DWI Attorney in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges in Ste. Genevieve, MO can have serious and enduring, if not permanent, implications on your life, including your freedom, finances, and any future housing, career, and personal opportunities. If you have been arrested for DWI in Ste. Genevieve, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, you should have the expertise of a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney by your side.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Ste. Genevieve, MO are devoted to offering you the strongest possible defense, safeguarding your rights 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO, negotiate a lesser penalty via 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 for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our DWI attorneys in Ste. Genevieve, MO so that you can discuss the specifics of your case and receive expert legal advice.
DWI Attorney in Ste. Genevieve, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Legal Team
Regardless of the scenario, you need the best legal representation available in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Whether you’re facing your first DWI charge or your third, have been arrested for driving 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 now.
Hiring a tenacious Ste. Genevieve, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and potentially having your charges reduced or dismissed. Contact a Ste. Genevieve, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.
DWI Attorney in Ste. Genevieve, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
DWI charges in Ste. Genevieve, MO can carry serious penalties, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Depending on your situation in Ste. Genevieve, MO, you may be required to complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) program and be responsible for filing SR-22 insurance.
The penalties for DWI in Ste. Genevieve, MO amount to:
- 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: 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, 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: 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.
Ste. Genevieve County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Ste. Genevieve County and Missouri.
DWI Attorney in Ste. Genevieve, MO: What You Should Do If Pulled Over in the Ste. Genevieve, MO Area
Being pulled over by law enforcement in Ste. Genevieve, MO can be an intimidating experience, particularly if you have been imbibing. If you find yourself stopped for a DWI, it is crucial to handle the situation with care. Here are the steps you should follow according to the Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys:
- Remain 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, taking deep breaths in order to stay calm throughout the interaction with the officer.
- Keep Your Hands Visible and Be Polite: Keep your hands on the steering wheel as the officer approaches your vehicle to demonstrate you’re not a threat and are cooperative. Politely greet the officer 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO area, what you have been doing, or whatever it is you’ve been drinking. You can 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 Ste. Genevieve, 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 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.
- Contact a DWI Attorney Immediately: It is crucial to consult with 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 today at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.
DWI Attorney in Ste. Genevieve, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help
Facing a DWI charge in or around Ste. Genevieve, MO can be overwhelming, but with the right legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to offering exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you get a fair trial and the best possible outcome in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Our firm offers:
A Ste. Genevieve, MO DWI Attorney With Extensive Experience & Expertise
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 Ste. Genevieve, MO and throughout Missouri. We have the capability to handle the intricacies of DWI charges just like yours, and have had numerous successful results defending Ste. Genevieve, MO clients against these accusations. 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO
We start with a thorough, no-obligation, free consultation to understand the specifics of your case. This allows our proficient team in Ste. Genevieve, MO to evaluate the evidence against you and identify potential weaknesses or holes in the case, along with likely avenues for defense strategies.
Personalized Defense Strategies From a Ste. Genevieve, MO DWI Attorney
Every Ste. Genevieve, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach simply won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys build a customized defense strategy based on your specific circumstances in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Our attorneys meticulously 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO DWI Attorney Who is Skilled in Negotiating Plea Bargains
If dismissal of your case is unlikely, we work to negotiate plea bargains that can your 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO area.
Court Representation From a Ste. Genevieve, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
If your Ste. Genevieve, MO DWI case proceeds to trial, our attorneys provide vigorous 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 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO.
When you are charged with a DWI in or around Ste. Genevieve, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the best DWI attorney in Ste. Genevieve, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting 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 Ste. Genevieve, 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
Connect With the Premier Ste. Genevieve, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte
If you’re facing a DWI charge in Ste. Genevieve, MO, don’t 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO.
Take the first step toward protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the Ste. Genevieve, MO area by reaching out to a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.