DWI Attorney in Jefferson County, MO. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges in Jefferson County, MO can have severe and enduring, if not permanent, implications on your life, including your freedom, finances, and any future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you are facing these charges in Jefferson County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you should have the expertise of a seasoned Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney fighting for you.
Our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Jefferson County, MO are committed to offering you the strongest possible defense, making sure your rights are protected every step of the way. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges in Jefferson County, MO, negotiate a lesser punishment via a plea bargain, or contest your conviction in court.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our DWI attorneys in Jefferson County, MO so that you can have a discussion about the specifics of your case and receive confidential legal advice.
DWI Attorney in Jefferson County, MO: Protect Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers
Regardless of your situation, securing top-tier legal representation in Jefferson County, 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 the expertise of Combs Waterkotte right now.
Hiring an aggressive Jefferson County, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and possibly having your charges reduced or even dismissed. Call a DWI attorney in Jefferson County, MO right away at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.
DWI Attorney in Jefferson County, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
Jefferson County, MO DWI charges can carry serious penalties, like fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Depending on your situation in Jefferson County, MO, you may be required to complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) and file for SR-22 insurance.
The penalties for DWI in Jefferson County, MO include:
- 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: 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: 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, as well as the suspension of your license.
DWI Attorney in Jefferson County, MO: What You Should Do If Pulled Over in Jefferson County, MO
Being stopped by law enforcement at any time in Jefferson County, MO can be a frightening experience, but particularly so if you’ve 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:
- 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 the police 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 police office 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 Jefferson County, 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 Jefferson 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 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 used primarily to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
- Reach Out to a DWI Attorney as Soon as Possible: It is crucial to consult with an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced lawyers can guide you through the legal process and safeguard your rights and future. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in Jefferson County, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help
Facing a DWI charge in or around Jefferson County, 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 get a fair trial and the best possible outcome in Jefferson County, MO. Our firm offers:
Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our Jefferson County, MO DWI Attorney
The DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a comprehensive understanding of the DWI laws in Jefferson County, 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 successfully defended numerous clients in the Jefferson County, MO area 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 Jefferson County, MO DWI Attorney
We start with a detailed, no-obligation, free case review to understand the details of your Jefferson County, MO case. This allows our proficient team in Jefferson County, MO to evaluate the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore possible defense strategies tailored to your circumstances.
A Jefferson County, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence
Each Jefferson County, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach simply won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys develop a tailored defense strategy based on your specific circumstances in Jefferson County, 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 Jefferson County, MO DWI Attorney
If dismissal of your case is unlikely, we work to negotiate plea bargains that can your charges and penalties. There may also be mitigating factors that could be used to your advantage. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our Jefferson County, MO-area clients.
Expert Court Representation From a Jefferson County, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
Should your Jefferson County, MO DWI case proceed to trail, our attorneys provide robust representation in court, delivering a compelling defense strategy 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 Jefferson County, MO.
When you’re charged with a DWI in or around Jefferson County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the best DWI attorney in Jefferson County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with DWI defense from our esteemed DWI attorney, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Jefferson County, 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
Reach Out to the Leading Jefferson County, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte
Facing a DWI charge in the Jefferson County, MO area? Don’t leave your future to chance. Trust the experienced and determined DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our lawyers are ready to fight for you and your rights, and provide the aggressive defense you need in Jefferson County, MO.
Take the first step toward protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the Jefferson County, MO area by reaching out to a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for a free and confidential consultation.
