Criminal Defense DWI/ DUI
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)/Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Louisiana
It’s New Orleans, after all. You’ve had a great night, and you’re on your way home. You have a nice buzz from the party, but you don’t think you’re drunk by a long shot. Then, you see the flashing lights in the rear view mirror.
What should you do?
- You don’t have to take a field sobriety test if you’re pulled over by a Louisiana police officer. However, your driver’s license will automatically be suspended for six months if you don’t.
- DWI and DUI are considered serious offenses in this state. Louisiana law (R.S.14:98) provides that anyone over 21 years old and with a blood alcohol content of .08% is legally drunk.
- Under the age of 21? You are legally drunk with a BAC of only .02%. Drivers will be guilty of the crime of driving while intoxicated if their BAC tests at these levels, or they are under the influence of any other controlled substance, and they are driving a car, boat, aircraft, or any other kind of “means of conveyance.”
- If your BAC shows an intoxication level, then you will be arrested for DWI. In Louisiana, you have only 15 days from an arrest for DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) to request a DPS (Department of Public Safety) hearing, or your license is AUTOMATICALLY SUSPENDED.
What if you’re arrested for DWI or DUI?
What happens after the arrest? That all depends. Was this your first drunk driving arrest? Maybe you can get a suspended sentence. Was your BAC over 0.15? If so, you must spend 48 hours in jail under the law. Do you have prior convictions? How many? A history of driving drunk can mean serious fines and lengthy jail time. The law is complicated, with a variety of results depending upon a number of different contingencies.
When do you need a DWI lawyer?
If you, or someone you know, has been arrested for DWI or DUI, it is very important that you hire an attorney fast, to make sure the result is the best possible. Deadlines under the driving drunk laws come very quickly, and they cannot be extended. Negotiating the different punishments (fines, suspensions, jail time, classes, etc.) under the law requires skill and experience.
New Orleans’ Bloom Legal has extensive experience defending clients throughout the State of Louisiana for charges of Driving With Intoxicated (DWI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI). If you have received a DWI / DUI charge, you need the best legal representation possible --- which is why you need Bloom Legal’s DWI/DUI expertise.
Our goal is to get you out of trouble by letting you keep your license, insurance, and freedom. The initial consultation is free, and it is with an experienced DWI/DUI attorney, not some member of the support staff.
Let us help you by contacting us today. Give Bloom Legal a call at 504.599.9997 or fill out the form located on the left side of the website.
