DWI Attorney in St. Joseph, MO. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges in St. Joseph, MO can have serious and enduring, if not permanent, consequences on your life, including your freedom, finances, and your future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you have been arrested for DWI in St. Joseph, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, you need the expertise of a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney fighting for you.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys in St. Joseph, MO are dedicated to providing you with the best possible defense, ensuring your rights are upheld at every stage. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a talented DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte may be able to get your charges in St. Joseph, MO reduced or even dropped, negotiate a lesser penalty 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 to schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our St. Joseph, MO DWI attorneys so that you can have a discussion about the specifics of your case and get confidential legal advice.
DWI Attorney in St. Joseph, MO: Protect Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers
Whatever the scenario, securing top-tier legal representation in St. Joseph, MO is crucial. Whether you’ve been charged with your first DWI or your third, have been arrested for driving while intoxicated under the influence of marijuana or another intoxicating substance, or have been involved in an accident while driving impaired, you need the expertise of Combs Waterkotte immediately.
Hiring an aggressive St. Joseph, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between possibly feeling like you have to plead guilty and possibly having your charges reduced or even dismissed. Contact a St. Joseph, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in St. Joseph, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
DWI charges in St. Joseph, MO can result in severe consequences, like fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your St. Joseph, 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.
Penalties for DWI in St. Joseph, 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: Classified as 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: 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 St. Joseph, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in St. Joseph, MO
Being stopped by law enforcement at any time in St. Joseph, MO can be a frightening experience, but especially so if you’ve been partaking in alcoholic drinks. If you find yourself stopped for a DWI, it is vital to handle the situation with care. Here are the steps recommended by 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 location. Keep your composure by taking deep breaths to remain calm throughout the interaction with law enforcement.
- Keep Your Hands Visible and Be Polite: Keep 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 has you pulled 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. Joseph, 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 counsel.”
- Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in St. Joseph, 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 only used to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
- Reach Out to a DWI Attorney as Soon as Possible: It is crucial to consult with an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced legal team can help navigate the legal system and safeguard your rights and future. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in St. Joseph, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help
Facing a DWI charge in St. Joseph, MO can be overwhelming, but with the best legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing you with exceptional DWI defense services, ensuring you get a fair trial and the best possible outcome in St. Joseph, MO. We provide:
Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our St. Joseph, MO DWI Attorney
The DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a comprehensive understanding of the DWI laws in St. Joseph, 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. Joseph, MO clients against these types of charges. Our record of success speaks for itself, and we are devoted to total client satisfaction.
An Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Talented DWI Attorney in St. Joseph, MO
We start with a detailed, no-strings-attached, free consultation to understand the specifics of your case. This allows our talented team in St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO DWI Attorney
Every St. Joseph, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach simply won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys develop a customized defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in St. Joseph, MO. Our lawyers meticulously investigate every aspect of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the actual arrest. We scrutinize the legality of the stop and the procedures followed by law enforcement.
Skilled Plea Bargain Negotiations From Our St. Joseph, 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 in your defense. We always aim for the most favorable outcome for our clients in the St. Joseph, MO area.
Court Representation From a St. Joseph, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
If your St. Joseph, MO DWI case proceeds to trial, our attorneys provide robust representation in court, presenting compelling arguments 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, securing a verdict of not guilty and/or lessening the possibility of penalties imposed in St. Joseph, MO.
When you’re facing a DWI charge in or around St. Joseph, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the best DWI attorney in St. Joseph, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to DWI defense from our esteemed DWI attorney, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for St. Joseph, 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
Connect With the Premier St. Joseph, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte
Facing a DWI charge in the St. Joseph, MO area? Do not leave your future to chance. Trust the experienced and determined DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our legal team is prepared to defend you and uphold your rights with the aggressive representation you need in St. Joseph, MO.
Take the crucial first step in protecting your freedom, finances, and future in the St. Joseph, MO area by calling 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.
