DWI Lawyer in Brentwood, MO
DWI Lawyer in Brentwood, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is likely one of the worst experiences a Brentwood, 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 increased insurance costs, and have points on your license for years to come. Even worse, your reputation in the Brentwood, 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 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 Brentwood, MO area, it’s critical to enlist the support of a highly skilled DWI lawyer in Brentwood. 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 Brentwood, MO Area?
Having an aggressive and proficient DWI lawyer on your Brentwood, 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 seasoned Brentwood, MO DWI attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of all our Brentwood, 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 Brentwood, MO DWI case with the attention it deserves. We formulate a legal strategy tailored specifically to securing the best possible results for you.
Our record of success for those accused of DWI in Brentwood is second to none, and we are committed to complete client satisfaction in everything we do. After you have been arrested for DWI in or anywhere near Brentwood, MO, make (314) 900-HELP your first call. Initial case reviews are always free, and Combs Waterkotte will work with you regardless of any financial challenges you might have to help you beat your Brentwood, 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 Brentwood, 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 amplified when you’re facing accusations of impaired driving. Having tried hundreds of Brentwood, 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 choose a well-lit safe location. If you are on a road with a shoulder, pull over there, or find a nearby parking lot. 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 stopped for DWI near Brentwood, MO.
- 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 officers are looking for any reason 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 prefer not to respond without legal advice.
- Do not take a 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 often deemed unreliable and are primarily used as a way for an officer to get probable cause to arrest you.
- Call a lawyer if you are arrested. Conversations with an attorney are completely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Seeking guidance from an experienced Brentwood, 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 Brentwood, 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 case review. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Brentwood, 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 repercussions in Brentwood, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Knowing the potential outcomes is vital, and a Combs Waterkotte lawyer will do that and more during a free consultation. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas surrounding Brentwood, 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 Brentwood, 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 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 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, also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility or an SR-22
Our experienced Brentwood, MO legal team makes sure that the residents of Brentwood, MO receive the best possible legal presentation, no matter the circumstance. After all, good people often find themselves in bad situations. In addition to DWI defense in Brentwood, MO, our attorneys 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 Brentwood, 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 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.
- Regular, trackable 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 facet in a Brentwood, MO DWI case pertains to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue manages your license revocation or suspension. Many Brentwood, 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 Brentwood, MO.
When you enlist the impeccable services of the DWI lawyers with experience in Brentwood, MO at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured that our firm will quickly 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 gather evidence, scrutinize the details of your case, identify potential discrepancies in the Brentwood police report or arrest, and craft a strategy that is built for success. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Contact A DWI Lawyer Who Wins in Brentwood, MO | Combs Waterkotte
If you have recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Brentwood, MO, you are probably well aware that time is of the essence when dealing with your case. The sooner you can get a skilled Brentwood, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, amass evidence, and build your case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your Brentwood DWI arrest will be substantially mitigated or even eradicated.
For numerous people in Brentwood, MO, Combs Waterkotte has been a beacon of support when facing DWI charges. Our firm seamlessly combines unparalleled legal expertise and assertive litigation with a dedication to personalized service and communication that is unmatched among DWI law firms near Brentwood, 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 achieve complete client satisfaction, which our previous clients can attest to as well.
After you have been pulled over and arrested for DWI in the Brentwood, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP for a free initial case review and put the experienced Brentwood, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte to work for you.
