DWI Lawyer in Sunset Hills, MO
DWI Lawyer in Sunset Hills, MO. Facing allegations of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a frightening experience, particularly considering the likely repercussions for Sunset Hills, 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 Sunset Hills community or your professional sphere. Also, international travel prospects may be thwarted, with countries like Canada prohibiting entry for people with a DWI conviction on their record.
If you find yourself in the challenging situation of facing DWI charges after being pulled over in the Sunset Hills, MO area, it’s crucial to enlist the support of an experienced DWI lawyer in Sunset Hills. 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 Sunset Hills, MO Area?
Having a tenacious and effective DWI lawyer on your Sunset Hills, MO 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 knowledgeable Sunset Hills, MO DWI attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of all our Sunset Hills, 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 Sunset Hills, 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 Sunset Hills 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 Sunset Hills, 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 Sunset Hills, 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 Sunset Hills, 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 amplified when you are accused of impaired driving. Having tried hundreds of Sunset Hills, MO-area DWI cases, our firm suggests the following course of action if you find yourself pulled over for DWI:
- Safely pull over. Ensure a safe pull-over by using your turn signal, selecting a well-lit area on the side of the road, and opting for a shoulder or nearby parking lot if available. Try to avoid parking on grass.
- Stay 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 being pulled over for DWI in the Sunset Hills, MO area.
- Avoid self-incrimination. Exercise your right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Provide the officer your license and insurance/registration, but refrain from offering additional information. Law enforcement officers are looking for 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 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 primarily used as a way for an officer to get probable cause to arrest you.
- If you are arrested, call a lawyer as soon as you can. Conversations with an attorney are completely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Seeking guidance from an experienced Sunset Hills, MO DWI lawyer regarding whether to undergo a breath test at the station, addressing any issues that arose in the stop, or other questions you might have can make the difference between losing your driving privileges for months and your case potentially being dismissed.
Being charged with driving under the influence carries severe legal repercussions in Sunset Hills, 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 Sunset Hills, 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 consequences in Sunset Hills, MO, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Knowing the potential outcomes is vital, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will do that and more during a free consultation. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas surrounding Sunset Hills, 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 Sunset Hills, MO
DWI cases in Missouri have two 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 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 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 knowledgeable Sunset Hills, MO legal team ensures that the residents of Sunset Hills, 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 Sunset Hills, MO, our attorneys are experienced in numerous forms of law, such as:
What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI?
If you find yourself facing a second DWI arrest in Sunset Hills, MO, be prepared for the prospect of dealing with 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 keeps someone from starting a vehicle if their BAC is over a certain limit.
- Continuous, verifiable 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 facet in a Sunset Hills, MO DWI case has to do with your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue manages the revocation or suspension of your license. Most drivers in the Sunset Hills, MO area may not be aware that , provided the appeal is submitted within 15 days of your initial arrest in Sunset Hills, MO.
When you hire the Sunset Hills, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured 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, scrutinize the details of your case, identify potential holes in the Sunset Hills police report or arrest, and develop a strategy that is built for success. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Contact A DWI Lawyer Who Wins in Sunset Hills, MO | Combs Waterkotte
If you’ve recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Sunset Hills, MO, you are probably well aware that time is of the essence when dealing with your case. The sooner you can get a skilled Sunset Hills, MO DWI lawyer to examine documents, gather evidence, and construct a robust case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your Sunset Hills DWI arrest will be substantially mitigated or even eradicated.
For numerous individuals in Sunset Hills, MO, Combs Waterkotte has been a beacon of support when facing DWI charges. Our firm blends top-notch legal expertise and assertive advocacy with a commitment to personalized service and communication that stands out among DWI law firms near Sunset Hills, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI lawyers assure you that, regardless of the time, location, or circumstance, they will swiftly 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.
If you find yourself pulled over and facing DWI charges in the Sunset Hills, MO area, make (314) 900-HELP your first call for a free initial consultation. Trust the experienced Sunset Hills, MO DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte to diligently handle your case.
