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Marion County, MO

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Last Updated: September 27, 2024

DWI Lawyer in Marion County, MO

DWI Lawyer in Marion County, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is potentially one of the worst fears a Marion 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 premiums, and have points on your license for years to come. Even worse, your reputation in the Marion County, MO community or your workplace could take a significant hit, and your ability to potentially travel out of the United States could be limited, as countries such as Canada prohibit travelers with DWI convictions on their record from entering.

If you find yourself in the challenging situation of facing DWI charges after being pulled over in the Marion County, MO area, it’s critical to enlist the support of a highly skilled DWI lawyer in Marion County. Waste no time; call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form to initiate the process of crafting a robust defense for your case. Take advantage of our attorneys’ expertise through a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the details of your situation and your next steps.

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

Having an aggressive and effective Marion County, MO DWI lawyer on your case can be the pivotal factor between accepting a DWI conviction with severe repercussions and achieving a more favorable outcome such as reduced charges or even dismissal. At Combs Waterkotte, our seasoned Marion County, MO DWI attorneys are devoted advocates for all our Marion County, MO area DWI clients. No matter if this is your first encounter with law enforcement or if you are dealing with DWI charges again, our firm is committed to providing your Marion County, MO DWI case with the attention it deserves. We devise a legal strategy tailored specifically to securing the best possible results for you.

Our unparalleled track record of success in defending Marion County residents accused of DWI speaks volumes, and our dedication extends to ensuring complete client satisfaction in every aspect of our service. When facing DWI charges near Marion 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 hardships you may be facing, to mount a robust defense against your DWI charges in Marion 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 Marion 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 amplified when you are facing accusations of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous DWI cases in Marion County, MO, our firm suggests the following course of action if you find yourself pulled over for DWI:

  • Pull over safely. 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. Try to avoid parking on grass.
  • Remain calm and cooperative. Maintain composure and cooperation during the encounter. Hostility can escalate the situation and lead to increased scrutiny. Politeness goes a long way when being pulled over for DWI near Marion 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 data. 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.
  • Avoid the portable breath test. Refrain from taking a portable breath test. While Missouri enforces implied consent laws that lead to a one-year license revocation for refusing a breathalyzer or blood test, this is applicable only after you are formally arrested for DWI. Portable breathalyzers are frequently 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 Marion County, MO DWI lawyer regarding whether to undergo a breath test at the station, addressing any issues that arose in 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 Marion 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 crucial, and a Combs Waterkotte lawyer is ready to provide detailed insights and more during a free consultation. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Marion County, 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 serious legal consequences in Marion County, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Knowing the potential outcomes is essential, and a Combs Waterkotte lawyer will provide that and more during a free case review. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas surrounding Marion County, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with an attorney familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your situation.

Fighting Both Sides Of Your Marion County, 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 substantial 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 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 Marion County, MO legal team ensures that the citizens of Marion 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 Marion County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in many forms of law, like:

What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI?

If this is your second DWI arrest in Marion County, MO, you will likely be facing class A misdemeanor charges, encompassing possible 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 ranges 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.
  • Continuous, 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 Marion County, MO pertains to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue handles your license revocation or suspension. Most drivers in the Marion County, MO area may not be aware that you can appeal the automatic suspension or revocation of your license, provided the appeal is submitted within 15 days of your initial arrest in Marion County, MO.

When you enlist the impeccable services of the DWI lawyers with experience in Marion County, MO at Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that our firm will quickly address both facets of your DWI case as soon as possible and work hard to minimize the effect a DWI arrest has on your life. We will gather evidence, look at the facts of your case, pinpoint potential discrepancies in the Marion County police report or arrest, and create a strategy that is built to win. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

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

If you’ve recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Marion County, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. The sooner you can get a skilled Marion County, MO DWI lawyer to examine documents, gather evidence, and construct a robust case, the higher the likelihood that the repercussions of your DWI arrest in Marion County will be significantly mitigated or even eradicated.

Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of Marion County, MO-area residents from all walks of life take on DWI charges. Our firm combines top-notch legal expertise and aggressive litigation with a commitment to personalized service and communication that is unmatched among DWI law firms near Marion County, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI lawyers promise that no matter the time, no matter the situation, and no matter the circumstances, they will be able to answer your call and discuss your case or any other legal topic. This commitment is an integral part of our pledge to achieve complete client satisfaction, as affirmed by our satisfied clients.

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

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