Broussard DUI Lawyer

Broussard DUI Attorney

Driving under the influence (DUI) can result in life-changing consequences. The last thing you want is for your future to be decided based on one mistake. If you are charged with a DUI, you should do everything in your power to challenge those charges and stand up for yourself. That begins by hiring a Broussard DUI lawyer to help you determine the right path forward for your case and develop a solid defense strategy.

The legal team at The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory knows how humiliating it can be to have to face a DUI case. This charge can make people who’ve known you for years start to question your judgment and treat you differently.

You should hire an experienced Broussard DUI attorney to walk you through the possible DUI penalties you could face. If the prosecution wants to make an example out of you, you’ll want to make sure your defense is as strong as possible.

Potential Defenses Against a DUI Charge in Broussard

If you are arrested and charged with a DUI in Broussard, it will most likely be handled by the Broussard Magistrate Court, which is located within the Broussard Police Department on Highway 90 East. Upon arrest, your driver’s license will be confiscated.

According to recent statistical data from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC), there were at least 1,647 impaired driving arrests made throughout the state in 2024 alone. These arrests were made with the help of grant-funded initiatives to lower the rate of drunk driving in Louisiana. This shows how seriously the state takes DUIs.

After you are arrested for a DUI, you might feel like that’s the end of it, but you always have the chance to defend yourself. DUI crashes in Louisiana cost the state over $480 million in economic losses in 2024, which may be a reason why the prosecution may be so determined to hold alleged DUI offenders accountable. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a defense strategy.

Here are some possible defenses that might benefit your case:

• Illegal search: You are always afforded Fourth Amendment protection from illegal search and seizure, even during a DUI stop. The police need to have a valid search warrant or probable cause to search your vehicle. There were 244 alcohol-related traffic deaths in Louisiana in 2023. This may be one of many reasons why the police might ignore a lack of reasonable suspicion. It could result in the evidence getting suppressed.
• Invalid test: If you are stopped for suspected drunk driving, you may be asked to perform a breathalyzer test, a field sobriety test, or both. These tests are not infallible and might provide false positives. If a breathalyzer test is administered incorrectly, stored in the wrong place, or conducted under the wrong environmental conditions, it can affect the results.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can mimic drunkenness or even cause a breathalyzer test to spike. If you have acid reflux, diabetes, or take certain medications, it can affect the results of a blood or breath test. To challenge the results, you’ll have to prove you have a medical condition that qualifies.
• You weren’t driving: This defense may seem obvious, but if you weren’t actually driving the car, there’s not much the police can do. If you can prove that, at the time of your arrest, the car was stopped on the side of the road before police arrived, you may be able to have the charges dismissed entirely. In fact, you might even be able to argue that you did the responsible thing by not driving drunk.

Some defenses work better than others, depending on the case. This is why it is so important to work with a DUI attorney in Broussard who can determine which option is most effective for your situation.

FAQs About Broussard DUI Laws

How Often Do DUI Cases Get Dismissed in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, DUI cases are actually dismissed regularly, particularly first-offense DUIs. However, that doesn’t mean you should base your entire legal strategy around a possible dismissal. You should still prepare a strong case. The court may choose to offer a diversion program instead of jail time, which can lead to dropped charges. If your lawyer can point out procedural errors, that can result in a dismissal as well.

Can a DUI Attorney Get My Charges Dropped in Broussard?

Yes, an experienced DUI attorney can get your charges dropped in Broussard. Getting the charges dropped won’t be easy work. It involves challenging the prosecution’s case in unique ways, such as locating procedural errors, questioning the legality of the initial stop, and even questioning the competency of the arresting officer who administered the field test. Dropped charges are never guaranteed.

What Makes a DUI Case Weak?

Many things can make a DUI case weak. The prosecution’s evidence must be weak enough for your lawyer to sow doubt in. A case is weak when it has unreliable evidence, rampant procedural errors, or constitutional rights violations. If the police officer who arrested you has a history of questionable behavior, that can weaken the case. If your lawyer’s case is strong and consistent, you may have little to worry about.

Is There a Way for a First Offense DUI To Be Dropped in Louisiana?

Yes, a first offense DUI can be dropped in Louisiana. A dismissal is usually the result of a lack of evidence, an illegal search, or a faulty breathalyzer test. Other times, the court may offer a pretrial diversion program instead of a conviction. This means the offender may have to take substance abuse courses or do some community service, but it will likely result in a dismissal of the DUI charges.

Hire a DUI Lawyer Today

The most effective move you can make for your case is to hire a Broussard criminal defense lawyer experienced in Louisiana DUI laws. Having the right legal support in your corner can change things for the better and give you a chance to walk away clean.

The legal team at The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory has considerable experience helping clients with their defense needs. We can bring dedication, knowledge, and strategy to your DUI case. Contact us to speak to a valued team member.