DWI Attorney in Morgan County, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Morgan County, MO can have severe and long-lasting, if not permanent, implications on your life, including your freedom, finances, and any future housing, career, and personal opportunities. If you have been arrested for DWI in Morgan County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need the expertise of a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney by your side.
Our knowledgeable Morgan County, MO criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to offering you the strongest possible defense, safeguarding your rights every step of the way. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, a skilled DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges in Morgan County, MO, negotiate a lesser penalty through a plea bargain, or fight your conviction in court.
Give Combs Waterkotte a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our DWI attorneys in Morgan County, MO so that you can speak about the specifics of your case and receive confidential legal advice and guidance.
DWI Attorney in Morgan County, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Legal Team
No matter your situation, procuring the best legal representation throughout the Morgan County, MO area is vital. Whether you’ve been charged with your first DWI 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 expertise of Combs Waterkotte immediately.
Hiring a tenacious Morgan County, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and potentially having your charges reduced or even dismissed. Call a DWI attorney in Morgan County, MO right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in Morgan County, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
Morgan County, MO DWI charges can result in severe consequences, such as fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Morgan County, 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.
The penalties for DWI in Morgan 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: 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: 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 Morgan County, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in Morgan County, MO
Being pulled over by law enforcement at any time in Morgan County, MO can be a frightening experience, but particularly so if you’ve been partaking in alcoholic drinks. If you find yourself stopped 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: Safely pull over to the side of the road, using your signal to indicate your intentions, and find a safe, well-lit location. Maintain your composure, taking deep breaths in order to stay calm throughout the interaction with the police officer.
- 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. After all, you have the right to remain silent. Once law enforcement has you pulled 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 Morgan County, 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 counsel.”
- Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in Morgan 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 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 as Soon as Possible: It is crucial to consult with an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, such as the expert DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced lawyers can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights and future. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.
DWI Attorney in Morgan County, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense
Facing a DWI charge in or around Morgan County, MO can be overwhelming, but with the right legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to providing you with exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you get a fair trial in Morgan County, MO and the best possible outcome. Our firm provides:
Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our Morgan County, 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 Morgan County, MO and throughout Missouri. We have the capability to handle the intricacies of DWI charges just like yours, and have successfully defended numerous clients in the Morgan County, 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 Talented Morgan County, MO DWI Attorney
We start with a detailed, confidential, free consultation to understand the details of your Morgan County, MO case. This allows our proficient team in Morgan County, MO to assess the evidence against you and identify potential weaknesses or holes in the prosecution’s case, along with likely avenues for defense strategies.
A Morgan County, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence
Every Morgan 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 customized defense strategy based on your specific circumstances in Morgan County, MO. Our attorneys investigate every aspect 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.
Skilled Plea Bargain Negotiations From Our Morgan County, 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. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our clients in the Morgan County, MO area.
Expert Court Representation From a Morgan County, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
Should your Morgan County, MO DWI case proceed to trail, 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 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 Morgan County, MO.
When you are charged with a DWI in or around Morgan County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the best DWI attorney in Morgan County, 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 Morgan 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 Morgan County, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte
Facing a DWI charge in the Morgan County, MO area? Do not 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 Morgan County, MO.
Take the crucial first step in protecting your freedom, finances, and future in the Morgan County, MO area by reaching out to a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for a free and confidential consultation.
