Smithville, MO

DWI/DUI Lawyer in Smithville, MO. A DWI/DUI charge in Smithville, MO can have life-altering consequences, from hefty fines and potential jail time to a suspended license and long-term damage to your reputation. The legal system is tough on drunk driving cases, which is precisely why you need a skilled Smithville, MO DWI/DUI lawyer on your side.

At Combs Waterkotte, we have successfully defended 10,000+ cases just like yours in Smithville and across Missouri. With over 40 years of combined experience as Smithville, MO DWI/DUI lawyers, we know how to challenge evidence, negotiate reduced charges, and fight for your rights. Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation in Smithville, MO and take the first step toward protecting your future.

Combs Waterkotte Fights Both Sides of Your Smithville, MO DWI/DUI

What many Smithville, MO 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, which often goes unnoticed, deals specifically with your driving privileges. You only have 15 days after your arrest to request a hearing to fight your license suspension—if you miss this deadline, your license is automatically suspended or even revoked. The penalties can include months or years of license restrictions, potentially requiring an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).

Don’t fight this battle alone—let a Combs Waterkotte Smithville, MO DWI/DUI lawyer handle both sides of your case. Give us a call right now 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 Smithville, MO?

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 Smithville, MO-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. Your demeanor during a Smithville, MO traffic stop can impact the officer’s response. Staying calm and courteous can help prevent unnecessary escalation. Arguing or being abrasive may lead to further scrutiny or even a vehicle search.
• 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.
• Decline field sobriety and any breathalyzer, or blood tests. These tests are voluntary before an arrest and are commonly used to justify probable cause. Missouri’s implied consent law applies only after you are formally arrested.
• 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 Smithville, MO 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.

It’s important to be aware of the potential penalties for DWI/DUI in Smithville, MO, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney can explain what’s at stake and how to fight your charges during a free, confidential case review. Because specific DWI/DUI laws vary by location—including in Smithville, MO, and Johnson County—working with a knowledgeable local attorney ensures you get legal advice specific to your case and situation.

If you partner with a Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI lawyer in or around Smithville, MO, you aren’t just selecting the ideal DWI/DUI lawyer in Smithville, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with esteemed DWI/DUI lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Smithville, MO residents:

• Violent Crime Lawyer
• Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Drug Crimes Lawyer
• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer
• Assault Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer
• Sex Offense Lawyers

Why You Need a Smithville, MO DWI/DUI Lawyer

Many Smithville, MO residents underestimate the seriousness of a DWI/DUI charge and attempt to handle it alone. However, Missouri’s drunk driving laws are strict, and without an experienced DWI/DUI lawyer, you could face severe penalties that impact your job, finances, and future in the Smithville, MO area. Here’s why hiring a DWI/DUI lawyer in Smithville, MO is vital:

• An Unparalleled Understanding of the Law in Smithville, MO — A skilled attorney understands the complexities of Missouri DWI/DUI law and can identify 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 — Field sobriety tests and breathalyzer results aren’t always accurate—an experienced Smithville, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can challenge their validity.
• Plea Bargaining & Reduction of Charges — A skilled Smithville, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can negotiate for reduces penalties, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal of charges.

Looking for a Smithville, MO DWI/DUI Lawyer? Reach Out to Combs Waterkotte Today

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

At Combs Waterkotte, our DWI/DUI lawyers in Smithville, MO have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against charges. Let us fight for your rights and work toward the best possible outcome. Call (314) 900-HELP as soon as possible or contact us online for a free case review in Smithville, MO.