Kearney, MO

DWI Lawyer in Kearney, MO

DWI Lawyer in Kearney, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is potentially one of the worst fears a Kearney, MO-area driver can have. Not only will you be stripped of your driving privileges 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 Kearney, 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 individuals with DWI convictions on their record from entering.

If you have been pulled over and are facing DWI charges, you need a top-tier Kearney, MO DWI lawyer on your side right now. Call Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 Kearney, MO Area?

Having an aggressive and effective DWI lawyer on your Kearney, 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 seasoned Kearney, MO DWI attorneys are dedicated advocates for all our clients throughout the Kearney, MO area facing DWI charges. No matter if this is the first time you have ever been pulled over for anything or if this is not the first time you are facing DWI charges, our firm will give your Kearney, MO DWI case the personal attention you expect and create a legal strategy that is built to get you the best possible outcome.

Our unparalleled track record of success in defending Kearney residents accused of DWI speaks volumes, and our dedication extends to ensuring complete client satisfaction in every facet of our service. When facing DWI charges near Kearney, 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 hardships you may be facing, to mount a robust defense against your DWI charges in Kearney, MO.

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

After you have been pulled over by a police officer who suspects that you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs near Kearney, MO, it’s natural to feel nervous. Any encounter with law enforcement for a moving violation can trigger a “fight or flight” response, and this is only increased when you are accused of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous Kearney, MO-area DWI cases, our firm suggests the following course of action if you find yourself pulled over for DWI:

• Safely pull over. Ensure a safe pull-over by using your turn signal, choosing a well-lit area 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 being pulled over for DWI near Kearney, MO.
• Avoid self-incrimination. Remember: you have the right to remain silent. Give the officer your license and insurance/registration, but refrain from offering additional information. Law enforcement officers are looking for any reason to continue an investigation and arrest you, so do not give them any. You can always choose not to answer potentially incriminating questions, like “Have you been drinking?” by stating that you prefer not to respond without legal advice.
• Avoid the 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 frequently deemed unreliable and are primarily used to establish probable cause for an arrest.
• Call a lawyer if you are arrested. Conversations with an attorney are completely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Seeking guidance from an experienced Kearney, MO DWI lawyer regarding whether to undergo a breath test at the station, addressing any issues that arose in the 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 Kearney, MO, encompassing fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, and the possibility of incarceration. 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 Kearney, MO, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from an attorney well-versed in the local legal landscape for personalized advice tailored to your unique situationDriving under the influence has severe legal consequences in Kearney, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Knowing the potential outcomes is vital, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will provide that and more during a free case review. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas neighboring Kearney, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with a lawyer familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your situation.

Fighting Both Sides Of Your Kearney, MO DWI Case

DWI cases in Missouri involve two distinct components: a criminal side and a civil side. The criminal punishments for DWI in Missouri are undeniably severe, with even a first DWI offense potentially resulting in significant repercussions as outlined in accordance with Missouri law, categorizing it 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 restored to a restricted driving privilege (RDP) permit
• Required participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program called Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP)
• Required purchase of a high-risk auto insurance plan, also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility or an SR-22

Our skilled Kearney, MO legal team makes sure that the residents of Kearney, MO receive the best possible legal presentation, no matter the circumstance. After all, good people often find themselves in dire situations. In addition to DWI defense in Kearney, MO, our attorneys are experienced in numerous forms of law, like:

• 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 you find yourself facing a second DWI arrest in Kearney, MO, you will likely be facing class A misdemeanor charges, encompassing potential penalties like:

• 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, verifiable alcohol consumption monitoring (either by regular breath tests or a wearable device)
• Mandatory participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program
• Required purchase of a high-risk auto insurance plan (SR-22)

The administrative aspect of a DWI case in Kearney, MO has to do with your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue manages your license revocation or suspension. Most Kearney, MO-area drivers may not be aware that , provided the appeal is submitted within 15 days of your initial arrest in Kearney, MO.

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

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

If you’ve recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Kearney, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. Swift action is crucial in securing a seasoned Kearney, MO DWI lawyer to examine documents, amass evidence, and build your case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your Kearney DWI arrest will be significantly mitigated or even eradicated.

For numerous people in Kearney, MO, Combs Waterkotte has been a beacon of support when facing DWI charges. Our firm blends top-notch legal expertise and assertive litigation with a commitment to personal service and communication that is unmatched among DWI law firms near Kearney, 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, as affirmed by our satisfied clients.

After you have been pulled over and arrested for DWI in the Kearney, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP for a free initial consultation. Trust the experienced Kearney, MO DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte to diligently handle your case.