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Wayne County, MO

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Last Updated: September 27, 2024

DWI Lawyer in Wayne County, MO

DWI Lawyer in Wayne County, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is likely one of the worst fears a Wayne 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 increased insurance premiums, and have points on your license for years to come. Even worse, your reputation in the Wayne 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 Wayne County, 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-strings-attached consultations where they can discuss the specifics of your case with you and plan your next steps.

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

Having a tenacious and effective DWI lawyer on your Wayne County, MO case can be the pivotal factor between accepting a DWI conviction with severe repercussions and reaching a more favorable outcome such as reduced charges or even dismissal. At Combs Waterkotte, our seasoned Wayne County, MO DWI attorneys are dedicated advocates for all our clients throughout the Wayne County, MO area facing DWI charges. 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 Wayne County, MO DWI case with the attention it deserves. We devise a legal strategy tailored specifically to securing the best possible outcome for you.

Our record of success for those accused of DWI in Wayne County is second to none, and we are committed to total client satisfaction in all that we do. When facing DWI charges near Wayne 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 Wayne 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 Wayne County, MO area, it’s natural to be nervous. Any encounter with law enforcement for a moving violation can trigger a “fight or flight” response, and this is only increased when you’re facing accusations of impaired driving. Having tried hundreds of Wayne County, MO-area DWI cases, our firm suggests the following course of action if you find yourself pulled over for DWI:

  • Safely pull over. Safely pull your vehicle to the side of the road. Use your turn signal, and select 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. 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 in the Wayne County, MO area.
  • Avoid self-incrimination. Exercise your right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Give the officer your license and insurance/registration, but don’t give them any other information. Law enforcement officers are looking for any reason 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 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 only used to establish probable cause for an arrest.
  • Call a lawyer if you are arrested. Your conversation with an attorney is entirely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Getting advice from an experienced Wayne County, MO DWI lawyer regarding whether to undergo a breath test at the station, addressing any issues that arose in your 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 Wayne County, 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 Wayne 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 Wayne County, MO, including fines, license suspension, and possible 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 neighboring Wayne County, 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 Wayne 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 possibly resulting in significant repercussions as outlined in accordance with Missouri law, defining 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 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 Wayne County, MO legal team makes sure that the residents of Wayne County, 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 Wayne County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in numerous forms of law, such as:

What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI?

If this is your second DWI arrest in Wayne 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 can be anywhere 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 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 component of a DWI case in Wayne County, MO pertains to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue manages your license revocation or suspension. Most drivers in the Wayne County, MO area may be unaware that , as long as that appeal is filed within 15 days of your initial arrest in Wayne County, MO.

When you enlist the impeccable services of the Wayne County, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident 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, scrutinize the details of your case, pinpoint potential discrepancies in the Wayne County police report or arrest, and craft a strategy that is built for success. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

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

If you have recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Wayne County, MO, you are probably well aware that time is of the essence when dealing with your case. The sooner you can get a skilled Wayne County, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, amass evidence, and construct a robust case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your Wayne County DWI arrest will be greatly reduced, if not eliminated.

For numerous individuals in Wayne County, MO, Combs Waterkotte has been a beacon of support when facing DWI charges. Our firm blends top-notch legal expertise and aggressive litigation with a dedication to personalized service and communication that is unmatched among DWI law firms near Wayne County, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI lawyers assure you that, regardless of the time, location, or circumstance, 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, as affirmed by our satisfied clients.

If you find yourself pulled over and facing DWI charges in the Wayne County, MO area, make (314) 900-HELP your first call to schedule a free initial .

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