DWI Attorney in Madison County, MO. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges in Madison County, MO can have severe and long-lasting, if not permanent, implications on your life, including your freedom, finances, and your future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you are facing these charges in Madison County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you deserve the expertise of a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney by your side.
Our experienced Madison County, MO criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to providing you with the strongest possible defense, ensuring your rights are upheld at every stage. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney may be able to get your charges in Madison County, MO reduced or even dropped, arrange a lesser penalty via a plea bargain, or fight your conviction in court.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our DWI attorneys in Madison County, MO so that you can have a discussion about the specifics of your case and receive expert legal advice and guidance.
DWI Attorney in Madison County, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Legal Team
Regardless of your scenario, securing top-tier legal representation in Madison County, MO is crucial. Whether you’re facing your first DWI charge 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 determined Madison County, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between possibly feeling like you have to plead guilty and possibly having your charges reduced or even dismissed. Contact a Madison County, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in Madison County, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
Madison County, MO DWI charges can result in severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Depending on your situation in Madison County, MO, you may be required to complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) program and be responsible for filing SR-22 insurance.
Penalties for DWI in Madison County, 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.
Madison County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Madison County and Missouri.
DWI Attorney in Madison County, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in the Madison County, MO Area
Being stopped by law enforcement in Madison County, MO can be an intimidating experience, particularly if you have been imbibing. If you are pulled over for a DWI, it is crucial to handle the situation carefully. The following are steps you should follow according to 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 area. Maintain your composure by taking deep breaths to remain 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, as this can positively influence the encounter.
- Limit Your Conversation: Avoid self-incrimination. After all, 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 Madison County, MO area, what you have been doing, or whatever it is you’ve been drinking. You can 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 Madison County, MO, or anywhere else for that matter, as they are subjective and typically used only to establish probable cause to arrest you. An officer may ask you to 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 only used to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
- Contact a DWI Attorney as Soon as Possible: It is critical to seek the advice of an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, such as the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced lawyers can help navigate the legal system and safeguard your rights and future. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in Madison County, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense
Facing a DWI charge in Madison County, MO can be overwhelming, but with the best legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. Combs Waterkotte is committed to offering exceptional DWI defense services, ensuring you receive a fair trial in Madison County, MO and the best possible outcome. Our firm offers:
A Madison County, MO DWI Attorney With Extensive Experience & Expertise
The DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a comprehensive understanding of the DWI laws in Madison County, MO and throughout Missouri, with more than 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense. We are adept at managing the complexities of DWI charges just like yours, and have had numerous successful results defending Madison County, MO clients against these types of charges. We are committed to complete client satisfaction, and our record of success speaks for itself.
Comprehensive Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Skilled DWI Attorney in Madison County, MO
We begin with a detailed, no-obligation, free consultation to understand the specifics of your Madison County, MO case. This allows our proficient team in Madison County, MO to assess the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore possible defense strategies tailored to your circumstances.
A Madison County, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence
Each Madison County, MO DWI case is unique and a one-size-fits-all approach just won’t cut it. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys develop a personalized defense strategy based on your specific circumstances in Madison County, MO. Our attorneys meticulously investigate every angle of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the arrest, closely examining the validity of the stop and the procedures followed by law enforcement.
A Madison County, MO DWI Attorney Who is Skilled in Negotiating Plea Bargains
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 in your defense. We always aim for the most favorable outcome for our clients in the Madison County, MO area.
Court Representation From a Madison County, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
If your Madison County, MO DWI case goes to trial, 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, securing a verdict of not guilty and/or minimizing the possibility of penalties imposed in Madison County, MO.
When you are charged with a DWI in or around Madison County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal DWI attorney in Madison County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re 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 Madison County, 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
Reach Out to the Leading Madison County, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing a DWI charge in Madison County, MO, don’t 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 Madison County, MO.
Take the first step in protecting your freedom, finances, and future in the Madison County, 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 consultation.