Richmond, MO

DWI Attorney in Richmond, MO. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges in Richmond, 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 Richmond, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, you should have the expertise of a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney fighting for you.

Our experienced Richmond, MO criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to providing you with the strongest possible defense, making sure your rights are protected every step of the way. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a talented DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges in Richmond, MO, negotiate a lesser penalty through a plea bargain, or fight your conviction in a trial.

Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our DWI attorneys in Richmond, MO so that you can have a discussion about the specifics of your case and receive expert legal advice and guidance.

DWI Attorney in Richmond, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Legal Team

No matter your situation, procuring the best legal representation throughout the Richmond, MO area is vital. 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 expertise of Combs Waterkotte immediately.

Hiring a determined Richmond, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and possibly having your charges reduced or dismissed. Call a DWI attorney in Richmond, MO right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

DWI Attorney in Richmond, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri

Richmond, MO DWI charges can carry serious penalties, such as fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Richmond, 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 Richmond, MO include:

• First Offense: You could receive a jail term of up to 6 months, fines 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: 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.

DWI Attorney in Richmond, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in Richmond, MO

Being pulled over by law enforcement at any time in Richmond, MO can be a frightening experience, but particularly so if you’ve been drinking. If you find yourself stopped for a DWI, it is crucial to handle the situation carefully. Here are the steps you should follow according to the Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys:

• Stay 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. 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’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. 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 Richmond, 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 would rather not answer without legal advice.”
• Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in Richmond, 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 portable tests are unreliable and, like FSTs, are used primarily to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
• Call a DWI Attorney as Soon as Possible: 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 legal team can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights and future. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

DWI Attorney in Richmond, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help

While facing a DWI charge in the Richmond, MO area is certainly daunting, with the ideal legal representation you can be in a far better scenario than going solo. Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing you with exceptional DWI defense services, ensuring you receive a fair trial in Richmond, MO and the best possible outcome. Our firm provides:

A Richmond, MO DWI Attorney With Extensive Experience & Expertise

The DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a deep understanding of the DWI laws in Richmond, 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 had numerous successful results defending Richmond, MO clients against these accusations. Our record of success speaks for itself, and we are dedicated to total client satisfaction.

Comprehensive Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Talented Richmond, MO DWI Attorney

We begin with a in-depth, no-obligation, free case review to understand the details of your Richmond, MO case. This allows our proficient team in Richmond, MO to assess the evidence against you and identify potential weaknesses or holes in the case, along with likely avenues for defense strategies.

A Richmond, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence

Every Richmond, MO DWI case is unique and a one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys build a tailored defense strategy based on your specific circumstances in Richmond, 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 Richmond, 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 may also be mitigating factors that could be used in your defense. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our Richmond, MO-area clients.

Expert Court Representation From a Richmond, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience

Should your Richmond, MO DWI case proceed to trail, our attorneys provide robust representation in court, delivering a compelling defense strategy 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 minimize any potential penalties in Richmond, MO.

When you are facing a DWI charge in or around Richmond, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal DWI attorney in Richmond, 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 offers expertise in the following areas for Richmond, 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

Reach Out to the Leading Richmond, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte

Facing a DWI charge in the Richmond, MO area? Don’t leave your future to chance. Place it in the trustworthy hands of the tenacious and experienced DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our lawyers are ready to fight for you and your rights, and provide the aggressive defense you need in Richmond, MO.

Take the first step in protecting your freedom, finances, and future in the Richmond, MO area by reaching out to a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free and confidential case review.