DWI Attorney in Cole County, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Cole County, MO can have serious and long-lasting, if not permanent, consequences on your life, including your freedom, finances, and your future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you are facing these charges in Cole County, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, you deserve the expertise of a seasoned Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney by your side.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Cole County, MO are devoted to offering you the best possible defense, making sure your rights are protected every step of the way. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a talented DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges in Cole County, MO, negotiate a lesser penalty through a plea bargain, or contest your conviction in a trial.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our Cole County, MO DWI attorneys so that you can discuss the specific circumstances of your case and receive expert legal advice.
DWI Attorney in Cole County, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers
Whatever the situation, you need the best legal representation available in Cole County, MO. 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 another intoxicating substance, or have been involved in an accident while driving impaired, you need the expertise of Combs Waterkotte right away.
Hiring a determined Cole County, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and possibly having your charges reduced or even dismissed. Contact a Cole County, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in Cole County, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
DWI charges in Cole County, MO can carry serious penalties, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Depending on your situation in Cole County, MO, you may be required to complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) and file for SR-22 insurance.
Penalties for DWI in Cole County, 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: 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, penalties can include 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, as well as the suspension of your license.
DWI Attorney in Cole County, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in Cole County, MO
Being pulled over by law enforcement at any time in Cole County, MO can be a frightening experience, but particularly so if you’ve been drinking. If you find yourself stopped for a DWI, it is crucial 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: Keep your hands on the steering wheel as the officer approaches your vehicle to demonstrate you are not a threat and are 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 may use various investigative techniques to gather evidence against you. You are not obligated to answer questions about your whereabouts near Cole County, MO, activities, or alcohol consumption. You can 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 Cole 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 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.
- Reach Out to a DWI Attorney as Soon as Possible: It is crucial to consult with 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 safeguard your rights and future. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.
DWI Attorney in Cole County, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help
Facing a DWI charge in or around Cole County, MO can be overwhelming, but with the best legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. 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 Cole County, MO. Our firm provides:
A Cole County, MO DWI Attorney With Extensive Experience & Expertise
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 Cole County, 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 Cole 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 Talented Cole County, MO DWI Attorney
We start with a thorough, no-strings-attached, free consultation to understand the specifics of your Cole County, MO case. This allows our talented team in Cole County, MO to assess the evidence against you and identify potential weaknesses or holes in the case, along with likely avenues for defense strategies.
Personalized Defense Strategies From a Cole County, MO DWI Attorney
Every Cole County, MO DWI case is unique and a one-size-fits-all approach just won’t cut it. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys develop a tailored defense strategy based on your specific circumstances in Cole County, 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 Cole 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 to your advantage. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our clients in the Cole County, MO area.
Expert Court Representation From a Cole County, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
Should your Cole County, MO DWI case proceed to trail, our attorneys provide robust representation in court, presenting a compelling defense strategy 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, securing a verdict of not guilty and/or lessening the possibility of penalties imposed in Cole County, MO.
When you’re facing a DWI charge in or around Cole County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal DWI attorney in Cole 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 offers expertise in the following areas for Cole County, 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
Connect With the Premier Cole County, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte
Facing a DWI charge in the Cole County, MO area? 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 uphold your rights with the aggressive representation you need in Cole County, MO.
Take the crucial first step in protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the Cole County, MO area by calling a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.
