Lafayette DUI Lawyer

Lafayette DUI Attorney

Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) can be terrifying, and a conviction will likely follow you for the rest of your life. If you have been charged with a DUI offense, you need a Lafayette DUI lawyer to help you navigate legal proceedings.

You can be arrested for a DUI if your faculties were impaired or your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was over 0.08%. Criminal convictions have immediate consequences. An attorney can help you protect your rights and potentially prevent a DUI conviction.

Hire a DUI Lawyer at Eric S. Neumann, Attorney at Law

Our firm has fought for the interests of our clients for more than 25 years. We work with you to create a strategy tailored to your unique circumstances, and our goal is to collaborate with our clients on the right solution

Our legal team answers any questions you may have and prioritizes communication to give you the support you need when you need it. Eric S. Neumann is dedicated to compassionate, responsive, and exceptional legal care

Impaired Driving in Lafayette and Louisiana

In Louisiana, there were 11,404 arrests for DUI offenses. Congestion on roads like I-10, US 90, and I-49 can make accidents more likely. Impaired driving in a congested area only increases the likelihood of accidents causing injury or death.

Driving while impaired is illegal, as it can have severe consequences for the driver and others on the roadways. There were nearly 3,300 suspected injuries in Lafayette in vehicle collisions, and 187 of those were alcohol-related. Alcohol was also involved in four of the 16 fatalities in the city

In all of Lafayette Parish, alcohol crashes made up 5.54% of all suspected injury crashes and 29.03% of all fatal crashes in 2024.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Lafayette?

DUI offenses in Louisiana may be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the number of prior convictions you have and other aggravating factors. Penalties for conviction may include:

• Days, months, or even years in jail or prison
• Hefty fines
• Revocation or suspension of your driver’s license
• Required attendance of a substance abuse program, victim impact panel, or other program
• Required community service hours

Aggravating factors that increase penalties can include having a high BAC, causing an accident while impaired, and injuring or killing someone, or driving impaired with a minor in the vehicle.

What Should You Do After a DUI Arrest?

Being pulled over and arrested for a DUI can be an overwhelming and terrifying situation, especially if you are unfamiliar with the criminal justice system. Most DUI arrests occur when an officer pulls over a driver for a moving violation or another basis of probable cause. Some DUI arrests occur in the aftermath of a vehicle collision.

During and after an arrest, keep in mind these things:

• Remain respectful and cooperate with the law enforcement officer.
• If the officer asks you to step out of the vehicle for suspension of a DUI, do not answer additional questions and instead request an attorney.
• When you are asked to take a chemical test after an arrest, you have given implied consent to this test, and refusing can have immediate penalties.

After an arrest, you have 30 days to request a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles. If you don’t, then your license will be automatically suspended, regardless of the results of your criminal case. When you have your attorney by your side, they can help you navigate both the administrative and criminal cases involved in a DUI case.

What Defenses Are Available for a DUI?

There are several potential defenses to a DUI charge, although not all may apply in your specific case. Some defenses include:

• Proving that the officer did not have probable cause or suspicion to pull you over or arrest you
• Challenging the calibration or administration of a chemical test
• Challenging subjective field sobriety tests
• Showing that evidence of intoxication was caused by health conditions or medications
• Proving that the evidence was mishandled and did not follow the required procedures

FAQs

How Much Does a Typical DUI Lawyer Cost?

The typical DUI lawyer cost may be an hourly rate or flat fee, depending on the complexity of your case. Attorney fees also depend on the attorney’s experience, their location, and the firm’s policies. When you bring your DUI case to a lawyer, always discuss fees with them. Be aware that fees for cases that proceed to court are often higher than those that are dismissed or negotiated before court.

Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer for a DUI case?

Yes, it is worth getting a lawyer for a DUI case. An attorney is your greatest chance at reducing or dismissing the charges you face. Being arrested doesn’t equal a conviction. There are options for fighting against your charges, your arrest, and other aspects of your case. An attorney can review your arrest, the prosecution’s case against you, and advise you on the next steps. If you were stopped without probable cause, the evidence from your arrest might be inadmissible.

What Are the Chances of Getting a DUI Dismissed?

The chances of getting a DUI dismissed depend on your circumstances, but you are more likely to get your DUI dismissed when you hire a DUI lawyer. An attorney knows the right methods of defense and knows when it is better to seek a plea deal. They review the specifics of your situation and investigate your arrest to uncover the most effective way to mitigate your charges.

What Is the Optimal Plea Deal for a DUI?

There is no one optimal plea deal for a DUI, because each will depend on your unique charges, the circumstances of your arrest, and other factors. A plea deal may be the simplest way for you to reduce the charges against you, secure a lighter sentence, and avoid trial. However, it may not be the right option for everyone. In some cases, it is worth fighting in court to get the charges against you dismissed.

A Fierce Advocate and Lafayette DUI Attorney

You should protect your rights immediately after an arrest for a DUI and reach out to Eric S. Neumann, Attorney at Law. There are options to fight against your charges or mitigate the worst of the penalties. Get in touch with our firm today to talk with our experienced Lafayette DUI lawyer and learn how we can help you protect your future.