DWI Attorney in Shelby County, MO. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges in Shelby County, MO can have major and enduring, if not permanent, consequences on your life, including your freedom, finances, and your future housing, career, and personal opportunities. If you are facing these charges in Shelby County, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, you deserve the expertise of a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney by your side.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Shelby County, MO are devoted to providing you with the strongest possible defense, ensuring your rights are upheld at every stage. Depending on the specifics of your case, a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges in Shelby County, MO, arrange a lesser punishment through a plea bargain, or contest your conviction in court.
Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free, no-obligation case review with one of our Shelby County, MO DWI attorneys where you can have a discussion about the specifics of your case and get expert legal advice and guidance.
DWI Attorney in Shelby County, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Legal Team
Regardless of the scenario, securing top-tier legal representation in Shelby County, MO is crucial. Whether you’ve been charged with your first DWI or your third, have been charged with driving while intoxicated 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 away.
Hiring a tenacious Shelby County, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and possibly having your charges reduced or dismissed. Contact a Shelby County, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in Shelby County, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
Shelby County, MO DWI charges can carry serious penalties, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO amount to:
- 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: 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, along with the suspension of your license.
DWI Attorney in Shelby County, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in the Shelby County, MO Area
Being stopped by law enforcement in Shelby County, MO can be an intimidating experience, particularly if you have been imbibing. If you find yourself stopped for a DWI, it is vital to handle the situation carefully. The following are steps you should follow according to the Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys:
- Stay 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, taking deep breaths in order to stay 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 police office and follow their instructions, as this can positively influence the encounter.
- Limit Your Conversation: Avoid self-incrimination or long-winded conversations. 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 Shelby County, 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 Shelby County, MO, or anywhere else. These tests are subjective and often only used to establish probable cause for your arrest. 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.
- Contact a DWI Attorney Immediately: It is crucial to consult with an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the expert DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our knowledgeable 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 Shelby County, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help
While facing a DWI charge in the Shelby County, MO area is certainly daunting, with the right legal representation you can be in a far better situation than going it alone. Combs Waterkotte is devoted to providing you with exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you get a fair trial in Shelby County, MO and the best possible outcome. We provide:
Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO and throughout Missouri. We are adept at managing the complexities of DWI charges just like yours, and have had numerous successful results defending Shelby County, 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 Shelby County, MO DWI Attorney
We start with a thorough, no-obligation, free consultation to understand the details of your Shelby County, MO case. This allows our talented team in Shelby County, MO to evaluate the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore possible defense strategies tailored to your situation.
A Shelby County, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence
Each Shelby County, MO DWI case is unique and a one-size-fits-all approach won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys build a customized defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in Shelby County, MO. Our attorneys 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.
A Shelby County, MO DWI Attorney Who is Adept at 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 factors that could be used in your defense. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our clients in the Shelby County, MO area.
Court Representation From a Shelby County, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
If your Shelby County, MO DWI case proceeds to trial, our attorneys provide vigorous 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 Shelby County, MO.
When you are charged with a DWI in or around Shelby County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal DWI attorney in Shelby County, 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 offers expertise in the following areas for Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte
If you’re facing a DWI charge in Shelby County, 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 uphold your rights with the aggressive representation you need in Shelby County, MO.
Take the first step toward protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the Shelby 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.
