DWI Attorney in Clinton County, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Clinton County, MO can have severe and long-lasting, if not permanent, implications on your life, affecting your freedom, finances, and your future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you have been arrested for DWI in Clinton County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you should have the expertise of a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney by your side.
Our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Clinton County, MO are committed to offering you the strongest possible defense, safeguarding your rights every step of the way. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, a talented DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte may be able to get your charges in Clinton County, MO reduced or even dropped, negotiate a lesser punishment 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 contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review with one of our Clinton County, MO DWI attorneys so that you can speak about the specific circumstances of your case and get expert legal advice and guidance.
DWI Attorney in Clinton County, MO: Protect Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Legal Team
No matter the scenario, securing top-tier legal representation in Clinton County, 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 help of Combs Waterkotte right now.
Hiring a tenacious Clinton County, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and potentially having your charges reduced or dismissed. Contact a Clinton County, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in Clinton County, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
Clinton County, MO DWI charges can carry serious penalties, like fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Clinton County, MO case, to enroll in and complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) program and be responsible for filing SR-22 insurance.
Penalties for DWI in Clinton County, 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, 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, as well as the suspension of your license.
DWI Attorney in Clinton County, MO: What You Should Do If Pulled Over in Clinton County, MO
Being stopped by law enforcement in Clinton County, MO can be an harrowing experience, especially if you have been imbibing. If you find yourself stopped for a DWI, it is crucial 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. Keep your composure, taking deep breaths in order to stay calm throughout the interaction with the officer.
- Keep Your Hands Visible and Be Polite: Keep 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, as this can positively influence the encounter.
- Limit Your Conversation: Avoid self-incrimination or long-winded conversations. 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 are not obligated to answer questions about your whereabouts near Clinton County, MO, activities, or alcohol consumption. You can politely decline to answer 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 Clinton County, 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 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, like the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced 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 connect with us online.
DWI Attorney in Clinton County, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help
Facing a DWI charge in Clinton County, MO can be overwhelming, but with the best legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. Combs Waterkotte is devoted to offering exceptional DWI defense services, ensuring you get a fair trial and the best possible outcome in Clinton County, MO. We provide:
A Clinton County, MO DWI Attorney With Extensive Experience & Expertise
The DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a comprehensive understanding of the DWI laws in Clinton County, MO and throughout Missouri, with more than 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense. We have the capability to handle the intricacies of DWI charges just like yours, and have successfully defended numerous clients in the Clinton County, 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 Skilled Clinton County, MO DWI Attorney
We start with a thorough, no-strings-attached, free case review to understand the specifics of your Clinton County, MO case. This allows our proficient team in Clinton County, MO to evaluate the evidence against you and identify possible weaknesses or holes in the case, along with likely avenues for defense strategies.
A Clinton County, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence
Each Clinton County, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach just won’t cut it. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys develop a customized defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in Clinton County, MO. Our attorneys 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 Clinton County, 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 may also be mitigating factors that could be used in your defense. We always aim for the most favorable outcome for our clients in the Clinton County, MO area.
Court Representation From a Clinton County, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
Should your Clinton County, MO DWI case go to trail, our attorneys provide robust representation in court, delivering compelling arguments on your behalf. We present supporting evidence and testimony, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and cross-examine witnesses. 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 Clinton County, MO.
When you are charged with a DWI in or around Clinton County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the best DWI attorney in Clinton County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting 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 residents in Clinton 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
Reach Out to the Leading Clinton County, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte
If you’re facing a DWI charge in Clinton County, 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 lawyers are ready to fight for you and your rights, and provide the aggressive defense you need in Clinton County, MO.
Take the first step in protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the Clinton County, MO area by reaching out to a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free and confidential case review.
