DWI Lawyer in St. Charles County, MO
DWI Lawyer in St. Charles County, MO. Facing allegations of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a daunting experience, particularly considering the potential repercussions for St. Charles County, MO drivers. Beyond the immediate consequences of a minimum 60-day suspension of your driving privileges, hefty fines, elevated insurance expenses, and enduring points on your license, the aftermath extends to enduring damage to your reputation within your St. Charles County community or your professional sphere. Also, international travel prospects may be thwarted, with countries like Canada prohibiting entry for individuals with a DWI conviction on their record.
If you have been pulled over and are facing DWI charges, you need a top-tier St. Charles 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-obligation consultations where they can discuss the specifics of your case with you and plan your next steps.
Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the St. Charles County, MO Area?
Having a tenacious and effective DWI lawyer on your St. Charles 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 or even dismissed charges. At Combs Waterkotte, our knowledgeable St. Charles County, MO DWI attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of all our clients throughout the St. Charles County, MO area facing DWI charges. No matter if this is the first time you have ever been pulled over for anything or if this is not the first time you are facing DWI charges, our firm will give your St. Charles County, MO DWI case the personal attention you expect and create a legal strategy that is built to get you the best possible results.
Our unparalleled track record of success in defending individuals in St. Charles County accused of DWI speaks volumes, and our dedication extends to ensuring total client satisfaction in every aspect of our service. After you have been arrested for DWI in or anywhere near St. Charles County, 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 St. Charles County, 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 St. Charles County, MO, it’s natural to feel 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 St. Charles County, MO-area DWI cases, 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 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 stopped for DWI in the St. Charles County, MO area.
- 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 is seeking any reason to continue an investigation and arrest you, so do not give them any. 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.
- If you are arrested, call a lawyer as soon as you can. Your conversation with an attorney is entirely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Getting advice from an experienced St. Charles County, MO DWI lawyer regarding whether to undergo a breath test at the station, addressing any issues during 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 St. Charles 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 attorney is ready to provide detailed insights and more during a free consultation. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring St. Charles 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 circumstancesDriving under the influence has serious legal consequences in St. Charles County, MO, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Knowing the potential outcomes is essential, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will provide that and more during a free consultation. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas surrounding St. Charles 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 St. Charles County, MO DWI Case
DWI cases in Missouri involve two distinct components: the criminal aspect and the civil facet. 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 defined 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 St. Charles County, MO legal team ensures that the residents of St. Charles County, 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 St. Charles County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in many forms of law, like:
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
- Juvenile Defense Lawyer
- Sexual Misconduct Lawyer
- Traffic Ticket Lawyer
- Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
- Speeding Ticket Lawyer
What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI?
If this is your second DWI arrest in St. Charles County, 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 ranges from one to five years
- You must install and maintain, as well as pay for, 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 aspect in a St. Charles County, 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 St. Charles County, MO area may not be aware that you can appeal the automatic suspension or revocation of your license, as long as that appeal is filed within 15 days of your initial arrest in St. Charles County, MO.
When you hire the DWI lawyers with experience in St. Charles County, MO at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured that our firm will tackle 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 holes in the St. Charles County police report or arrest, and craft a strategy that is built to win. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Contact A St. Charles County, MO DWI Lawyer Who Wins | Combs Waterkotte
If you have recently faced arrest and DWI charges in St. Charles County, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. The sooner you can get a skilled St. Charles 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 St. Charles County will be substantially reduced, if not eliminated.
For numerous individuals in St. Charles County, MO, Combs Waterkotte has been a beacon of support when facing DWI charges. Our firm seamlessly combines unparalleled legal expertise and aggressive litigation with a commitment to personalized service and communication that stands out among DWI law firms near St. Charles County, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI attorneys 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 is part of our commitment to complete client satisfaction, as affirmed by our satisfied clients.
If you find yourself pulled over and facing DWI charges in the St. Charles County, MO area, make (314) 900-HELP your first call to schedule a free initial consultation. Trust the experienced St. Charles County, MO DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte to diligently handle your case.
