St. Francois County, MO

DWI Attorney in St. Francois County, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in St. Francois County, MO can have severe and long-lasting, if not permanent, consequences on your life, including your freedom, finances, and any future housing, career, and personal opportunities. If you are facing these charges in St. Francois County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you deserve the expertise of a seasoned Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney in your corner.

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

Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our DWI attorneys in St. Francois County, MO where you can have a discussion about the specific circumstances of your case and receive expert legal advice and guidance.

DWI Attorney in St. Francois County, MO: Protect Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers

No matter your situation, securing top-tier legal representation in St. Francois County, MO is crucial. Whether you’ve been charged with your first DWI 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 determined St. Francois County, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between possibly feeling like you have to plead guilty and possibly having your charges reduced or dismissed. Call a DWI attorney in St. Francois County, MO right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

DWI Attorney in St. Francois County, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri

St. Francois County, MO DWI charges can carry serious penalties, like fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your St. Francois County, MO case, to enroll in and complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) and file for SR-22 insurance.

Penalties for DWI in St. Francois County, MO amount to:

• First Offense: Penalties may include up to 6 months in jail, 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: 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: 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, as well as the suspension of your license.

DWI Attorney in St. Francois County, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in the St. Francois County, MO Area

Being stopped by law enforcement in St. Francois County, MO can be an intimidating experience, particularly if you have been drinking. If you find yourself stopped for a DWI, it is essential to handle the situation carefully. Here are the 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 by taking deep breaths to remain 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 your vehicle to demonstrate you are not a threat and are 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. 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 St. Francois County, 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 St. Francois County, 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 used primarily to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
• Contact a DWI Attorney Immediately: It is critical to seek the advice of an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, such as the expert DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our knowledgeable legal team can guide you through the legal process and safeguard your rights and future. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

DWI Attorney in St. Francois County, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense

Facing a DWI charge in St. Francois County, MO can be overwhelming, but with the right legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to providing you with exceptional DWI defense services, ensuring you get a fair trial in St. Francois County, MO and the best possible outcome. We provide:

A St. Francois County, MO DWI Attorney With Extensive Experience & Expertise

The DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a deep understanding of the DWI laws in St. Francois County, MO and throughout Missouri, with over 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 St. Francois County, MO clients against these types of charges. Our record of success speaks for itself, and we are dedicated to total client satisfaction.

An Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Talented St. Francois County, MO DWI Attorney

We begin with a in-depth, no-obligation, free case review to understand the specifics of your St. Francois County, MO case. This allows our proficient team in St. Francois County, MO to assess the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore potential defense strategies tailored to your situation.

A St. Francois County, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence

Every St. Francois County, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys develop a customized defense strategy based on your specific circumstances in St. Francois County, MO. Our lawyers meticulously investigate every angle 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 St. Francois 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 circumstances that could be used to your advantage. We always aim for the most favorable outcome for our clients in the St. Francois County, MO area.

Expert Court Representation From a St. Francois County, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience

If your St. Francois County, MO DWI case goes to trial, our attorneys provide vigorous representation in court, presenting a compelling defense strategy on your behalf. We cross-examine witnesses, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and present supporting evidence and testimony. 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 St. Francois County, MO.

When you’re charged with a DWI in or around St. Francois County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading DWI attorney in St. Francois County, 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 residents in St. Francois County and beyond:

• 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 St. Francois County, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte

Facing a DWI charge in the St. Francois County, MO area? Do not 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 St. Francois County, MO.

Take the first step in protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the St. Francois County, 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 consultation.