New Orleans DUI Lawyer

The term for impaired or drunk driving in Louisiana is driving while intoxicated. Many states use the term driving under the influence or DUI. The offenses are similar in that both can be charged when a motorist has a blood alcohol content above a legal threshold or is considered by a law enforcement officer to be impaired and operating a motorized vehicle unsafely.

An arrest for DWI/DUI in Louisiana will bring about a series of stressful events. Under Louisiana DUI law, drunk driving is a criminal act that could result in suspension of all driving privileges, severe financial penalties and imprisonment.

While drinking to a point of impairment and then driving is never acceptable, not everyone arrested is guilty. Breath test equipment may not be properly calibrated, police may not have followed strict procedures, and sometimes even responsible social drinkers are arrested for the mere presence of alcohol.

Once arrested, the system makes little distinction between offenders. If found guilty, the legal, financial and social consequences of a DUI could impact the rest of your life. That is why it is important to seek legal advice and fight the charges filed against you.

New Orleans Louisiana DUI Lawyer James Bates will ensure that your rights and liberties are protected in court. He pledges to aggressively defend you in an effort to earn the best possible resolution of your case. While each case is different, that could include dismissal of the case, reduction of charges or acquittal at trial. Even in a worst-case situation, he will seek to minimize the extent of the penalties.

The district attorney, police and even the judge want to secure a conviction so they don't look soft on drinking and driving. You need New Orleans DUI Attorney James Bates working for your best interests. He will thoroughly investigate your case, prepare the most effective defense strategy and challenge the state's case.

Orleans Parish LA DUI Attorney James Bates will listen to your account of the arrest and ask you about your needs and goals. He will then be able to better outline your legal options and discuss his fee. The initial meeting is free and there is no obligation.

Because time is very important for a successful defense against DUI in Louisiana, you are encouraged to act quickly. To begin getting help with your driver's license and your criminal charges, call (985) 643-0316 or fill out the secure form to the left. Your inquiry will receive a prompt response.

When you are issued a driver's license to operate a vehicle in the state, you agree to submit to a test for blood alcohol content whenever asked by a law enforcement officer. If you refuse to be tested or you submit to a breath, blood or urine test and have a BAC at or above the legal limit of 0.08%, the Implied Consent Law will be used to seize your driver's license.

After an arrest for DUI in Orleans Parish, you have 15 days to petition the Department of Public Safety for an Administrative Hearing and try to keep the suspension from being extended. Failure to act will lead to the complete suspension of all driving privileges 30 days after the arrest.

New Orleans DUI Lawyer James Bates has successfully represented clients at DPS hearings and helped them retain their driving privileges. To see if your license can be saved, contact Attorney James Bates immediately.

For those with an out-of-state driver's license, note that Louisiana shares DUI arrest information with other states. You license suspension penalty will be enacted in your home state.

There are both criminal and civil penalties associated with an arrest for driving under the influence in Orleans Parish. The state legislature periodically changes the Louisiana DUI laws, so it is important to consult an attorney with current experience with drunk driving defense.

The extent and severity of DUI penalties depends on the details of your arrest and whether there are on additional alcohol related traffic offenses on your driving record. All arrests, even first offense, are subject to significant fines and court costs, supervised probation for which you must pay a monthly fee, community service, cancellation of auto insurance, loss of driver's license, imprisonment and the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

One of the more lasting impacts of an arrest for DUI in LA is having a criminal arrest record. Your arrest could be discovered with a simple background check and lead to difficulties with your existing job, reduced job opportunities in the future and a lower credit score that could restrict your ability to qualify for a loan or open a charge account.

The overall consequences of a DUI arrest in Louisiana make it important to try and keep your record clean. Protect your future and your freedom. Contact Orleans Parish DUI Lawyer James Bates for a free consultation.

The need for and benefit from legal assistance has been outlined above. Hiring the right attorney is also critical for the successful disposition of your case. Many attorneys have general practices and rarely are involved with criminal law, let alone DUI cases. The potential impact from being found guilty of drunk driving is too significant to entrust with just any lawyer. You need an experienced and qualified Louisiana DUI Criminal Law Attorney.

New Orleans LA DUI Attorney James Bates has more than 40 years of overall experience as an attorney. He dedicates nearly all of his time to DUI defense and he has actively engaged in special training in drunk driving defense. As a member of the National College of DUI Defense, the Louisiana Criminal Defense Attorneys Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers he regularly attends national seminars to develop his legal skills and learn about emerging defense strategies. He has completed certification in the administration of standardized field sobriety tests and is also a qualified instructor of those test procedures.

NOLA Attorney James Bates will use his skills, experience and training to develop the most effective Louisiana DUI defense for you. He offers affordable legal representation, and he will treat you with respect and show concern for you and the outcome of your case.

Attorney James Bates is a member of the Covington Bar Association, the Slidell Bar Association and the Louisiana State Bar, and he is permitted to practice law in all state courts.

Time is important when it comes to dealing with a Louisiana DUI. The district attorney is already working with the police to build a case against you. Your driver's license may be suspended in a matter of days. If you want the best possible outcome, contact Orleans Parish Louisiana DUI Lawyer James Bates by calling (985) 643-0316 or filling out the form to the left to schedule a free consultation.