DWI and DUI
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Lawyer specialized in driving under the influence charges.
The best way to not get a DWI or DUI is to not drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, if you have already been charged with DWI or DUI, you need an attorney with experience handling these types of cases, who knows what options are available to you, and is ready to fight your case through to trial if necessary.
Here are a few Do’s and Don’t for DWIs:
- DO be polite and courteous to the officer.
- DO provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance.
- DO NOT answer any questions, other than basic identifying information without an attorney present. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
- DO NOT agree to submit to any chemical testing unless you are positive the test will not find any drugs or alcohol in your system.
- DO NOT agree to submit to any field sobriety tests. These are subjective and designed to be complicated.
- DO let the officer know of any physical injuries or ailments if you choose to perform any field sobriety tests.
- DO familiarize yourself with the side effects of any prescriptions you are taking. Even if you have a prescription for the medication you can still be convicted of DWI if the medication impairs your ability to operate a motor vehicle.
- DO prepare yourself for collateral consequences. Refusal to submit to chemical testing can result in suspension of your license.
- DO NOT try to talk your way out of it. If the officer already has probable cause to arrest you for DWI you are going to be arrested and there is little you can say or do to change that.
- DO NOT try to bribe or threaten the officer. This will only make things worse and could result in additional charges.
- DO have at least one emergency contact number memorized. You may not be able to access your cell phone after you are arrested.
- DO be aware of the possible penalties for DWI. This is an enhanceable offense. The penalties for DWI 2nd are more severe than DWI 1st. DWI 3rd is a felony with a mandatory minimum 1 year in prison and a DWI 4th has a mandatory minimum of 10 years.
- DO contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your arrest. The sooner you contact a lawyer the more options you will have for resolution.
- DO NOT wait until the last minute or the day before your trial to hire a lawyer. You may not get the best possible result.
"I'm a firm believer in the Constitution and the right to due process, the right to a fair trial, the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty."
Sarah E.
Smith
Compassion
As an attorney that will fight for you, our approach is client-centered. Legal decisions are complicated and we understand each client is unique and deserves individual attention.
Experience
Sarah E. Smith has experience with nearly every area of legal practice and has appeared in District, Juvenile, and Federal Courts across Louisiana.
Cost-Effective
Fleixble payment options are available for clients in need. No one should sacrifice their right to an attorney due to financial difficulty.