DWI Attorney in Ferguson, MO. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges in Ferguson, MO can have major and enduring, if not permanent, consequences on your life, affecting your freedom, finances, and any future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you are facing these charges in Ferguson, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you should have the expertise of a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney in your corner.
Our knowledgeable Ferguson, MO criminal defense attorneys are devoted to providing you with the best possible defense, making sure your rights are protected every step of the way. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges in Ferguson, MO, arrange a lesser punishment via a plea bargain, or fight your conviction in court.
Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free, no-obligation case review with one of our Ferguson, MO DWI attorneys where you can have a discussion about the specifics of your case and get expert legal advice and guidance.
DWI Attorney in Ferguson, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers
Regardless of your situation, securing top-tier legal representation in Ferguson, 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 away.
Hiring a tenacious Ferguson, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and potentially having your charges reduced or dismissed. Contact a Ferguson, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in Ferguson, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
DWI charges in Ferguson, MO can result in severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Ferguson, MO case, to enroll in and complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) and file for SR-22 insurance.
The penalties for DWI in Ferguson, MO amount to:
- First Offense: You could receive a jail term of up to 6 months, 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.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
DWI Attorney in Ferguson, MO: What You Should Do If Pulled Over in Ferguson, MO
Being stopped by law enforcement at any time in Ferguson, MO can be a frightening experience, but especially so if you’ve been partaking in alcoholic drinks. If you are pulled over for a DWI, it is essential to handle the situation with care. The following are steps recommended by the Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys:
- Remain Calm and Compliant: Safely pull over to the side of the road, using your signal to indicate your intentions, and find 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 officer 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 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 Ferguson, 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’d rather not answer without legal advice.”
- Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in Ferguson, 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 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 used primarily to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
- Call a DWI Attorney as Soon as Possible: It is critical to seek the advice of an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the expert 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 contact us online.
DWI Attorney in Ferguson, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense
Facing a DWI charge in Ferguson, MO can be overwhelming, but with the right legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. Combs Waterkotte is devoted to providing you with exceptional DWI defense services, ensuring you receive a fair trial in Ferguson, MO and the best possible outcome. We provide:
Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our Ferguson, MO DWI Attorney
The DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a deep understanding of the DWI laws in Ferguson, 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 had numerous successful results defending Ferguson, MO clients against these accusations. We are committed to complete client satisfaction, and our record of success speaks for itself.
An Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Talented Ferguson, MO DWI Attorney
We start with a in-depth, no-obligation, free consultation to understand the details of your Ferguson, MO case. This allows our proficient team in Ferguson, MO to assess 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 Ferguson, MO DWI Attorney
Every Ferguson, MO DWI case is unique and a one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys craft a personalized defense strategy based on your specific circumstances in Ferguson, MO. Our attorneys investigate every angle 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 Ferguson, 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 Ferguson, MO area.
Court Representation From a Ferguson, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
Should your Ferguson, MO DWI case proceed to trail, our attorneys provide vigorous representation in court, delivering compelling arguments on your behalf. We cross-examine witnesses, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and present supporting evidence and testimony. Our priority is casting reasonable doubt on the prosecution’s case, aiming to secure a not guilty verdict and/or reduce any potential penalties in Ferguson, MO.
When you are charged with a DWI in or around Ferguson, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal DWI attorney in Ferguson, 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 Ferguson, MO residents:
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
Contact the Ideal Ferguson, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing a DWI charge in Ferguson, 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 uphold your rights with the aggressive representation you need in Ferguson, MO.
Take the first step toward protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the Ferguson, 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 consultation.