DWI Attorney in Putnam County, MO. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges in Putnam County, MO can have major and long-lasting, if not permanent, implications on your life, affecting your freedom, finances, and your future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you have been arrested for DWI in Putnam County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need the expertise of a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney in your corner.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Putnam County, MO are committed to providing you with the best possible defense, safeguarding your rights every step of the way. Depending on the specifics of your case, a skilled DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges in Putnam County, MO, negotiate a lesser punishment through a plea bargain, or contest your conviction in court.
Give Combs Waterkotte a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our Putnam County, MO DWI attorneys where you can speak about the specifics of your case and receive expert legal advice.
DWI Attorney in Putnam County, MO: Protect Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers
Regardless of the situation, procuring the best legal representation throughout the Putnam County, MO area is vital. Whether you’re facing your first DWI charge or your third, have been charged with 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 away.
Hiring a tenacious Putnam County, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and possibly having your charges reduced or even dismissed. Contact a Putnam County, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in Putnam County, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
DWI charges in Putnam County, MO can result in severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Putnam County, 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 Putnam County, MO include:
- 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: 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: 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.
Putnam County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Putnam County and Missouri.
DWI Attorney in Putnam County, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in the Putnam County, MO Area
Being pulled over by law enforcement in Putnam County, MO can be an intimidating experience, especially if you have been drinking. If you are pulled over for a DWI, it is vital to handle the situation with care. Here are the 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, taking deep breaths in order to stay calm throughout the interaction with law enforcement.
- 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. 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 Putnam County, MO area, what you have been doing, or whatever it is you’ve been drinking. You can politely decline to answer 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 Putnam 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 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.
- Reach Out to a DWI Attorney Immediately: It is critical to seek the advice of an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our knowledgeable lawyers can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights and future. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in Putnam County, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense
While facing a DWI charge in Putnam County, MO is certainly daunting, with the right legal representation you can be in a far better scenario than going it alone. Combs Waterkotte is devoted to providing you with exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you receive a fair trial and the best possible outcome in Putnam County, MO. Our firm provides:
Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our Putnam County, MO DWI Attorney
The DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a comprehensive understanding of the DWI laws in Putnam County, MO and throughout Missouri, with more than 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense. We have the capability to handle the intricacies of DWI charges just like yours, and have successfully defended numerous clients in the Putnam County, MO area against these types of charges. We are committed to complete client satisfaction, and our record of success speaks for itself.
An Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Skilled DWI Attorney in Putnam County, MO
We begin with a in-depth, no-obligation, free consultation to understand the details of your case. This allows our proficient team in Putnam County, MO to evaluate the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore potential defense strategies tailored to your circumstances.
Personalized Defense Strategies From a Putnam County, MO DWI Attorney
Every Putnam County, MO DWI case is unique and a one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys develop a customized defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in Putnam County, MO. Our lawyers investigate every aspect of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the arrest, closely examining the legality of the stop and the procedures followed by law enforcement.
A Putnam County, MO DWI Attorney Who is Adept at Negotiating Plea Bargains
If dismissal of your case is unlikely, we work to negotiate plea bargains that can your 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 Putnam County, MO-area clients.
Expert Court Representation From a Putnam County, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
If your Putnam County, MO DWI case goes to trial, our attorneys provide robust representation in court, delivering a compelling defense strategy 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, aiming to secure a not guilty verdict and/or minimize any potential penalties in Putnam County, MO.
When you are charged with a DWI in or around Putnam County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the best DWI attorney in Putnam County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re 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 Putnam County, MO residents:
- 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
- Criminal Lawyer
Contact the Ideal Putnam County, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing a DWI charge in Putnam County, MO, don’t leave your future to chance. Trust the experienced and determined DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our legal team is prepared to defend you and safeguard your rights with the aggressive representation you need in Putnam County, MO.
Take the first step in protecting your freedom, finances, and future in the Putnam County, MO area by calling a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for a free and confidential consultation.