For most Baton Rouge residents, there is no such thing as a routine traffic stop. There is cause for concern any time you are pulled over by a police officer. If you are stopped for a minor infraction, such as a broken taillight, you will likely receive a warning. When this happens, you can simply sigh with relief and be on your way.
However, if you are ever stopped for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the repercussions could be far more serious. Drunk driving charges carry with them a host of very unpleasant penalties.
You could face fines, a license suspension or even time in jail. The severity of the penalties you are handed can be contingent upon such factors as the level of alcohol found in your blood and if you have had previous DUI convictions.
You may believe that a DUI is a fairly straight forward charge that is contingent primarily upon what your blood alcohol content level measures when you are issued a Breathalyzer test. But actually, there are some very complex issues that accompany any drunk driving stop.
For example, a police officer must have just cause in order to pull you over. If you are issued a Breathalyzer test, the officer must issue the test correctly so as to get an accurate reading. And even if the test is properly administered, the device itself may be in some way compromised.
Attorneys who defend those charged with drunk driving offenses typically understand the complexities of these cases. If you are facing a possible DUI conviction and are concerned about protecting your future, you may wish to look at this page describing the services offered by Louisiana criminal defense attorney Steven J. Moore.