DWI/DUI Lawyer

DWI/DUI Lawyer in Kansas City, Missouri. Being charged with DWI/DUI in Kansas City is a serious offense that can lead to serious consequences, including license suspension, large fines, and possibly even jail time. That’s not to mention the possibility of losing your job or professional license, as well as damage to your reputation.

If you have been pulled over and are facing DWI/DUI charges, you need an expert Kansas City DWI/DUI lawyer on your side immediately. Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online so that we can get to work building your defense. Our attorneys—who have over 40 years of combined experience and have successfully handled 10,000+ cases just like yours throughout the Kansas City area and across Missouri—are available for free, confidential consultations where they can discuss the specifics of your case and provide expert legal guidance on next steps.

Combs Waterkotte Fights Both Sides of Your Kansas City DWI/DUI

What many Kansas City residents may not know about DWI/DUI cases is that there are two components—a criminal case and a civil case with the Missouri Department of Revenue. The criminal side, which is a class B misdemeanor, could lead to up to 6 months in jail, a fine of up to $500, 8 points on your driving record, required participation in a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP), required purchase of an SR-22, and a 90-day driver’s license suspension.

The civil case is the lesser known of the two sides. However, the Combs Waterkotte Kansas City DWI/DUI lawyers provide a wealth of information on protecting your license, next steps to follow, and more. You have 15 days following your arrest to request an administrative hearing or your license will automatically be suspended or revoked. If you are successful in the hearing, you get your license back. If you lose, your license will be suspended or revoked. Suspension periods range from 30 days to 1 year. Revocation periods are 1 year. Both could be followed by mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for at least 6 months.

This highlights the importance of hiring an expert DWI/DUI lawyer in Kansas City. Give Combs Waterkotte a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

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Don’t “Blow” Your DWI/DUI Case: Key Mistakes to Avoid

Combs Waterkotte, Missouri’s leading DWI/DUI law firm, has handled over 10,000 cases successfully. This ebook guides you through the DWI/DUI defense process and helps you avoid key mistakes.

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What Should You Do After Being Pulled Over For DWI/DUI in Kansas City?

After you have been pulled over by a police officer who suspects that you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it’s natural to be nervous. Being stopped by law enforcement for a moving violation is something that can heighten anxiety and have you feeling overwhelmed, and this is only increased when you are accused of impaired driving. Having handled hundreds of Kansas City-area DWI/DUI cases, our firm recommends that you do the following if you are ever pulled over for DWI/DUI:

• Pull over safely. As soon as you notice flashing lights behind you, safely pull your vehicle over to the side of the road. Keep your hands visible, remain polite, and follow the officer’s instructions (within reason). If you are on a road with a shoulder, pull over there, or find a nearby parking lot. Try to avoid parking on grass.
• Stay calm and cooperative. The way you interact with a law enforcement officer matters. Being hostile to a police officer will only make them more likely to search your vehicle or subject you to increased scrutiny. Remain calm and composed. Being polite goes a long way when stopped for DWI/DUI.
• Avoid self-incrimination. Remember: you have the right to remain silent. While you must provide basic information such as your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance, you are not required to answer questions about where you have been or whether you have been drinking. Police officers are looking for any excuse to continue an investigation and arrest you, so don’t give them any. Politely inform the officer that you choose to exercise your right to remain silent.
• Do not take a field sobriety test, a breathalyzer, or a blood test. While Missouri does have an implied consent law that automatically revokes your driver’s license for one year if you refuse a breathalyzer or a blood test, this only applies after you have been placed under arrest for DWI/DUI. Portable breathalyzers are unreliable and are only used as a way for an officer to get probable cause to arrest you.
• Document everything. If possible, take mental and written notes about the stop. This information can be valuable in building your defense. This includes:
  • The location, time, and reason the officer gave for pulling you over.
  • The officer’s behavior and whether they followed proper procedures.
  • Any dialogue between you and the officer.
• Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as you can at (314) 900-HELP. Your conversation with an attorney is entirely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Getting advice from a knowledgeable Kansas City DWI/DUI lawyer about whether you should answer questions at the station, any issues that arose during your stop, or other questions you might have can make the difference between losing the ability to drive, as well as possibly going to jail, and your case potentially being dismissed.

Understanding the potential outcomes of a DWI/DUI is essential, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will do that and more during a free consultation. Laws regarding DWI/DUI vary by jurisdiction, even surrounding Kansas City and Johnson County, so it’s advisable to consult with an attorney familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your situation.

Why You Need a Kansas City DWI/DUI Lawyer

Unfortunately, many Kansas City residents make the mistake of thinking they can handle a DWI/DUI charge on their own. Missouri’s drunk driving laws are complex, and without skilled legal representation, you could be looking at harsh penalties that affect your livelihood and reputation. Here’s why hiring a DWI/DUI lawyer in Kansas City is essential:

• An Unparalleled Understanding of the Law — A DWI/DUI lawyer knows the intricate details of the legal system and can challenge any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• Protecting Your Driver’s License — An attorney can help you navigate administrative proceedings to prevent or reduce the length of a license suspension.
• Challenging Evidence — Breathalyzers and field sobriety tests are not accurate. A skilled lawyer can scrutinize the validity of test results and procedural errors by law enforcement.
• Negotiation Skills — Depending on the specifics of your case, an experienced Kansas City DWI/DUI lawyer can negotiate for a lesser charge, reduce penalties, or even a case dismissal.

Need a DWI/DUI Lawyer in Kansas City? Call Combs Waterkotte Right Away

If you’ve been arrested for DWI/DUI in Kansas City, don’t roll the dice and leave your future to chance. The sooner you contact a skilled Kansas City DWI/DUI lawyer, the better your chances of securing the best possible outcome in your case.

The Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI lawyers have successfully defended numerous Kansas City DWI/DUI cases, and will fight tenaciously for you. Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case review.