DWI Attorney in Crawford County, MO. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges in Crawford County, MO can have major and enduring, if not permanent, consequences on your life, affecting your freedom, finances, and your future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you are facing these charges in Crawford County, 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 Crawford County, MO are devoted to offering you the strongest possible defense, safeguarding your rights 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 Crawford County, MO reduced or even dropped, negotiate a lesser punishment through a plea bargain, or fight your conviction in a trial.
Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review with one of our Crawford County, MO DWI attorneys where you can have a discussion about the specific circumstances of your case and receive confidential legal advice and guidance.
DWI Attorney in Crawford County, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers
Whatever your scenario, you need the best legal representation available in Crawford County, MO. Whether you’re facing your first DWI charge or your third, have been charged with driving while intoxicated 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 Crawford County, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and potentially having your charges reduced or even dismissed. Call a DWI attorney in Crawford County, MO right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in Crawford County, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
DWI charges in Crawford County, MO can carry serious penalties, like fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Crawford 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 Crawford County, MO amount to:
- First Offense: Penalties may include up to 6 months in jail, 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 Crawford County, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in Crawford County, MO
Being stopped by law enforcement at any time in Crawford County, MO can be a frightening experience, but especially so if you’ve been drinking. If you are pulled over for a DWI, it is crucial to handle the situation with care. 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. Maintain your composure by taking deep breaths to remain calm throughout the interaction with the police officer.
- Keep Your Hands Visible and Be Polite: Keep your hands on the steering wheel as the officer approaches your vehicle to demonstrate you’re not a threat and are 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. After all, 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 Crawford County, MO area, what you have been doing, or whatever it is you’ve been drinking. You can politely decline to answer 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 Crawford County, MO, or anywhere else. These tests are subjective and often only used to establish probable cause for your arrest. An officer may ask you to 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 Immediately: It is crucial to consult with an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, such as the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced legal team can help navigate the legal system and protect your rights and future. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in Crawford County, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help
Facing a DWI charge in Crawford County, MO can be overwhelming, but with the right legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing you with exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you get a fair trial in Crawford County, MO and the best possible outcome. Our firm offers:
A Crawford County, MO DWI Attorney With Extensive Experience & Expertise
The DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a comprehensive understanding of the DWI laws in Crawford County, MO and throughout Missouri, with more than 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense. We are adept at managing the complexities of DWI charges just like yours, and have successfully defended numerous clients in the Crawford County, 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 Talented Crawford County, MO DWI Attorney
We begin with a thorough, no-strings-attached, free case review to understand the details of your Crawford County, MO case. This allows our proficient team in Crawford County, MO to evaluate the evidence against you and identify potential weaknesses or holes in the case, as well as likely avenues for defense strategies.
Personalized Defense Strategies From a Crawford County, MO DWI Attorney
Every Crawford County, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach simply won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys craft a tailored defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in Crawford County, MO. Our lawyers investigate every aspect of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the actual arrest. We scrutinize the validity of the stop and the procedures followed by law enforcement.
A Crawford 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 might be mitigating factors that could be used in your defense. We always aim for the most favorable outcome for our Crawford County, MO-area clients.
Expert Court Representation From a Crawford County, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
If your Crawford County, MO DWI case goes to trial, our attorneys provide vigorous 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, aiming to secure a not guilty verdict and/or minimize any potential penalties in Crawford County, MO.
When you are facing a DWI charge in or around Crawford County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal DWI attorney in Crawford County, 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 residents in Crawford 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
Connect With the Premier Crawford County, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte
Facing a DWI charge in the Crawford County, MO area? Do not leave your future to chance. Leave it to the skilled and tenacious DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our lawyers are ready to fight for you and your rights, and provide the aggressive defense you need in Crawford County, MO.
Take the crucial first step toward protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the Crawford County, MO area by calling a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.
