Louisiana DWI Attorney
Charged with DWI in Louisiana?
Driving while impaired (DWI) is a serious criminal offense that occurs when you operate a motor vehicle after consuming too much alcohol, or while under the effects of recreational drugs like marijuana, ecstasy or cocaine. In Louisiana, if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 percent or higher, you are considered legally impaired and can be arrested. Getting convicted of a DWI can have a substantial effect on you, including jail time, fines, suspension of your driver's license and possibly having your vehicle seized. If you have been arrested for a DWI, contact a Louisiana attorney right away. The Layfield Law Firm, LLC is experienced in providing criminal defense assistance to those facing a DWI and our attorney will work tirelessly to get the charges against you reduced or thrown out completely.
DWI Defense Lawyer in Louisiana
DWI penalties increase in severity each time you are arrested for impaired driving:
- First Offense - Up to six months in jail, a fine of $1,000 and having your license suspended for three months
- Second Offense - Mandatory two days in jail with a possible sentence of six months, plus a $1,000 fine and your license will be suspended for one year
- Third Offense - Mandatory jail sentence of 45 days with the possibility of up to five years behind bars, a $2,000 fine, having your license suspended for two years, participating in a six week substance abuse program, conducting 30 days of community service, and your vehicle may be seized and sold
- Fourth Offense - 75 day mandatory sentence with the possibility of up to 30 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, having your license suspended for two years, participating in a six week substance abuse program, conducting 40 days of community service, and your vehicle may be seized and sold
From improperly conducting a field sobriety test, to inaccuracies in a blood alcohol content test, to violations of your civil rights during an arrest, there are multiple ways that a police officer can violate standard protocol. These violations can substantially impact the case against you. When defending you, we will vigorously challenge the evidence and testimony presented, and will work to get the charges against you dropped.
Contact a Louisiana criminal defense lawyer to defend you against DWI charge.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At The Layfield Law Firm, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Beau always responded quickly to my questions, sometimes patiently just listened while I vented."As a business owner trying to juggle responsibilities with my clients and in my business, it was important to find someone who understood the value of my time while helping me navigate me through a difficult divorce.- Former Client
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"I'm blessed to have had Mr. Beau Layfield representing me throughout my divorce process."I contacted him initially because The Layfield Law Firm website specifically listed "uncontested divorce" within the areas of practice.- Former Client
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"Beau listened to my concerns and helped me come up with a strategy that worked best for my situation."During this process, there were times when I became so frustrated that I wanted to give up. Beau always brought me back to reality and made suggestions to assist with my concerns.- Former Client
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"After meeting with three attorneys about my case I choose the Layfield Law Firm."Hopefully I won't need a lawyer in the future, but if I do, I am calling Mr Layfield.- Former Client
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 225-283-1374 today!
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Do I have to go to court in order to obtain a divorce?
Filing divorce papers with a court is the only way you will obtain a legal separation from your spouse. This applies to any other form of legal separation, including a marriage annulment. Aside from the divorce decree itself, a court is able to assist in settling other matters related to divorce, which include child custody and the distribution of marital assets.
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Is adoption a long process?
Each adopted child has different circumstances. There are several types of adoptions that could take place, including a stepparent adoption, a private adoption or a standard adoption. Each has its own specific challenges. With the help of my firm, we will speed the process through the system as quickly as we can so that you can begin your new family and move forward with starting life together.
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How long will the divorce process take?
The length of your divorce proceedings will depend on different factors, which include how long it takes to serve divorce papers to your spouse, whether your spouse is willing to waive their rights to service and notice of trial, whether you have minor children from the marriage and legal delays. Typically, it will take 20 to 40 days to receive a divorce judgment from the court after papers have been served. If your spouse decides to waive his or her rights to service and notice of trial, the judgment can come swiftly. It is important to note that a judgment does not become finalized until the 30-day "appeals" window has ended.
Another important point to note is that you must be living separately from your spouse for six months (or longer if there are minor children from the marriage) before being able to file a petition, unless there are extenuating circumstances, such as your spouse committed a felony. Securing an attorney for legal representation may result in your divorce process being resolved much faster than you attempting to navigate the proceedings on your own.
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Should I take a settlement offer?
It is never a good idea to settle an insurance claim before speaking with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney that has experience with injury accident cases. Insurance companies have tactics they use to deny claims, redirect fault, and withhold available compensation. An insurance claim can be a complicated process and insurance adjusters can be intimidating to accident victims. An insurance company may assert that the injuries are not as serious as claimed, and attempt to settle quickly for a low amount.
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How will child support be calculated?Child support is calculated differently depending on the state one resides in, but the general factors taken into consideration by the court when calculating payments include:
- the standard of living of the child prior to the divorce;
- the ability to pay of the parent giving child support;
- the specific needs of the child, including their food, clothing, and educational costs; and
- the needs and income of the custodial parent (the parent with primary custody of the child).