Being arrested for a DWI is embarrassing, humiliating, and could lead to jail time. When the red lights are flashing behind you, find a safe place to pull over. Remember that, as soon the police decide to pull someone over for this type of offense, they will be documenting everything the driver does in their police report. It’s important to be polite and not to make any sudden movements. If a driver is asked to step out of the car, they must get out or could be charged with resisting arrest. A driver is not required to take field sobriety tests in Louisiana. These can be very subjective to interpretation and a driver should politely decline to do one.
When someone is pulled over, then tend to give the police more information than they should. A driver does have to give the police their name, license, insurance card and registration. Do not answer any questions about how much alcohol was consumed. Lying to the police can be held against someone in court and will be documented in the officer’s report. Louisiana is an implied consent state. This means the law requires someone to take a breath, blood, or urine test if they’re lawfully arrested for a DWI. Refusing this test will result in a six-month license revocation.
Hiring an attorney is the next important step a driver should take. The goal of a competent lawyer is to defend the charge and get a not guilty verdict. They will try to avoid a jail sentence for the offender. A felony conviction is very serious and they will try to get this charge reduced and minimize any other punishments. An experienced attorney will find a way to reduce the severity of the sentencing to reduce the effects it could have on someone’s life in the future. Penalties increase for each subsequent offense, and that’s why it’s so important to fight a charge with the help of an experienced and reputable lawyer.
For more information about hiring an attorney to defend against a criminal charge, please visit chrisrichardattorney.com. Don’t let one night ruin the rest of your life.