Bossier City DUI Defense Lawyer

Not only is being arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) embarrassing, but it can also have a huge negative impact on your future. You might think a first-time DUI charge is not that big a deal, but it can infiltrate every area of your life and cause massive consequences. Whether you’ve been arrested outside of Barksdale Air Force Base or along I-20 coming in or out of Shreveport, a Bossier City DUI defense lawyer is here to protect you.

Beat a DUI Charge in Bossier City With John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC

When you find yourself facing a DUI charge anywhere in Bossier Parish, look no further than the legal team at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC. For over three decades, we have been helping men, women, and even juveniles across North Louisiana fight to protect their future when it comes to criminal charges.

In a DUI case, your very profession could be at stake. Whether you are a commercial driver, a railroad worker, or are employed on Barksdale AFB, you don’t just want to avoid a conviction; you want to protect your livelihood and the future of yourself and your loved ones. At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, we know the Bossier Parish Courthouse in Benton like the back of our hands and can use this knowledge to seek a favorable outcome in your case. 

Types of DUI Charges We Handle

In Bossier City, you can be arrested and charged with a DUI if you are suspected of driving your vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Nearly one million arrests are made each year in the United States for driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There are four main DUI charges you can face, and knowing what each involves is paramount to ensuring you make informed decisions and are able to protect your rights. These four charges include:

• First offense DUI. In most cases, a first-time DUI offense will be charged as a misdemeanor. This, however, does not mean there won’t be serious consequences involved. Just a single conviction is enough to create a permanent criminal record that cannot be expunged, and studies show that individuals with a criminal record face an unemployment rate of 30%. 
• Second offense DUI. If this is your second DUI arrest, it will likely still be charged as a misdemeanor, but it can have increased penalties. You will likely spend longer amounts of time in jail, pay hefty fines, face the suspension of your driver’s license, and undergo a mandatory ignition interlock device (IID) installation once your license is reinstated. IID installation is shown to reduce repeat offenses by 70%.
• Third offense DUI. No matter the circumstances, a third DUI offense will be considered a felony. This means that even harsher penalties will be imposed. You could spend years in prison, face thousands of dollars in fines, and your vehicle may even be seized and sold by law enforcement. 
• Fourth or subsequent DUI. If you are arrested and charged with a fourth or subsequent DUI, this is one of the most serious nonviolent felony charges you can face. These cases often result in mandatory prison time, strict probation timelines, and requirements for long-term treatment.

If your DUI caused bodily harm to a victim, property damage, an accident of any kind, or even death, then you will likely face additional charges and consequences even if you are a first-time offender. In these cases, having an attorney on your side is absolutely crucial to the protection of your future and rights. 

Why Hire a Defense Attorney?

Even if this is your first DUI charge, you need to hire a defense attorney. At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, we are here to fight your charges by taking the following actions on your behalf:

• Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
• Reviewing all field and chemical tests for accuracy
• Identifying any rights violations
• Negotiating for alternative sentencing or reduced charges when available
• Representing you in any kind of trial or court hearing

Fighting for You When You Need It the Most

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Common Defense Strategies for an LA DUI Charge

If you have been arrested for a DUI in Louisiana, there are several avenues of defense your attorney may be able to take, depending on the exact details of your arrest. The team at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, is here to work diligently to determine which defenses might work in your favor. Some of the most common defense strategies used when it comes to beating a DUI charge include the following:

• You suffered an illegal traffic stop and subsequent arrest.
• The police officers lacked probable cause for your initial traffic stop.
• The police officers lacked the necessary evidence, or the prosecution now lacks evidence to convict.
• During your arrest or during the investigation, you suffered a violation of your Miranda rights.
• The field sobriety tests involved in your case were improperly administered.
• The chemical tests, such as a blood test, urine test, or breathalyzer test, were either improperly administered or the equipment used was faulty.

If your attorney can prove one or any of these defenses, then it is likely that your charge will be dropped or will at least be reduced in a significant manner. For this reason, it is crucial that you hire an attorney even if this is your first DUI charge. With your very future at stake, don’t trust anyone else but a lawyer from John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC. 

Hire a DUI Defense Lawyer Serving Bossier Parish Today Ensuring that you have the right lawyer on your side from the very beginning will make all the difference in the outcome of your case. When you hire a DUI defense lawyer from John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, you can rest assured knowing you have respected and experienced legal counsel to help you navigate every aspect of your case. If you or someone you love is facing a DUI charge in Bossier City, contact us online today.