Jefferson Parish DWI Lawyer

Jefferson Parish DWI Attorney

It can be scary to encounter a traffic stop and receive DWI charges, especially if you have never received criminal charges before. For support with this experience, work with a Jefferson Parish DWI lawyer. They can help you learn more about the legal process around your charges so that you understand your future and can make educated decisions about your case. An attorney can drastically improve the odds of a positive outcome for your DWI charges.

Understanding DUI vs. DWI Charges

Have you been charged with the offense of Driving Under the Influence? Derived from the same statutory authority as Driving While Intoxicated, the offense of DUI may be charged if an officer believes you to be under the influence of a substance other than alcohol while operating your vehicle. Such substances could include both prescription and non-prescription medication, as well as illegal substances.

Protect your rights if you are charged with DUI. Just as with the charge of Driving While Intoxicated, many of your rights must be exercised timely or they may be lost. Speaking to an attorney familiar with both the burden which the state must carry in prosecuting the offense, as well as an attorney familiar with defending such traffic offenses, should be of utmost importance. Call Ryan Cox for a free consultation and discuss the nature of your charge of DUI with an attorney who can assist you.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

The offense of Driving While Intoxicated is a serious traffic offense that carries with it serious consequences, from interruption of driving privileges to financial burdens and future consequences for additional episodes. As a criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor in Jefferson Parish, Ryan Cox has tried numerous DWI offenses for the state and is aware of the burden of proof required of the state.

It is important if you are charged with the offense of Driving While Intoxicated to know your rights. It is equally important to know that some of those rights must be exercised timely after receiving a DWI or they may be lost. You can be charged with a DWI whether you were administered a breathalyzer test or not. Once you are charged, act quickly to protect yourself and your rights as much as possible.

The act of Driving While Intoxicated is a misdemeanor for the first and second commissions of the act, while a third and subsequent charge of Driving While Intoxicated is a felony. When faced with multiple DWI charges, an effective and professional attorney’s assistance is important.

Anyone who has been stopped for suspicion of Driving While Intoxicated will likely be asked to submit to several tests. The first of these is the Standard Field Sobriety Test. The SFST is comprised of several smaller tests, among which are the ‘walk and turn’, the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, the alphabet test and the balance test. Knowing your rights before and during these tests is important. Call for a free consultation if you have been charged with the offense of Driving While Intoxicated, first or subsequent offense, and speak to an attorney familiar with your situation.

The potential penalties for a DWI can be serious, but they also vary widely depending on the specifics of your case. If you have experienced a DWI for the first time, you might experience fines, jail time, education programs, and a suspension of your license. If you were charged with aggravating factors or have committed a DWI before, your penalties might be harsher and include longer jail sentences.

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FAQs

Q: What Is the Difference Between a DWI and a DUI?

A: The difference between a DWI and a DUI is the type of substances involved. A DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence, which can be used for alcohol or drugs. A DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated, which can be used for any substance. It can even technically be used for being too tired to drive. While both of these charges have a different name, the penalties for receiving one of these charges are usually the same.

Q: Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test for a DWI?

A: You can refuse a breathalyzer test for a DWI, but it might have legal consequences. Depending on the situation, you could receive penalties like a civil infraction, fines, or even a license suspension. This also applies to other tests like field sobriety tests. Refusing a test can make your charges more severe, so consider working with an attorney to understand your rights and potential consequences regarding taking these tests.

Q: How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help With a DWI Case?

A: A criminal defense attorney can help with a DWI case by reviewing the situation and determining what the right defense strategy is for your charges. Every case is different, so it is important to work with an attorney to make sure your charges are treated seriously and effectively. They can help by presenting evidence and representing you in court as well as negotiation with the prosecution based on the strength of their case.

Q: What Are Some Potential Defenses Against a DWI Charge?

A: Some defenses against a DWI charge include the legality of the traffic stop. If law enforcement conducted an illegal traffic stop or violated rules, then the charges could be considered invalid. BAC test results are also highly variable and might not be accurate depending on the situation. Additionally, some drivers are falsely accused of a DWI based on physical symptoms when they are just tired or physically ill.

Professional Help for Serious Charges

Don’t underestimate the value of a professional when reviewing your legal options after a DWI charge. Schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Ryan N. Cox today to become informed about what your charges mean and what you can do about them. We can offer personalized advice and options so that you can make solid choices.