The state of Louisiana DWI laws are notoriously complicated. Because they are so complicated, the penalties associated with your drunken driving conviction can vary from case to case. Even when you are convicted of drunken driving offense, you may be able to get the charges reduced if you can prove that you were not driving under the influence at the time of your arrest. If you have been charged with driving while intoxicated, it is important that you understand your rights and the procedures that must be followed in order to defend yourself against this charge.
Because Louisiana has some of the most stringent drunk driving laws in the country, it is not uncommon for someone who has been charged with drunk driving to have several future drunk driving charges pending against them. As such, it is extremely important that you hire a skilled and knowledgeable drunk driving attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. A lawyer who understands all of the specifics of the law surrounding drunk driving in Louisiana can save you a lot of time, money, and trouble. Unlike some states, drunken driving in Louisiana is considered an aggravated misdemeanor, which carries a maximum prison sentence of one year. However, this penalty can be reduced by the amount of time that is spent in jail, on probation, community service, or other penalty programs that your court is able to establish.
Like in many other states, if you are convicted of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, regardless of the outcome of the alcohol test, you will be charged with a criminal misdemeanor. This means that instead of having to serve time in jail, you will be required to serve a certain amount of time in jail on your initial arrest. If the judge decides that you are guilty, you will then have to immediately appear in court and undergo the punishment set forth by the constitution. As in other states, a Louisiana DWI lawyer can advise you on the severity of your sentence.
Another element of punishment that you and a Louisiana DWI lawyer should be aware of is the “child endangerment law”. If you are arrested for DWI and convicted, you may be required to pay a fine as well as mandatory child endangerment classes. If you were driving a vehicle while intoxicated, your insurance company may cancel your policy, and you could even lose your license to operate a motor vehicle altogether. In addition, the penalties may increase if the charge is later found to be false or unfounded.
If you have been arrested for drunk driving or for another crime that involves driving under the influence, it is extremely important to consult with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer before you make any decisions about your case. A lawyer will be able to assess the legal issue at hand and help you obtain the best possible outcome for your situation. It can be difficult to understand the complex laws surrounding drunk driving, and your attorney will be equipped to handle all of your legal needs. If you are arrested for DWI in Louisiana, do not go into your court without having your lawyer with you.
Even though DWI penalties are serious, they are not as severe as the penalties that can result from other offenses such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For this reason, it is important to hire a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who will work to fight your case aggressively. If you have been charged with a DWI violation, you should not accept the arrest without contacting an attorney immediately. They can advise you on the penalties that are associated with your specific case and can discuss other options available to you such as reducing the charges or forgiving your violation.
