Lake Charles DUI Lawyer

DUI Attorney in Lake Charles, LA

Lake Charles is known for hosting events like the Louisiana Pirate Festival. While these events are highly regarded, they also encourage drinking while engaging in the festivities. This can lead to driving while under the influence. If you have been charged with a DUI, it’s important to work with a Lake Charles DUI lawyer to resolve your legal issues.

Experienced DUI Lawyers in Lake Charles, LA

One of the biggest issues our clients face is the uncertainty that comes with DUI charges. At FHD Law, we walk our clients through every detail of their case so that they are educated on the charges they are facing. As an experienced Lake Charles Criminal Defense Lawyer, we want to empower our clients to make the right decisions and help their legal situation.

What Is a DUI?

In Louisiana, driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs is illegal. The state considers someone driving under the influence if they are found to have a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.

In order for a police officer to arrest someone for a DUI, they must first conduct a traffic stop. They can only do this if they have reason to believe that someone is driving under the influence. This can be based on reckless driving behaviors or other issues.

If you are tested at the scene of the traffic stop and are found to be driving with a BAC that is higher than the legal limit, you could be charged with a DUI. It’s important to hire a Lake Charles DUI Lawyer who understands how to challenge the evidence and protect your rights throughout the legal process.

The penalties for a DUI vary based on how many you have committed within a ten-year period. If the current charges are your first, then you might face a short prison sentence, fines, and other penalties. However, repeated offenses can become felonies with longer sentences and more inconvenient requirements. Working with a Lake Charles DUI Lawyer can make a significant difference in reducing potential penalties and navigating the complex legal system.

Ways to Defend Against DUI Charges

After receiving a DUI charge, it can seem like your fate is sealed. However, there are several options for defending against these types of charges, depending on the situation, including:

• No reason for arrest. Law enforcement has to have probable cause to pull someone over. If this cannot be proven, then the evidence gathered during the traffic stop might have to be thrown out. A lack of evidence can either get the charges dropped or dramatically reduced, which could result in a lighter sentence.
• Poor testing procedures. There are detailed rules that law enforcement must follow when administering a chemical test. These tests have to be prepared before use. If they are not properly calibrated beforehand, then the results might not be accurate and therefore could be discounted.
• Changing BAC levels. The level of alcohol in a person’s blood is different based on when they last drank alcohol. If there is a test administered to evaluate someone’s BAC level, it might result in a higher score than when the person was actually driving. It is important to review the accuracy of the test to verify that it was completed with this in mind.
• Lack of training. Law enforcement has to have the proper training to effectively arrest people for a DWI. Simply judging intoxication based on a field test is not enough evidence in most cases. If the officer is not trained enough to perform other tests correctly, then the entire case can be dismissed.
• Video evidence. Each agency has different rules for officers regarding body camera use, and when it needs to be recording. In some cases, it is expected that video footage of the traffic stop via the officer’s body camera be presented to the court. If this footage is unable to be produced, it could be part of the case to have the charges dismissed.

There were 172 drivers involved in alcohol related crashes with injuries in Calcasieu Parish in 2024. For these individuals in Lake Charles, LA, it is helpful to hire a DUI lawyer to determine the most effective path forward.

Why Choose Us?

FHD Law strikes a balance between professional and caring. We know that it can be intimidating to speak with an attorney, especially if you do not know anything about the legal field. Our goal is to make you feel welcome and at home during your interactions with us. We want you to be supported and cared for while facing serious criminal charges.

FAQs

Can You Get a DUI Dismissed in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, a DUI can be dismissed in some cases. It is a lot more likely for first-time offenders to be able to get DUI charges dismissed than it is for repeat offenders. However, some defense scenarios might lead to dismissal as well, including questioning the motive behind a police officer conducting the initial traffic stop.

How Many Years Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Louisiana?

A DUI stays on your criminal record in Louisiana forever. Other people can still see the charges if they conduct a criminal background check. However, a DUI might only be on your driving record for a limited time for insurance purposes. Each insurance company has a different period that it reviews to determine driving history for insurance coverage.

What Are My Rights if a Police Officer Pulls Me Over for a Traffic Stop?

If a police officer pulls you over for a traffic stop, you have the right to remain silent. You also have the right to speak with an attorney before saying anything that might affect your case. Technically, when it comes to field sobriety tests, you do have the right to refuse to take them or a breathalyzer test. However, this can come with consequences such as a suspended license.

Can I Refuse to Do a Breathalyzer Test?

You can refuse to do a breathalyzer test, but this results in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license. This is because there is an implied consent law that states that anyone driving on public roads consents to these kinds of tests. If you are dealing with the aftermath of a breathalyzer test refusal, speak with a DUI attorney.

Hire a Lake Charles DUI Lawyer

There were six drivers involved in fatal alcohol related crashes in Calcasieu Parish in 2024. Driving while under the influence is a serious risk to everyone on the road. However, many people are falsely accused of this activity without valid proof. If you need help with DUI charges, schedule a consultation with FHD Law.