DWI Attorney in Columbia, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Columbia, MO can have severe and enduring, if not permanent, consequences on your life, affecting your freedom, finances, and any future housing, career, and personal opportunities. If you have been arrested for DWI in Columbia, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you should have the expertise of a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney in your corner.
Our experienced Columbia, MO criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to providing you with the best possible defense, making sure your rights are protected every step of the way. Depending on the specifics of your case, a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney may be able to get your charges in Columbia, MO reduced or even dropped, arrange a lesser punishment via a plea bargain, or contest your conviction in court.
Give Combs Waterkotte a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our Columbia, MO DWI attorneys where you can discuss the specific circumstances of your case and receive expert legal advice.
DWI Attorney in Columbia, MO: Protect Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Legal Team
No matter the situation, securing top-tier legal representation in Columbia, MO is crucial. 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 now.
Hiring a determined Columbia, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between possibly feeling like you have to plead guilty and possibly having your charges reduced or even dismissed. Call a DWI attorney in Columbia, MO right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in Columbia, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
Columbia, MO DWI charges can result in severe consequences, such as fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Depending on your situation in Columbia, MO, you may be required to complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) and file for SR-22 insurance.
Penalties for DWI in Columbia, MO amount to:
- 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: 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: 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 Columbia, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in Columbia, MO
Being stopped by law enforcement in Columbia, MO can be an harrowing experience, especially if you have been drinking. If you find yourself stopped for a DWI, it is crucial to handle the situation carefully. Here are the 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 spot. Keep your composure, taking deep breaths in order to stay 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, showing you are not a threat and cooperative. Politely greet the officer and follow their instructions, as this can positively influence the encounter.
- 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 Columbia, 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 advice.”
- Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in Columbia, MO, or anywhere else. These tests are subjective and often only used to establish probable cause for your arrest. 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 portable tests are unreliable and, like FSTs, are only used to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
- Contact a DWI Attorney Immediately: Seek an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the expert DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced lawyers can guide you through the legal process and safeguard your rights and future. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in Columbia, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help
Facing a DWI charge in or around Columbia, MO can be overwhelming, but with the right legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to providing you with exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you get a fair trial in Columbia, MO and the best possible outcome. We provide:
A Columbia, MO DWI Attorney With Extensive Experience & Expertise
The DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a comprehensive understanding of the DWI laws in Columbia, 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 successfully defended numerous clients in the Columbia, MO area against these accusations. Our record of success speaks for itself, and we are dedicated to total client satisfaction.
Comprehensive Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Skilled DWI Attorney in Columbia, MO
We begin with a in-depth, no-strings-attached, free consultation to understand the specifics of your Columbia, MO case. This allows our skilled team in Columbia, MO to assess the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore possible defense strategies tailored to your circumstances.
Personalized Defense Strategies From a Columbia, MO DWI Attorney
Every Columbia, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach just won’t cut it. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys develop a personalized defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in Columbia, MO. Our attorneys meticulously 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 Columbia, 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 factors that could be used to your advantage. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our Columbia, MO-area clients.
Expert Court Representation From a Columbia, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
Should your Columbia, MO DWI case proceed 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 primary objective is to establish reasonable doubt in the prosecution’s case, aiming to secure a not guilty verdict and/or minimize any potential penalties in Columbia, MO.
When you are charged with a DWI in or around Columbia, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading DWI attorney in Columbia, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte
If you’re facing a DWI charge in Columbia, 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 Columbia, MO.
Take the first step toward protecting your freedom, finances, and future in the Columbia, 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.
