Haughton, LA DUI Defense Lawyer

Being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Haughton can have serious legal consequences, but it doesn’t have to define your future. Whether you were driving along South Elm Avenue or were coming back to town after a night out in Shreveport along West McKinley Avenue, you have options when it comes to your defense. Don’t simply accept a DUI conviction because you think it will be easier. Fight for your rights with a Haughton, LA, DUI defense lawyer.

Trust the DUI Defense Team at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC

For over 32 years, the team at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, has been fighting for the men and women who find themselves arrested and charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. We know how tempting it might be to simply take the charge, especially in a first-time offense case, and move on. The truth, however, is that moving after any kind of criminal conviction is never that easy. 

Even if this is your first time convicted of a DUI, you will still be hit with a permanent criminal record — something that causes individuals to see a 30% unemployment rate across the nation. Your case will likely be heard at either the Haughton Mayor’s court or the Bossier Parish Courthouse in Benton. Whichever courtroom you’re facing, it is important to have a lawyer on your side who knows the system and knows the parties at play. 

Understanding Your DUI Charge in Haughton

Every day, nearly 32 people are killed in drunk driving accidents across the United States. For this reason, driving under the influence is taken seriously, even when no other party is harmed. When an individual is operating their vehicle with a BAC, or blood alcohol content level above a certain percentage, they can be arrested and charged with a DUI.

While an initial charge might not seem serious, each subsequent charge will increase in severity when it comes to penalties. Across America, 30% of all DUI offenders are repeats. For this reason, even if this is your first criminal charge, you are going to need to fight it. A permanent stain on your criminal record can harm your chances at future employment, housing, and could even cost you your current job. 

If you have been accused of drunk driving, you are going to face an uphill battle, and you need a lawyer who is prepared to fight right alongside you. At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, our attorney is here to review your case, uncover evidence to support your defense, and ultimately settle on a defense strategy that can protect your rights and livelihood. 

Common Penalties for a DUI Conviction in LA

Apart from the various personal and collateral consequences you can face for a DUI conviction in Louisiana, there are a number of legal penalties you can also be dealt, depending on the circumstances of your alleged crime and arrest. The most common legal penalties in a DUI case are:

• Large monetary fines
• Jail or prison time
• Probation or community service with strict conditions
• Mandatory alcohol or drug classes
• License suspension
• The required installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle

At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, we work to mitigate the chances of you having to face these penalties. Trust our defense today. 

What to Do Following a DUI Arrest

Being pulled over for a suspected DUI can be frightening, and it is understandable to feel some sense of panic or uncertainty. Keep in mind, however, that the actions you take following your arrest will directly impact the future of your case, and in all situations of DUI arrest, we recommend taking the following steps:

• Remain silent. First and foremost, it is essential that you exercise your right to remain silent. You do not have to answer any of the police officer’s questions until your attorney has arrived. It is crucial that you do not try to talk yourself out of the arrest. Instead, cooperate with the police in a calm and collected manner, but do not admit to fault. 
• Request a lawyer. One of the most important moves you can make is to retain legal counsel. The sooner you hire a DUI defense lawyer like those at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, the sooner you can begin building a strong defense. 
• Document the arrest. Once you have been released, you need to write down everything you can remember about your arrest. This can include what the officer did or said to you, what tests they administered, if they read you your rights, and if there were any unusual circumstances present. Some of these details may be essential in your defense. 
• Avoid discussing the case. Do not, under any circumstances, discuss your case on social media. Even an innocent comment can be used as evidence against you in court. 
• Trust your lawyer. Last, it is important that you trust your attorney and believe that they have your interests at heart when defending you. It is essential that you attend all court hearings, as failing to do so can lead to additional penalties. 

When it comes to a DUI charge in Haughton, you don’t want to take your chances. Instead, you can hire an experienced and seasoned defense lawyer who can fight for you. 

Fighting for You When You Need It the Most

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Hire a DUI Defense Lawyer Serving Bossier Parish Today

If you or someone you love has been arrested and charged with a DUI, it is essential that you hire a DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible. At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, we are proud to offer end-to-end legal defense, meaning that we are there for you from the start of your case all the way to appeals when necessary. We don’t give up on you and are ready to fight even the toughest DUI or DWI cases. At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, we aren’t just about avoiding convictions; we are also here to protect your future and livelihood. When you are met with DUI charges in Haughton, fight back with a criminal defense attorney. Call our offices today at 318-377-1555 or contact us via our online form and learn more about our legal defense services.