DWI Attorney in Sedalia, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Sedalia, MO can have serious and enduring, if not permanent, consequences on your life, affecting your freedom, finances, and your future housing, career, and personal opportunities. If you are facing these charges in Sedalia, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, you should have the expertise of a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney by your side.
Our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Sedalia, MO are devoted to offering you the best possible defense, safeguarding your rights every step of the way. Depending on the specifics of your case, a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney may be able to get your charges in Sedalia, MO reduced or even dropped, negotiate a lesser penalty through a plea bargain, or fight your conviction in a trial.
Give Combs Waterkotte a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our Sedalia, MO DWI attorneys so that you can discuss the specifics of your case and get confidential legal advice and guidance.
DWI Attorney in Sedalia, MO: Protect Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers
Regardless of your scenario, you need the best legal representation available in Sedalia, MO. Whether you’ve been charged with your first DWI or your third, have been charged with driving under the influence of marijuana or another intoxicating substance, or have been involved in an accident while driving impaired, you need the help of Combs Waterkotte immediately.
Hiring an aggressive Sedalia, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and potentially having your charges reduced or dismissed. Call a DWI attorney in Sedalia, MO right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in Sedalia, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
DWI charges in Sedalia, MO can result in severe consequences, such as fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Sedalia, MO case, to enroll in and complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) program and be responsible for filing SR-22 insurance.
Penalties for DWI in Sedalia, 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, so you could face up to 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, along with the suspension of your license.
DWI Attorney in Sedalia, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in Sedalia, MO
Being stopped by law enforcement at any time in Sedalia, MO can be a frightening experience, but especially so if you’ve been partaking in alcoholic drinks. If you are pulled over 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: Pull over safely to the side of the road, signaling as you do so, finding a safe, well-lit spot. Keep your composure by taking deep breaths to remain calm throughout the interaction with the 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 officer 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 may use various investigative techniques to gather evidence against you. You don’t have to answer questions about where you’ve been in the Sedalia, MO area, what you have been doing, or whatever it is you’ve been drinking. You can always 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 Sedalia, 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 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: Seek an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, such as the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our knowledgeable lawyers can help navigate the legal system and protect your rights and future. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in Sedalia, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense
Facing a DWI charge in Sedalia, MO can be overwhelming, but with the right legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. Combs Waterkotte is committed to offering exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you get a fair trial and the best possible outcome in Sedalia, MO. Our firm offers:
Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our Sedalia, MO DWI Attorney
The DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a comprehensive understanding of the DWI laws in Sedalia, MO and throughout Missouri, with over 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense. We are adept at managing the complexities of DWI charges just like yours, and have had numerous successful results defending Sedalia, MO clients 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 Talented DWI Attorney in Sedalia, MO
We begin with a detailed, no-strings-attached, free consultation to understand the details of your Sedalia, MO case. This allows our skilled team in Sedalia, MO to evaluate the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore potential defense strategies tailored to your situation.
A Sedalia, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence
Every Sedalia, MO DWI case is unique and a one-size-fits-all approach won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys craft a customized defense strategy based on your specific circumstances in Sedalia, MO. Our lawyers investigate every aspect 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.
Skilled Plea Bargain Negotiations From Our Sedalia, MO DWI Attorney
If dismissal of your case is unlikely, we work to negotiate plea bargains that can your charges and penalties. There may also be mitigating circumstances that could be used to your advantage. We always aim for the most favorable outcome for our clients in the Sedalia, MO area.
Court Representation From a Sedalia, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
Should your Sedalia, MO DWI case proceed to trail, our attorneys provide robust representation in court, delivering 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 Sedalia, MO.
When you are charged with a DWI in or around Sedalia, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading DWI attorney in Sedalia, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting 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 residents in Sedalia and beyond:
- 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 Sedalia, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing a DWI charge in Sedalia, 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 Sedalia, MO.
Take the first step in protecting your freedom, finances, and future in the Sedalia, MO area by calling a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.
