorneys investigate every aspect of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the arrest, closely examining the validity of the stop and the procedures followed by law enforcement.

A Clayton, MO DWI Attorney Who is Adept at 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 to your advantage. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our clients in and around Clayton, MO.

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

If your Clayton, MO DWI case goes to trial, our attorneys provide vigorous representation in court, presenting 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 reduce any potential penalties in Clayton, MO.

When you’re facing a DWI charge in or around Clayton, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal DWI attorney in Clayton, 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 provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Clayton and beyond:

• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer
• Drug Crimes Lawyer
• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer
• Assault Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer

Connect With the Premier Clayton, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte

If you are facing a DWI charge in Clayton, MO, don’t 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 safeguard your rights with the aggressive representation you need in Clayton, MO.

Take the first step toward protecting your freedom, finances, and 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 case review.