As a criminal defense attorneys in New Orleans, our team at Harmon, Smith & Vourvoulias has seen firsthand the devastating consequences of driving under the influence (DUI).
A DUI charge can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines, jail time, and the suspension of your driver’s license – not to mention the potential harm to yourself and others on the road.
We’ve seen all kinds of DUI cases, and in this blog, we’ll cover a few things to consider when trying to avoid a DUI in Louisiana.
- Plan ahead
If you know you’ll be drinking, plan ahead for a safe ride home. Arrange for a designated driver, call a taxi or rideshare service, or make sure you have a safe place to stay for the night. Avoid the temptation to drive yourself, even if you think you haven’t had too much to drink.
- Drink responsibly
If you do decide to drink, do so responsibly. Pace yourself and alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Make sure you eat before or while you’re drinking, as food can help slow down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream.
- Avoid DUI checkpoints
While it’s important to follow the law, avoiding DUI checkpoints altogether can help reduce your risk of getting a DUI. Check your local news and social media for information on where checkpoints are located, and plan your route accordingly.
- Don’t drink and drive
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to reiterate: don’t drink and drive. Even if you’ve only had a few drinks, your judgment and reaction time can be impaired. If you’re pulled over for a suspected DUI, it’s crucial to cooperate with the officer, but also to protect your rights by contacting a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
- Stay alert
Be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards on the road. Avoid distractions like texting or talking on the phone while driving, and make sure you’re well-rested before getting behind the wheel.
- Know your limits
Everyone has a different tolerance for alcohol, and it’s important to know your own limits. Don’t let friends or peer pressure influence you to drink more than you’re comfortable with, and don’t be afraid to say no if you don’t want to drink.
- Be prepared
In case of an emergency, keep a charged phone and some cash on hand in case you need to call for a ride. If you’re traveling in a group, make sure everyone knows the plan for getting home safely.
What to Do if You’re Charged with a DUI in New Orleans
At Harmon, Smith & Vourvoulias, we understand that avoiding a DUI isn’t always easy. But taking these precautions can help reduce your risk and keep you and others safe on the road.
If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Louisiana, we’re here to help protect your rights and work towards the best possible outcome for your case.
It’s also important to note that Louisiana has some unique DUI laws that can make a charge even more complicated.
- For example, Louisiana is an “implied consent” state, which means that by driving on the state’s roads, you have given your consent to a blood, breath, or urine test if you’re pulled over on suspicion of DUI. Refusal to take a test can result in an automatic license suspension, as well as additional fines and penalties.
- Additionally, Louisiana has a “per se” law, which means that if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is above 0.08%, you can be charged with DUI regardless of whether you’re actually impaired. This means that even if you feel fine to drive, if your BAC is over the legal limit, you can still be charged with a DUI.
Contact Harmon, Smith & Vourvoulias Today
If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Louisiana, it’s important to work with a skilled criminal defense attorney who understands the nuances of Louisiana’s DUI laws. Contact our team today to get started on your defense.
