A DWI Charge is Not an Automatic Conviction in Louisiana
Getting a DWI or DUI can be scary, but it’s important to stay calm as these charges do not guarantee you will be convicted. It is paramount for the prosecution to prove that a defendant was intoxicated beyond the legal limit while they were operating a vehicle, on land, or otherwise.
“I just got a DWI, now what?”
For this reason, it is equally important for defendants to refrain from saying anything incriminating or, really, saying anything at all. It’s no joke when a police officer states that “you have the right to remain silent.” Admitting, or in some cases even suggesting any wrongdoing can be used as evidence against against you by the prosecution.
Instead, allow a seasoned lawyer with a successful track record to handle your defense for you. Breathalyzers and police officers are both known to be prone to error though admittedly in different ways. For example, a breathalyzer can malfunction and a police officer can improperly conduct a field sobriety test.
It’s even possible that the very reason the officer stopped a person in the first place could be faulty if they had no legitimate reason to do so under law. In such a case, it must be proven that the officer had probable cause to stop you.
Let Us Negotiate on Your Behalf
Beyond poking holes in questionable evidence for the prosecution’s case, a good lawyer may also be able to fight to have a sentence reduced if a defendant is found guilty. This is especially true when the defendant is subjected to extraordinary extenuating circumstances.
There have also been cases where a sentence has been lightened due to other factors, like an exemplary prior record or it is believed that jail time or heavy fines could severely impact the defendant’s dependents. These instances can be used by an expert DWI lawyer to fight for a lesser sentence or even dismiss a case outright.
Don’t Drink and Drive
DWIs are serious business. Even a first offense can carry a fine of $1,000 and jail time. More to the point, a DWI conviction can have lasting effects on your ability to find employment, obtain or hold on to a commercial drivers’ license, and other serious consequences. The Russell Law Firm, LLC will fight on your behalf to make sure you get the legal defense you deserve.
If you have more questions about DWI in the State of Louisiana, call us at (255) 307-0088 or reach out through our contact page.
By: Danny Russell, Esq.
Information furnished herein is only general and not a substitute for personalized legal advice. ****The photograph above is not a depiction of any actual event or scene, but merely a dramatization.