Defending You Against DWI, DUI, OWI Charges
DWI is a serious charge. Even for the first offense in Louisiana you could be facing jail time.
I have the experience and skill as a lawyer to defend you against DUI or other criminal charges throughout Lafayette Parish. From my law firm in Lafayette, I use my experience to fight aggressively to defend you from jail time and a tarnished record.
I know the long-term consequences of an OWI conviction. I know I'm fighting for you, your family and your future.
If you are arrested for drunk driving, you are facing the criminal penalties as well as the administrative license revocation procedures of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
The Criminal Defense
The penalties for drunk driving increase with the number of offenses:
- First Offense: whether you took the intoxilyzer and the result of the test or refused the Intoxilyzer you could lose your license for up to two (2) years and be sentenced up to six (6) months in jail.
- Second Offense: mandatory 48 hours and up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine and depending on when the prior license suspension transpired and whether you took the Intoxilyzer or refused the test your license could be suspended for up to four (4) years.
- Subsequent Offenses: felony offense with a possible thirty year prison sentence.
I will do in-depth research surrounding the stop, arrest, any field sobriety tests, and any intoxilyzer test results. For second and subsequent offenses, the same research is conducted regarding the particulars of the offense as for a first offense and I will fight to have the prior convictions quashed to avoid increased penalties.
The Administrative Defense
Time is of the essence in the administrative OWI process. If you don't file for an administrative hearing with the DMV within 15 days after the arrest, you will automatically lose your license.
Legal Change Regarding Refusing to Take the Breath Test ∙ You Still Have Rights
Due to recent changes in the law, many people think that you will automatically lose your license for 12 months if you refuse the Intoxilyzer or blood test. The fact is, however, you still have the opportunity to file for an administrative hearing and fight your license suspension.
Fighting for Your Future
As a DWI attorney, I know that DWI defense carries consequences greater than just the immediate fines or jail time — this will affect your future and your family. Contact me.
