For criminal defense services from an experienced attorney, call me at 504-360-8484 or 504-905-8399 to set up a free initial consultation.

the Barry S. Ranshi law firm LLC
the Barry S. Ranshi law firm LLC
Protecting your rights by holding the government accountable.
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Fighting For Your Future After A DWI Arrest

A charge for driving while intoxicated (DWI) can disrupt your entire life. Not only do you face possible jail time, fines, increased insurance rates and mandatory community service, but also the loss of your license. Losing your driver’s license can disrupt your daily life including commuting to work, going to the grocery store, taking kids to school and attending family events. For some jobs, it can also lead to the loss of a professional license. For college students, it can lead to the loss of grants and scholarship money.

At The Barry S. Ranshi Law Firm, LLC, I will help you fight your DWI charges and minimize the penalties you face. I am attorney Barry S. Ranshi, and I have over a decade of criminal law experience, including time spent as a prosecutor. I know how the other side thinks, and I am prepared to defend you every step of the way.

Possible Penalties For A DWI Conviction

In Louisiana, anytime you drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more, you violate the law. You can also be charged if you are under the influence of any controlled substance, or a combination of drugs and alcohol that impairs driving. This can include legal prescription drugs. For first time offenders, the penalties include:

  • Suspension of your driver’s license for 12 months
  • From 10 days to six months behind bars
  • Fines between $300 and $1000
  • A minimum of 40 hours of community service
  • Mandatory driver education

Certain things can enhance the penalties for a DWI offense. That means that if you have had a DWI in the past, the penalties for each additional DWI conviction become more severe. The severity of the penalties may also vary depending on the circumstances surrounding your arrest. For example, a BAC of 0.20% or more will enhance your penalties. If you have a child age 12 or younger in the car at the time of the DWI, you will not be able to suspend your sentence.

Yes, You Can Fight A DWI Charge

Many people assume they cannot fight their DWI charge, especially if they failed a breath test. This is simply not true. I regularly fight DWI charges in the following ways:

  • Challenging the field sobriety tests
  • Challenging the breath test results
  • Questioning the legality of the vehicle stop
  • Arguing against the legality of a vehicle search

In addition, you will have 30 days for you or your lawyer to request an administrative hearing regarding the reinstatement of your driver’s license. You will have a temporary license to use during that time, but if you fail to request a hearing, the state may suspend your license. You must act fast to protect your license.

I Am Here To Help

Do not hesitate to reach out right away if you are facing DWI charges. Schedule your free initial consultation by calling my New Orleans office at 504-360-8484, calling my cell phone at 504-905-8399 or filling out my online contact form.