DWI Attorney in Ozark, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Ozark, MO can have major and enduring, if not permanent, consequences on your life, affecting your freedom, finances, and any future housing, career, and personal opportunities. If you are facing these charges in Ozark, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, you should have the expertise of a seasoned Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney fighting for you.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Ozark, MO are dedicated to offering you the best possible defense, safeguarding your rights every step of the way. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges in Ozark, MO, arrange a lesser punishment 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 consultation with one of our Ozark, MO DWI attorneys where you can speak about the specifics of your case and receive confidential legal advice and guidance.
DWI Attorney in Ozark, MO: Protect Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Legal Team
No matter your situation, procuring the best legal representation throughout the Ozark, 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 another intoxicating substance, or have been involved in an accident while driving impaired, you need expert assistance from Combs Waterkotte right now.
Hiring an aggressive Ozark, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and potentially having your charges reduced or even dismissed. Contact a Ozark, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in Ozark, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
Ozark, MO DWI charges can result in severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Ozark, MO case, to enroll in and complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) program and be responsible for filing SR-22 insurance.
The penalties for DWI in Ozark, 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: 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: Classified as 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: A Class C felony, you will be facing a prison sentence of up to 15 years, as well as the suspension of your license.
Christian County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Christian County and Missouri.
DWI Attorney in Ozark, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in the Ozark, MO Area
Being stopped by law enforcement in Ozark, MO can be an harrowing experience, especially if you have been drinking. If you find yourself stopped for a DWI, it is essential to handle the situation with care. The following are steps you should follow according to 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 area. Keep 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 are 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 or long-winded conversations. 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 don’t have to answer questions about where you’ve been in the Ozark, 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 Ozark, 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 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 crucial to consult with an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, such as the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced lawyers can guide you through the legal process and safeguard your rights and future. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in Ozark, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help
While facing a DWI charge in Ozark, MO is certainly daunting, with the ideal legal representation you can be in a far better situation than going solo. Combs Waterkotte is devoted to offering exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you get a fair trial in Ozark, MO and the best possible outcome. We provide:
Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our Ozark, MO DWI Attorney
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 Ozark, MO and throughout Missouri. We are adept at managing the complexities of DWI charges just like yours, and have had numerous successful results defending Ozark, MO clients 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 DWI Attorney in Ozark, MO
We start with a detailed, no-obligation, free case review to understand the details of your case. This allows our talented team in Ozark, MO to evaluate 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 Ozark, MO DWI Attorney
Each Ozark, MO DWI case is unique and a one-size-fits-all approach won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys build a personalized defense strategy based on your specific circumstances in Ozark, 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.
A Ozark, 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 in your defense. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our clients in the Ozark, MO area.
Court Representation From a Ozark, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
If your Ozark, MO DWI case goes to trial, our attorneys provide robust representation in court, presenting 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 reduce any potential penalties in Ozark, MO.
When you’re facing a DWI charge in or around Ozark, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the leading DWI attorney in Ozark, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing 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 Ozark, 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 Ozark, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte
If you’re facing a DWI charge in Ozark, MO, don’t leave your future to chance. Place it in the trustworthy hands of the tenacious and experienced DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our legal team is prepared to defend you and safeguard your rights with the aggressive representation you need in Ozark, MO.
Take the first step toward protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the Ozark, 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.