DWI Attorney in Meramec, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Meramec, 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 opportunities. If you have been arrested for DWI in Meramec, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you deserve the expertise of a seasoned Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney fighting for you.
Our knowledgeable Meramec, MO criminal defense attorneys are dedicated 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 Meramec, MO, arrange a lesser penalty through a plea bargain, or fight your conviction in a trial.
Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our DWI attorneys in Meramec, MO so that you can discuss the specific circumstances of your case and get confidential legal advice and guidance.
DWI Attorney in Meramec, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Legal Team
Whatever your situation, securing top-tier legal representation in Meramec, 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 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 determined Meramec, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and potentially having your charges reduced or dismissed. Contact a Meramec, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in Meramec, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
DWI charges in Meramec, MO can result in severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Depending on your situation in Meramec, 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 Meramec, MO include:
- First Offense: You could receive a jail term of up to 6 months, 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: 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 Meramec, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in Meramec, MO
Being stopped by law enforcement in Meramec, MO can be an harrowing experience, especially if you have been partaking in alcoholic drinks. If you are pulled over for a DWI, it is vital 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 your vehicle to demonstrate you’re not a threat and are cooperative. Politely greet the police office 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 pulls you over, officers may use various investigative techniques to gather evidence against you. You are not obligated to answer questions about your whereabouts near Meramec, MO, activities, or alcohol consumption. You can always politely decline to answer 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 Meramec, 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 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: Seek an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced lawyers can help navigate the legal system and protect your rights and future. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in Meramec, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help
Facing a DWI charge in or around Meramec, MO can be overwhelming, but with the right legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing you with exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you receive a fair trial in Meramec, MO and the best possible outcome. Our firm offers:
A Meramec, 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 Meramec, MO and throughout Missouri. We are adept at managing the complexities of DWI charges just like yours, and have had numerous successful results defending Meramec, MO clients against these types of charges. Our record of success speaks for itself, and we are dedicated to total client satisfaction.
An Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Skilled DWI Attorney in Meramec, MO
We begin with a in-depth, no-obligation, free consultation to understand the details of your case. This allows our skilled team in Meramec, MO to assess the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore possible defense strategies tailored to your circumstances.
Personalized Defense Strategies From a Meramec, MO DWI Attorney
Every Meramec, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach just won’t cut it. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys craft a tailored defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in Meramec, MO. Our lawyers investigate every angle of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the actual arrest. We scrutinize the validity of the stop and the procedures followed by law enforcement.
A Meramec, 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 might be mitigating circumstances that could be used to your advantage. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our Meramec, MO-area clients.
Court Representation From a Meramec, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
If your Meramec, MO DWI case proceeds to trial, our attorneys provide vigorous representation in court, presenting compelling arguments on your behalf. We present supporting evidence and testimony, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and cross-examine witnesses. 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 Meramec, MO.
When you’re charged with a DWI in or around Meramec, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading DWI attorney in Meramec, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing 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 Meramec, 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 Meramec, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte
If you’re facing a DWI charge in Meramec, MO, 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 Meramec, MO.
Take the crucial first step in protecting your freedom, finances, and future in the Meramec, MO area by calling a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for a free and confidential case review.
