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Practice: DWI Defense

Generally
Driving while under the influence of alcohol (or other drugs) carries significant penalties in Louisiana.  If you are stopped by an officer for suspicion of "driving under the influence," you will typically be administered a "field sobriety" test. How you react to that test--such as properly standing on one leg, or walking a straight line--determines in the mind of the officer whether or not you are intoxicated.  If you fail, you will typically be told to take a "breath test" to determine your blood alcohol level. If you are over 21 and "blow" a .08 or above, you will be charged with a DWI. If you are under 21 and blow a .02 or above, you will be charged.  

Criminal Penalties
A DWI conviction carries significant criminal penalties including fines, jail time, probation, and community service. Louisiana imposes minimum penalties for first-time offenses, then increased penalties for each offense thereafter. Severity of criminal penalties will vary according to the circumstances of the offense, including:
  • Whether the driver has a history of DUI violations;
  • Whether the driver was operating a commercial vehicle at the time of the DUI;
  • Whether the DUI violation occurred while there was a child in the vehicle;
  • Whether the DUI violation occurred simultaneously with another dangerous moving violation, such as reckless driving;
  • Whether the DUI violation involved a car accident in which property damage occurred;
  • Whether the DUI violation involved a car accident in which another person was injured or killed; and
  • Whether the driver was under the legal drinking age at the time of the DUI violation.
Do Not Wait
Do not wait to call an attorney. You need immediate legal representation to understand how you can fight this charge.  A DWI conviction is no laughing matter: it affects your insurance rates, future jobs, and professional licenses. At the Law Offices of Nathan G. Frazier, we can help you defend your rights so that your record will not be affected. Call today at 337-981-3577 to schedule a free consultation.

The law office of Nathan G. Frazier is located in Lafayette, Louisiana and provides legal representation to clients throughout Louisiana, including the cities of Lafayette, Abbeville, Breaux Bridge, Church Point, Crowley, Franklin, Opelousas, New Iberia and Rayne and throughout Lafayette Parish, St. Martin Parish, St. Landry Parish, Acadia Parish, Vermilion Parish, Jeff Davis Parish and St. Mary Parish. 

Legal Disclaimer
This website does not offer you legal advice nor does it constitute the creation of an attorney-client relationship. This website contains general information and is no substitute for talking to a licensed attorney. If you need legal assistance, you must call and speak to me or another licensed attorney in your area as soon as possible. Many legal actions and defenses are subject to strict time limits so you must act quickly to protect your rights.
Subpages (1): Frequently Asked Questions