Lake Charles residents who have been pulled over by police understand how unnerving such incidents can be. It’s true that life is often uncertain, and an uneventful day can quickly turn into a very serious, stressful situation when least expected. For instance, a Louisiana police offer may claim that your car was veering over the yellow line on the road; the next thing you know, you’re in handcuffs and charged with drunk driving.
This may sound implausible to many, but it has happened many times to motorists throughout the state. Some of those charges lead to convictions while others are dismissed without ever going to trial. The important thing to remember is that you have rights, and those rights are not negated simply because you were accused of a crime.
Regardless of the events that may have led to your arrest, you are presumed innocent under the law unless prosecutors successfully prove their case in court. This means no alcohol-related charge is final until the situation has been fully adjudicated. In the meantime, there are various options typically available that would make it possible for an experienced criminal law attorney to employ aggressive defense strategies that may help mitigate your circumstances.
Some Louisiana residents mistakenly believe drunk driving is a mere traffic violation. When they learn it’s a crime that may lead to jail time, substantial fines and loss of their drivers’ licenses, they’re shocked. For this reason, in addition to educating oneself on drunk driving laws in this state, it’s also wise to know where to turn for help when a problem arises. Lorenzi & Barnatt, L.L.P., is fully prepared to protect your rights and seek the best possible outcome in your particular situation.
