Contact Michael R. Garber
1801 Ryan Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
call: (337) 214-4585
Fax: (337) 433-8442
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Lake Charles Area DUI/DWI Defense Lawyer
DWI Defense for Louisiana Residents and Tourists
If you’re charged with a DWI, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be convicted. If you want a solid defense against DWI charges, you must refute two legal actions brought against you by the State of Louisiana: the DWI ticket you were issued by the law enforcement officer, and the hearing you must request if you wish to retain your driving privileges. Furthermore, these two legal actions aren’t the only consequences of a Louisiana DWI conviction.
Louisiana prosecutors take drunk driving very seriously. Even if you’re visiting this state and are arrested on a first-time DWI offense, the penalties for a conviction will be strict. That may mean jail time, expensive fines, and a permanent criminal record. For this reason, it’s important that you consult an experienced DWI lawyer who fully informs you of what you’re facing and how you can protect yourself.
In the State of Louisiana, once you’re arrested for a DWI, the clock is ticking. Legally, there are several deadlines you must meet if you wish to avoid large fines, the revocation of your driver’s license, driving classes, or a jail sentence. To mitigate the potential damage, you should seek the counsel of an experienced Louisiana DWI defense lawyer as soon as you are arrested.
Louisiana DWI Defense: The 15-Day Rule
Once you are cited for DWI, you must request a hearing to retain your Louisiana driver’s license within 15 days or it will automatically be revoked. Don’t wait. If you need to retain your driving privileges, please contact us as soon as possible after you receive a DWI citation.
First-Time Convictions
If you refuse when the law enforcement officer asks you to take a sobriety test, your driver’s license will be revoked for 180 days.
If you are convicted of a DWI, you face fines up to $1000 plus court costs.
You may also lose your license for a year.
Additional DWI Convictions
With each new DWI conviction, the penalties become much harsher. Because DWI laws in Louisiana are so complicated, you may not fully understand your options, including proven tactics of defense. The right lawyer will take you through the process, from investigation to court appearance.
Michael Garber, Southwest Louisiana DWI Defense Attorney
Once DWI charges are filed, you must step very carefully, because your personal freedom is at stake. At the law firm of Michael Garber, we will examine the circumstances surrounding the charges and when the time comes, carefully question the officer who stopped you to ensure all protocols were followed to the letter.
Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, if you’ve been charged with a DWI in the State of Louisiana, please consult the law firm of Michael Garber as soon as possible. You may call us now at (337) 214-4585. With three decades of experience in criminal law, we can deliver a powerful defense for you.