DWI Attorney in Fulton, MO. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges in Fulton, MO can have major and long-lasting, 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 Fulton, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, you deserve the expertise of a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney in your corner.
Our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Fulton, MO are committed to providing you with the best possible defense, ensuring your rights are upheld at every stage. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges in Fulton, MO, arrange a lesser punishment via a plea bargain, or fight your conviction in court.
Give Combs Waterkotte a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free, no-obligation case review with one of our DWI attorneys in Fulton, MO where you can discuss the specifics of your case and get expert legal advice.
DWI Attorney in Fulton, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers
Regardless of your scenario, you need the best legal representation available in Fulton, MO. Whether you’ve been charged with your first DWI or your third, have been arrested for driving under the influence of marijuana or some other intoxicating substance, or have been involved in an accident while driving impaired, you need expert assistance from Combs Waterkotte right away.
Hiring a determined Fulton, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and possibly having your charges reduced or dismissed. Contact a Fulton, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in Fulton, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
DWI charges in Fulton, MO can result in severe consequences, such as fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Depending on your situation in Fulton, MO, you may be required to complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) program and be responsible for filing SR-22 insurance.
The penalties for DWI in Fulton, 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, 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 Fulton, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in Fulton, MO
Being stopped by law enforcement in Fulton, MO can be an intimidating experience, especially if you have been drinking. If you are pulled over for a DWI, it is vital to handle the situation carefully. Here are the steps recommended by the Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys:
- Stay 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 area. Maintain your composure by taking deep breaths to remain calm throughout the interaction with the officer.
- Keep Your Hands Visible and Be Polite: Place your hands on the steering wheel as the officer approaches, showing you’re 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 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 don’t have to answer questions about where you’ve been in the Fulton, 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 counsel.”
- Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in Fulton, 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 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 used primarily to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
- Call a DWI Attorney as Soon as Possible: Seek 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. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in Fulton, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help
While facing a DWI charge in Fulton, MO is certainly daunting, with the right legal representation you can be in a far better scenario than going it alone. Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to providing you with exceptional DWI defense services, ensuring you receive a fair trial in Fulton, MO and the best possible outcome. We provide:
A Fulton, MO DWI Attorney With Extensive Experience & Expertise
With over 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense, the DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a deep understanding of the DWI laws in Fulton, MO and throughout Missouri. We have the capability to handle the intricacies of DWI charges just like yours, and have successfully defended numerous clients in the Fulton, MO area against these types of charges. Our record of success speaks for itself, and we are devoted to total client satisfaction.
An Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Skilled Fulton, MO DWI Attorney
We begin with a detailed, no-obligation, free consultation to understand the details of your case. This allows our skilled team in Fulton, MO to evaluate the evidence against you and identify possible weaknesses or holes in the case, as well as likely avenues for defense strategies.
Personalized Defense Strategies From a Fulton, MO DWI Attorney
Every Fulton, MO DWI case is unique and a one-size-fits-all approach just won’t cut it. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys craft a personalized defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in Fulton, MO. Our lawyers meticulously investigate every aspect of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the arrest, closely examining the legality of the stop and the procedures followed by law enforcement.
Skilled Plea Bargain Negotiations From Our Fulton, MO DWI Attorney
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. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our clients in the Fulton, MO area.
Court Representation From a Fulton, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
Should your Fulton, MO DWI case proceed to trail, our attorneys provide vigorous representation in court, delivering a compelling defense strategy 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 Fulton, MO.
When you’re charged with a DWI in or around Fulton, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal DWI attorney in Fulton, MO and throughout Missouri – you are 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 Fulton 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 Fulton, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte
Facing a DWI charge in the Fulton, MO area? Do not 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 Fulton, MO.
Take the crucial first step in protecting your freedom, finances, and future in the Fulton, MO area by calling a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for a free and confidential case review.
