DWI Attorney in University City, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in University City, MO can have major and enduring, if not permanent, consequences on your life, affecting your freedom, finances, and your future housing, career, and personal opportunities. If you have been arrested for DWI in University City, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you should have the expertise of a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney fighting for you.
Our knowledgeable University City, MO criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to offering you the strongest possible defense, making sure your rights are protected every step of the way. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney may be able to get your charges in University City, MO reduced or even dropped, 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 to schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our University City, MO DWI attorneys so that you can discuss the specific circumstances of your case and get confidential legal advice and guidance.
DWI Attorney in University City, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers
Regardless of your situation, you need the best legal representation available in University City, MO. Whether you’re facing your first DWI charge 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 expert assistance from Combs Waterkotte right away.
Hiring a determined University City, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and potentially having your charges reduced or even dismissed. Contact a University City, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.
DWI Attorney in University City, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
University City, MO DWI charges can carry serious penalties, like fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Depending on your situation in University City, MO, you may be required to complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) program, as well as being responsible for filing SR-22 insurance.
The penalties for DWI in University City, 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, 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: A Class C felony, you will be facing a prison sentence of up to 15 years, as well as the suspension of your license.
DWI Attorney in University City, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in University City, MO
Being stopped by law enforcement at any time in University City, 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 crucial to handle the situation with care. The following are steps you should follow according to 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 area. Maintain your composure, taking deep breaths in order to stay 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, 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. 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 are not obligated to answer questions about your whereabouts near University City, MO, activities, or alcohol consumption. You can politely decline questions by saying, “I prefer not to answer that question,” or “I would rather not answer without legal advice.”
- Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in University City, 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.
- Contact a DWI Attorney as Soon as Possible: It is critical to seek the advice of an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced lawyers can help navigate the legal system and safeguard your rights and future. Give us a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in University City, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense
Facing a DWI charge in University City, 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, ensuring you receive a fair trial in University City, MO and the best possible outcome. Our firm offers:
A University City, MO DWI Attorney With Extensive Experience & Expertise
With more than 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense, the DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a deep understanding of the DWI laws in University City, MO and throughout Missouri. We are adept at managing the complexities of DWI charges just like yours, and have had numerous successful results defending University City, MO clients against these types of charges. We are committed to complete client satisfaction, and our record of success speaks for itself.
Comprehensive Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Talented University City, MO DWI Attorney
We begin with a detailed, no-obligation, free consultation to understand the details of your case. This allows our skilled team in University City, MO to evaluate the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore potential defense strategies tailored to your situation.
Personalized Defense Strategies From a University City, MO DWI Attorney
Each University City, MO DWI case is unique and a one-size-fits-all approach won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys develop a personalized defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in University City, MO. Our attorneys 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.
A University City, 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 to your advantage. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our clients in and around University City, MO.
Expert Court Representation From a University City, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
If your University City, 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 minimize any potential penalties in University City, MO.
When you are charged with a DWI in or around University City, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the best DWI attorney in University City, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing 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 University City, 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
Contact the Ideal University City, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte
If you’re facing a DWI charge in University City, 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 lawyers are ready to fight for you and your rights, and provide the aggressive defense you need in University City, MO.
Take the first step in protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the University City, MO area by calling a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for a free and confidential consultation.
