DWI Attorney in Lexington, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Lexington, MO can have serious and long-lasting, if not permanent, consequences on your life, affecting your freedom, finances, and any future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you have been arrested for DWI in Lexington, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, you need the expertise of a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney by your side.
Our knowledgeable Lexington, 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 get your charges in Lexington, MO reduced or even dropped, arrange a lesser penalty through a plea bargain, or contest 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 Lexington, MO DWI attorneys where you can have a discussion about the specifics of your case and get confidential legal advice and guidance.
DWI Attorney in Lexington, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Legal Team
No matter the scenario, procuring the best legal representation throughout the Lexington, MO area is vital. 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 the help of Combs Waterkotte right now.
Hiring a tenacious Lexington, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and potentially having your charges reduced or dismissed. Contact a Lexington, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.
DWI Attorney in Lexington, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
DWI charges in Lexington, MO can carry serious penalties, such as fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Lexington, MO case, to enroll in and complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) program, as well as being responsible for filing SR-22 insurance.
Penalties for DWI in Lexington, 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: 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: 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, along with the suspension of your license.
DWI Attorney in Lexington, MO: What You Should Do If Pulled Over in the Lexington, MO Area
Being stopped by law enforcement in Lexington, MO can be an harrowing experience, particularly if you have been imbibing. If you find yourself stopped for a DWI, it is crucial to handle the situation carefully. 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 area. Maintain your composure, taking deep breaths in order to stay 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’re 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. 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 Lexington, 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’d rather not answer without legal advice.”
- Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in Lexington, 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 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, such as the expert DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced legal team can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights and future. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.
DWI Attorney in Lexington, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense
Facing a DWI charge in Lexington, 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, making sure you get a fair trial and the best possible outcome in Lexington, MO. We provide:
A Lexington, MO DWI Attorney With Extensive Experience & Expertise
With more than 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense, the DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a deep understanding of the DWI laws in Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO area against these types of charges. Our record of success speaks for itself, and we are dedicated to total client satisfaction.
Comprehensive Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Skilled Lexington, MO DWI Attorney
We begin with a detailed, no-obligation, free case review to understand the specifics of your Lexington, MO case. This allows our talented team in Lexington, MO to assess the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore potential defense strategies tailored to your situation.
Personalized Defense Strategies From a Lexington, MO DWI Attorney
Every Lexington, MO DWI case is unique and a one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys develop a tailored defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in Lexington, MO. Our attorneys investigate every aspect of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the actual arrest. We scrutinize the legality of the stop and the procedures followed by law enforcement.
A Lexington, MO DWI Attorney Who is Skilled in 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. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our clients in and around Lexington, MO.
Expert Court Representation From a Lexington, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
Should your Lexington, MO DWI case go to trail, our attorneys provide robust 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 primary objective is to establish reasonable doubt in the prosecution’s case, aiming to secure a not guilty verdict and/or reduce any potential penalties in Lexington, MO.
When you’re charged with a DWI in or around Lexington, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal DWI attorney in Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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
Connect With the Premier Lexington, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte
Facing a DWI charge in the Lexington, 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 safeguard your rights with the aggressive representation you need in Lexington, MO.
Take the first step in protecting your freedom, finances, and future in the Lexington, 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.
