Lafayette DUI Lawyer

Lafayette DUI Defense Attorney

You may be a good driver, and you may have only had one or two drinks at dinner. But if you are pulled over for suspected drunk driving, the consequences can be devastating. The most important thing to do after being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is to get in contact with a diligent Lafayette DUI lawyer.

Our firm prides itself on giving honest and effective legal advice that puts our clients in the best position under the circumstances. That could mean a variety of strategies – from filing a motion to suppress to get a case dismissed on the grounds that our client’s Constitutional rights were violated to walking our client down the path of a fair plea agreement. Criminal Defense Attorney Joshua S. Guillory will fight to uphold the Constitution and for his clients’ rights.

Whether you are facing a Louisiana first offense DUI or subsequent offense, the process is often a stressful and even demeaning experience. Because DUI convictions alter lives and restrict future opportunities, you need a thorough DUI case evaluation by an experienced Lafayette DUI Lawyer. Fighting a DUI accusation is a critical decision, as is selecting the right criminal defense attorney.

When facing a DUI charge, getting immediate legal advice is imperative. Once an accused individual is bonded out of jail, finding representation by a quality lawyer becomes the most pressing thing in a DUI suspect’s life. To arrange a consultation with an experienced DWI attorney, call (337) 233-1303 or click here.

Finding an Experienced Lafayette Criminal Defense Attorney After Your DWI

The team at The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory can provide you with an assertive and experienced legal defense against a DUI or DWI charge. Just because you have been arrested with a DUI does not mean you will be convicted. Our firm can work to investigate the circumstances of your arrest and determine the options for mitigating or eliminating the charges against you.

The impact of a DUI can change your future. A criminal record can impact your education, employment, and other areas of your life. Conviction itself can result in months in jail and heavy fines. The most effective way to avoid or limit these consequences is to work with a skilled legal team. At The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory, we strive to help you protect your rights and your future.

The Consequences can be Devastating

Louisiana has increased the penalty for drunk driving over the years. DWI/DUI is referred to as a “predicate offense,” and each subsequent conviction will typically carry stricter consequences. That is, a second offense will likely have a harsher sentence than a first offense. First and second offense DWI convictions are misdemeanors. Generally, third offense DWI charges and higher are felonies. There are exceptions to these rules, which makes having a Lafayette DUI Lawyer on your side even more important.

In most cases, your driver’s license is also suspended 30 days after an OWI/DWI arrest in Louisiana. Driving privileges for your personal vehicle is not the only privilege at risk. If you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you could lose that license as well, even if you have been accused of drunk driving in your personal vehicle.

Breathalyzer Test

Drivers that are pulled over must take a breathalyzer, blood, or urine test if the officer finds probable cause that the driver is driving while intoxicated. Refusing to submit to such tests can lead to legal consequences and/or harsher penalties. Again, such position is a general rule, and these rules have exceptions. The government has lawyers that know the rules and exceptions to those rules, but the government IS NOT on your side when you are accused of driving while intoxicated. You should also have a lawyer on your side that knows Louisiana DWI laws and who will fight for justice on your behalf.

Many question whether or not they should submit to a breathalyzer when pulled over for suspected drunk driving. Often, it does not help to refuse a BAC test in Louisiana. The state does not actually need proof of your BAC to convict you. Moreover, the prosecution may argue that you refused a breathalyzer because you knew you were guilty. Refusing a breathalyzer is just one factor that a judge or jury will consider in determining a defendant’s guilt. If you did refuse a BAC test, do not panic. Instead, contact a licensed criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Refusing the test will also lead to potentially harsher penalties as it relates to your driving privileges. If you refuse to take a breathalyzer test, your license will be suspended for a period of time. The officer making the arrest must explain to you your rights. This explanation of rights can often be given very quickly and explained to you while you are facing one of the most difficult situations in your life.

It’s your life…Call someone you can count on.

Whether or not you submitted to a breathalyzer, you should not face a DWI charge alone. The prosecution has lawyers, and so should you. Attorney Josh Guillory is committed to aggressively fighting for every client facing DUI criminal charges for drunk driving or drugged driving. The Constitution guarantees us certain rights, and you need to make sure your rights were not violated.

If you or a loved one are ever pulled over and arrested for DUI, it is highly important to get in touch with a Lafayette DUI Lawyer right away. Contact Attorney Josh Guillory here or call our office at (337) 233-1303 today to arrange a consultation.

• DWI/DUI
• Misdemeanors
• Felonies
• Drug or Narcotic Offenses
• Theft
• Crimes of Violence
• White Collar Crimes
• Expungements
• Pardon Applications
• Traffic Violations

FAQs

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a DUI Lawyer in Louisiana?

A: The cost to hire a DUI lawyer in Louisiana varies significantly, depending on the attorney you hire and the specifics of your DUI case. The more serious and aggravated the circumstances of your charges or arrest, the more costly representation will likely be.

A felony DUI defense typically has higher costs than a misdemeanor DUI defense. Attorney fees also vary based on the skill and experience of the attorney and whether they charge an hourly rate or a flat fee. Flat fees may be possible if the case is simple.

Q: How Do You Get a DUI Dismissed in Louisiana?

A: To get a DUI dismissed in Louisiana, you need a skilled defense attorney to determine the proper defense for your case. Every DUI case is unique, and you will need an experienced legal advocate to build you a strong defense and identify ways to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.

Not all DUI charges can be dismissed, and a plea deal may be necessary. Some defenses, such as a lack of probable cause, mishandled evidence, or other constitutional violations, may result in evidence being inadmissible. If enough evidence is inadmissible, the case could be dropped.

Q: How Likely Is Jail Time for Your First DUI in Louisiana?

A: Even if there are no aggravating factors in your first DUI in Louisiana, you may be likely to face jail time if you are convicted. A first-time DUI results in a minimum of ten days and a maximum of six months imprisonment; however, the ten-day minimum could be suspended if certain conditions are met.

It may be substituted for a minimum of 48 hours in jail or a minimum of 32 hours of community service. This alternate sentencing is more likely if there are mitigating factors in your case.

Q: How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Louisiana?

A: A DUI stays on your criminal record permanently in Louisiana unless you take steps to remove it, depending on your case and circumstances. There is a ten-year period, which affects future convictions. If you are charged with a DUI and more than ten years have passed since a previous DUI conviction, it is likely that this offense will be charged as a first offense rather than a second.

This ten-year period does not impact your criminal record. If you are eligible for expunction, you must go through the expungement process for the conviction to be removed from your record.

Fighting for Justice in Louisiana Courts

Josh Guillory is an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer. Lafayette area clients in need of defense for felony and misdemeanor crimes in Louisiana look to Josh Guillory for help.

Due to the complicated nature of Louisiana law and the seriousness of criminal allegations, those facing criminal charges need an experienced, knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to serve them, and Attorney Josh Guillory is more than qualified to do so. If you or a loved one are in need of an effective criminal defense attorney, please contact our office at (337) 233-1303 or click here today to arrange a consultation with Attorney Josh Guillory.

In addition to handling criminal law issues, Attorney Joshua S. Guillory is prepared to help individuals with a wide range of legal matters, such as family law matters, estate planning to include wills and trusts, business law, and personal injury. Do not hesitate to contact The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory, LLC at (337) 233-1303 or click here to send a message to our firm.