Springfield, MO

DWI Lawyer in Springfield, MO

DWI Lawyer in Springfield, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is likely one of the worst experiences a Springfield, 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 Springfield, 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 such as Canada prohibit individuals 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 Springfield, MO area, it’s critical to enlist the support of an experienced DWI lawyer in Springfield. 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-strings-attached consultation to discuss the details of your situation and your next steps.

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

Having an aggressive and proficient Springfield, MO DWI lawyer on your 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 Springfield, MO DWI attorneys are devoted advocates for all our Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO DWI case the personal attention you expect and craft a legal strategy that is built to get you the best possible results.

Our unparalleled track record of success in defending individuals in Springfield accused of DWI speaks volumes, and our dedication extends to ensuring complete client satisfaction in every aspect of our service. After you have been arrested for DWI in or anywhere near Springfield, MO, make (314) 900-HELP your first call. Initial case reviews are always free, and Combs Waterkotte will work with you no matter what financial challenges you might have to help you beat your Springfield, MO DWI charges.

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 Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO, our firm suggests the following course of action if you find yourself pulled over for DWI:

• Pull over safely. Safely pull your vehicle to the side of the road. Use your turn signal, and choose a well-lit safe location. If you are on a road with a shoulder, pull over there, or find a nearby parking lot. Avoid parking on grass to maintain safety and compliance.
• 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 Springfield, 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 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 stating 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 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 Springfield, MO DWI lawyer about whether you should take a breath test at the station, addressing any issues during the stop, or clarifying other concerns can be the crucial difference between facing months of license suspension and potentially having your case dismissed.

Being charged with driving under the influence carries severe legal repercussions in Springfield, 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 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 Springfield, 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 repercussions in Springfield, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Having a firm grasp of the potential outcomes is vital, and a Combs Waterkotte lawyer will provide that and more during a free consultation. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas neighboring Springfield, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with a lawyer familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your circumstances.

Fighting Both Sides Of Your DWI Case in Springfield, MO

DWI cases in Missouri involve two distinct components: a criminal side and a civil side. 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 categorized 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, also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility or an SR-22

Our experienced Springfield, MO legal team ensures that the residents of Springfield, MO receive the best possible legal presentation, no matter the circumstance. After all, good people often find themselves in dire situations. Along with DWI defense in Springfield, MO, our lawyers are experienced in numerous types of cases, 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 Springfield, 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 anywhere from one to five years
• You must install and maintain, at your own expense, a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). This prevents 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)
• Mandatory participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program
• Required purchase of a high-risk auto insurance plan (SR-22)

The administrative facet of a DWI case in Springfield, MO pertains to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue manages your license revocation or suspension. Many Springfield, MO-area drivers do not know that they have the option to appeal the automatic suspension or revocation, provided the appeal is submitted within 15 days of your initial arrest in Springfield, MO.

When you enlist the impeccable services of the DWI lawyers with experience in Springfield, MO at Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that our firm will tackle both components 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, identify potential discrepancies in the Springfield police report or arrest, and develop a strategy that is built for success. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

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

If you have recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Springfield, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. The sooner you can get a skilled Springfield, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, amass evidence, and build your case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your DWI arrest in Springfield will be significantly reduced, if not eliminated.

Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of Springfield, MO-area residents from all walks of life take on DWI charges. Our firm seamlessly blends unparalleled legal expertise and assertive litigation with a dedication to personal service and communication that is unmatched among DWI law firms near Springfield, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI lawyers 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 commitment is an integral part of our pledge to gain complete client satisfaction, which our previous clients can attest to as well.

If you find yourself pulled over and facing DWI charges in the Springfield, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP for a free initial case review and put the experienced Springfield, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte to work for you.