DWI Attorney in Washington, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Washington, MO can have serious and enduring, if not permanent, implications on your life, including your freedom, finances, and any future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you have been arrested for DWI in Washington, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, you need the expertise of a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney by your side.
Our knowledgeable Washington, MO criminal defense attorneys are devoted to providing you with the best possible defense, making sure your rights are protected every step of the way. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a skilled DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte may be able to get your charges in Washington, MO reduced or even dropped, negotiate a lesser punishment via a plea bargain, or fight your conviction in court.
Give Combs Waterkotte a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our Washington, MO DWI attorneys so that you can speak about the specific circumstances of your case and get confidential legal advice.
DWI Attorney in Washington, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers
Whatever your scenario, you need the best legal representation available in Washington, MO. 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 some other intoxicating substance, or have been involved in an accident while driving impaired, you need the help of Combs Waterkotte right now.
Hiring an aggressive Washington, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and possibly having your charges reduced or even dismissed. Contact a Washington, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in Washington, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
DWI charges in Washington, MO can result in severe consequences, like fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Depending on your situation in Washington, 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 Washington, 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: 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 Washington, MO: What You Should Do If Pulled Over in Washington, MO
Being stopped by law enforcement in Washington, MO can be an harrowing experience, especially if you have been imbibing. If you are pulled over for a DWI, it is vital to handle the situation with care. Here are the steps you should follow according to 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 area. Maintain your composure by taking deep breaths to remain 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 police office and follow their instructions – this goes a long way.
- Limit Your Conversation: Avoid self-incrimination. You have the right to remain silent. Once law enforcement pulls you over, officers may use various investigative techniques to gather evidence against you. You don’t have to answer questions about where you’ve been in the Washington, MO area, what you have been doing, or whatever it is you’ve been drinking. You can politely decline to answer by saying, “I prefer not to answer that question,” or “I’d rather not answer without legal counsel.”
- Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in Washington, MO, or anywhere else for that matter, as they are subjective and typically used only to establish probable cause to arrest you. 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 tests are unreliable and, like FSTs, are used primarily 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 knowledgeable lawyers can guide you through the legal process and safeguard your rights and future. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in Washington, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense
Facing a DWI charge in Washington, MO can be overwhelming, but with the best legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. Combs Waterkotte is committed to offering exceptional DWI defense services, ensuring you get a fair trial in Washington, MO and the best possible outcome. Our firm offers:
Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our Washington, 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 Washington, 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 Washington, 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 DWI Attorney in Washington, MO
We start with a thorough, confidential, free case review to understand the details of your case. This allows our skilled team in Washington, MO to assess 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 Washington, MO DWI Attorney
Every Washington, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach just won’t cut it. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys build a customized defense strategy based on your specific circumstances in Washington, MO. Our lawyers 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 Washington, MO DWI Attorney Who is Adept at 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 circumstances that could be used in your defense. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our Washington, MO-area clients.
Court Representation From a Washington, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
If your Washington, MO DWI case proceeds to trial, our attorneys provide robust representation in court, delivering 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 minimize any potential penalties in Washington, MO.
When you are facing a DWI charge in or around Washington, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading DWI attorney in Washington, 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 residents in Washington and beyond:
- 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 Washington, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte
Facing a DWI charge in the Washington, MO area? Don’t leave your future to chance. Trust the experienced and determined DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our lawyers are ready to fight for you and your rights, and provide the aggressive defense you need in Washington, MO.
Take the crucial first step toward protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the Washington, 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 case review.
