Jefferson County, MO

DWI Lawyer in Jefferson County, MO

DWI Lawyer in Jefferson County, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is likely one of the worst fears a Jefferson County, MO-area driver can have. Not only will you be stripped of your driver’s license for a minimum of 60 days, you will have to pay a substantial fine, face raising insurance costs, and have points on your license for years to come. Even worse, your reputation in the Jefferson County, MO community or your workplace could take a substantial hit, and your ability to potentially travel out of the United States could be limited, as countries like Canada prohibit travelers with DWI convictions on their record from entering.

If you have been pulled over and are facing DWI charges, you need a top-tier Jefferson County, MO DWI lawyer on your side right now. Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online so that we can get to work building your defense right away. Our attorneys are available for free, no-obligation consultations where they can discuss the specifics of your case with you and plan your next steps.

Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the Jefferson County, MO Area?

Having an aggressive and effective DWI lawyer on your Jefferson County, MO case can — and often does — make the difference between pleading guilty to DWI and suffering all its consequences, and having charges reduced or even dismissed. At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced Jefferson County, MO DWI attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of all our Jefferson County, MO area DWI clients. Whether this is your first encounter with law enforcement or if you are dealing with DWI charges again, our firm will give your Jefferson County, MO DWI case the personal attention you are looking for and craft a legal strategy that is built to get you the best possible outcome.

Our record of success for those accused of DWI in Jefferson County is second to none, and we are committed to complete client satisfaction in all that we do. When facing DWI charges near Jefferson County, MO, prioritize making (314) 900-HELP your initial contact. We provide free case reviews and, at Combs Waterkotte, we are devoted to working with you, accommodating any financial challenges you may be facing, to mount a robust defense against your DWI charges in Jefferson County, MO.

What Should I Do After I’m Pulled Over For DWI?

After being pulled over by a police officer suspecting impairment due to alcohol or drugs in the Jefferson County, MO area, it’s natural to be nervous. Being stopped by law enforcement for any moving violation is something that can trigger a “fight or flight” response, and this is only increased when you are facing accusations of impaired driving. Having tried hundreds of DWI cases in Jefferson County, MO, our firm recommends that you take the following course of action if you are ever pulled over for DWI:

• Pull over safely. Ensure a safe pull-over by using your turn signal, choosing a well-lit location on the side of the road, and opting for a shoulder or nearby parking lot if available. Avoid parking on grass to maintain safety and compliance.
• Stay calm and cooperative. Remain calm and composed. Being hostile to a police officer will only make them more likely to search your car or subject you to increased scrutiny. Being polite goes a long way when stopped for DWI near Jefferson County, MO.
• Avoid self-incrimination. Remember: you have the right to remain silent. Provide the officer your license and insurance/registration, but refrain from offering additional information. Law enforcement officers are looking for any excuse to continue an investigation and arrest you, so it’s wise not to provide unnecessary information. You can always choose not to answer potentially incriminating questions, like “Have you been drinking?” by saying that you would rather not answer without legal advice.
• Do not take a portable breath 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. Portable breathalyzers are often deemed unreliable and are only used to establish probable cause for an arrest.
• If you are arrested, call a lawyer as soon as you can. Conversations with an attorney are completely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Getting advice from an experienced Jefferson County, MO DWI lawyer regarding whether to undergo a breath test at the station, addressing any issues during your stop, or other questions you might have can make the difference between losing the ability to drive for months and your case potentially being dismissed.

Being charged with driving under the influence carries severe legal repercussions in Jefferson County, MO, encompassing fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, and the possibility of jail time. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the potential consequences is critical, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney is ready to provide detailed insights and more during a free case review. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Jefferson County, MO, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from an lawyer well-versed in the local legal landscape for personalized advice tailored to your unique situationDriving under the influence has severe legal repercussions in Jefferson County, MO, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Having a firm grasp of the potential outcomes is essential, and a Combs Waterkotte lawyer will do that and more during a free case review. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas neighboring Jefferson County, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with an attorney familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your circumstances.

Fighting Both Sides Of Your Jefferson County, MO DWI Case

DWI cases in Missouri have two components: the criminal aspect and the civil facet. The criminal punishments for DWI in Missouri, as you likely know, are serious. Even a first DWI offense could lead to the following repercussions under Missouri law, as it is defined as a class B misdemeanor:

• 8 points on your driving record
• Up to 6 months in jail
• Up to a $500 fine
• A 90-day drivers’ license suspension, the last 60 of which can be converted to a restricted driving privilege (RDP) permit
• Required participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program known as Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP)
• Required purchase of a high-risk auto insurance plan, referred to as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility or an SR-22

Our experienced Jefferson County, MO legal team makes sure that the residents of Jefferson County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation, no matter the circumstance. After all, good people often find themselves in bad situations. Along with DWI defense in Jefferson County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in numerous forms of law, such as:

• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer
• Assault Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer
• Sex Offense Lawyers
• DWI Attorney
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer

What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI?

If this is your second DWI arrest in Jefferson County, MO, be prepared for the prospect of dealing with class A misdemeanor charges, which include these penalties:

• No more than one year in jail (any jail sentence for a second DWI must include a minimum of 10 days of “shock time” in jail before possible suspension of sentence or probation)
• Maximum two years probation
• Fines of no more than $1,000
• The suspension of your driving privileges, which can be between from one to five years
• You must install and maintain, as well as pay for, a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). This keeps someone from starting a vehicle if their BAC is over a certain limit.
• Regular, trackable alcohol consumption monitoring (either by regular breath tests or a wearable device)
• Required participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program
• Required purchase of a high-risk auto insurance plan (SR-22)

The administrative component of a DWI case in Jefferson County, MO pertains to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue deals with the revocation or suspension of your license. Many drivers in the Jefferson County, MO area may be unaware that you can appeal the automatic suspension or revocation of your license, as long as that appeal is filed within 15 days of your initial arrest in Jefferson County, MO.

When you hire the DWI lawyers with experience in Jefferson County, MO at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured that our firm will promptly address both facets of your DWI case as soon as possible and strive to mitigate the impact of a DWI arrest on your life. We will gather evidence, scrutinize the details of your case, identify potential discrepancies in the Jefferson County police report or arrest, and develop a strategy that is built to win. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Contact A DWI Lawyer Who Wins in Jefferson County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

If you’ve recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Jefferson County, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. Swift action is critical in securing a seasoned Jefferson County, MO DWI lawyer to examine documents, gather evidence, and construct a robust case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your DWI arrest in Jefferson County will be greatly reduced, if not eliminated.

For numerous individuals in Jefferson County, MO, Combs Waterkotte has been a beacon of support when facing DWI charges. Our firm combines top-notch legal expertise and assertive litigation with a commitment to personalized service and communication that is unmatched among DWI law firms near Jefferson County, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI attorneys assure you that, regardless of the time, location, or situation, they will promptly answer your call to discuss your case or any other legal concerns. This is part of our commitment to complete client satisfaction, which our previous clients can attest to as well.

After you have been pulled over and arrested for DWI in the Jefferson County, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP for a free initial case review and put the experienced Jefferson County, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte to work for you.