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 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. As a criminal defense attorney, Mr. Cox has defended numerous DWI cases in and around the New Orleans area.
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.