DUI
FREE CONSULTATION
DUI can be a serious offense in Louisiana. DWI is the same thing.
You fight the charges in two places:
One fight is versus the DMV for your driver's license.
The other fight is with the parish of the arrest for your criminal record.
You need to be prepared to fight both.
Time is crucial - you need to apply for an administrative review within 4 weeks - to preserve your driver's license while this is ongoing.
Diversion or Pretrial Intervention
The good news is that many parishes will treat a DUI charge as an addiction problem. This makes sense, since driving while intoxicated is a reason to assume that someone has a problem with alcohol. If this is the case, you might be able to satisfy the State by taking therapeutic measures instead of doing time. The availability of this as well as the specific terms vary, and should be discussed with your attorney.
Hardship License
If you have a pending or active DUI, and your driving privileges have been suspended, it may still be possible to retain your driver's license for certain necessities: work, school, doctor, grocery, worship. This is a conditional license.
Administative Hearing
Before your driver's license is revoked by the DMV, you should request an administrative hearing. At this hearing, the issue of probable cause will be explored and so will the exact procedures used in your arrest. This is how you argue to keep your license while the process is ongoing.
Breathalyzer Device in Car
If you are required to have a breathalyzer device in your car, you have options on which company to use, and how much they charge.
2nd, 3rd and 4th offense DUIs
These cases are substantially more involved, and require individual consultations. The potential penalties are greater. Hope should not be lost, if you are willing to take the hard road back to driving freedom.
