DWI Attorney Independence, MO

DWI Attorney in Independence, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Independence, MO can have major 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 Independence, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, you need the expertise of a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney fighting for you.

Our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Independence, MO are devoted to offering you the best possible defense, ensuring your rights are upheld at every stage. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a skilled DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges in Independence, MO, arrange a lesser punishment via a plea bargain, or fight your conviction in court.

Give Combs Waterkotte a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our Independence, MO DWI attorneys so that you can discuss the specific circumstances of your case and get expert legal advice.

DWI Attorney in Independence, MO: Protect Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers

Regardless of your situation, securing top-tier legal representation in Independence, MO is crucial. Whether you’ve been charged with your first DWI or your third, have been charged with 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 Independence, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and potentially having your charges reduced or dismissed. Contact a Independence, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

DWI Attorney in Independence, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri

DWI charges in Independence, MO can result in severe consequences, like fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Depending on your situation in Independence, 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 Independence, 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: 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, 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: A Class C felony, you will be facing a prison sentence of up to 15 years, as well as the suspension of your license.

DWI Attorney in Independence, MO: What You Should Do If Pulled Over in the Independence, MO Area

Being stopped by law enforcement in Independence, MO can be an intimidating experience, particularly if you have been imbibing. If you are pulled over for a DWI, it is essential to handle the situation carefully. The following are steps recommended by 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 spot. Maintain 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, showing you are not a threat and 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. 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 are not obligated to answer questions about your whereabouts near Independence, MO, activities, or alcohol consumption. You can always 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 Independence, 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 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 portable 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, 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 now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

DWI Attorney in Independence, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense

Facing a DWI charge in or around Independence, MO can be overwhelming, but with the best legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to offering exceptional DWI defense services, ensuring you receive a fair trial and the best possible outcome in Independence, MO. We provide:

Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our Independence, MO DWI Attorney

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 Independence, 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 Independence, MO area against these accusations. Our record of success speaks for itself, and we are dedicated to total client satisfaction.

An Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Talented DWI Attorney in Independence, MO

We begin with a detailed, confidential, free consultation to understand the specifics of your case. This allows our talented team in Independence, MO to assess the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore potential defense strategies tailored to your circumstances.

Personalized Defense Strategies From a Independence, MO DWI Attorney

Each Independence, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach simply won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys develop a personalized defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in Independence, MO. Our attorneys meticulously investigate every angle 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 Independence, MO DWI Attorney

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. We always aim for the most favorable outcome for our clients in the Independence, MO area.

Expert Court Representation From a Independence, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience

If your Independence, MO DWI case proceeds 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, securing a verdict of not guilty and/or minimizing the possibility of penalties imposed in Independence, MO.

When you’re facing a DWI charge in or around Independence, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the best DWI attorney in Independence, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to DWI defense from our esteemed DWI attorney, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Independence and beyond:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney

Contact the Ideal Independence, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte

Facing a DWI charge in the Independence, MO area? 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 Independence, MO.

Take the first step toward protecting your freedom, finances, and future in the Independence, 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.