DWI Lawyer in Affton, MO
DWI Lawyer in Affton, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is likely one of the worst experiences a Affton, 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 Affton, 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 like 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 Affton, MO area, it’s crucial to enlist the support of an experienced DWI lawyer in Affton. Waste no time; call Combs Waterkotte immediately 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.
Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the Affton, MO Area?
Having an aggressive and effective DWI lawyer on your Affton, MO case can be the pivotal factor between accepting a DWI conviction with severe repercussions and reaching a more favorable outcome such as reduced or even dismissed charges. At Combs Waterkotte, our knowledgeable Affton, MO DWI attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of all our Affton, 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 Affton, MO DWI case the personal attention you are looking for and create a legal strategy that is built to get you the best possible outcome.
Our record of success for those accused of DWI in Affton is second to none, and we are committed to total client satisfaction in all that we do. After you have been arrested for DWI in or anywhere near Affton, 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 difficulties you might have to help you beat your Affton, MO DWI charges.
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 Affton, MO, 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 Affton, 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 area. If you are on a road with a shoulder, pull over there, or find a nearby parking lot. Try to avoid parking on grass.
- Stay 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 in the Affton, MO area.
- Avoid self-incrimination. Remember: you have the right to remain silent. Give the officer your license and insurance/registration, but don’t give them any other information. Law enforcement is seeking 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.
- 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 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 Affton, 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 Affton, 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 lawyer is ready to provide detailed insights and more during a free consultation. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Affton, MO, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from an attorney well-versed in the local legal landscape for personalized advice tailored to your unique circumstancesDriving under the influence has severe legal repercussions in Affton, MO, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Knowing 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 surrounding Affton, 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 DWI Case in Affton, MO
DWI cases in Missouri involve two distinct components: the criminal aspect and the civil facet. The criminal punishments for DWI in Missouri are undeniably severe, with even a first DWI offense possibly resulting in substantial consequences 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 converted 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, referred to as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility or an SR-22
Our skilled Affton, MO legal team makes sure that the citizens of Affton, 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 Affton, MO, our lawyers are experienced in numerous forms of law, like:
What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI?
If you find yourself facing a second DWI arrest in Affton, MO, be prepared for the prospect of dealing with class A misdemeanor charges, which include these punishments:
- 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, at your own expense, a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). This keeps someone from starting a vehicle if their BAC is over a certain limit.
- Continuous, verifiable BAC 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 in a Affton, MO DWI case pertains to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue handles your license revocation or suspension. Most drivers in the Affton, MO area may not be aware that , as long as that appeal is filed within 15 days of your initial arrest in Affton, MO.
When you hire the DWI lawyers with experience in Affton, MO at Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident 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 compile evidence, look at the facts of your case, identify potential holes in the Affton police report or arrest, and develop a strategy that is built to win. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Contact A DWI Lawyer Who Wins in Affton, MO | Combs Waterkotte
If you have recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Affton, MO, you are probably well aware that time is of the essence when dealing with your case. The sooner you can get a skilled Affton, MO DWI lawyer to examine documents, amass evidence, and build your case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your Affton DWI arrest will be significantly mitigated or even eradicated.
Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of Affton, MO-area residents from all walks of life take on DWI charges. Our firm seamlessly blends unparalleled legal expertise and assertive litigation with a commitment to personalized service and communication that is unmatched among DWI law firms near Affton, 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 Affton, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP for a free initial consultation. Trust the experienced Affton, MO DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte to diligently handle your case.
