The most common traffic collision that an individual can be involved in is a car accident. Some of the biggest contributors to car accidents include driving under the influence, distractions such as phone calls and text messaging, as well as simple negligence on the part of the driver.
The U.S. government has strict laws in place for people that drive under the influence of alcohol. The penalty for driving under the influence depends on the level of alcohol in the driver’s body. It may only be a fine, however, in severe cases, the driver could end up serving time in jail. In Louisiana, any driver found to be operating a vehicle with a BAC at or above 0.08 percent may face severe criminal and civil penalties.
Under the implied consent laws, an officer may request the driver to take the field sobriety test, provided the officer has reasonable suspicion that the driver may have been drinking prior to driving. Failing the sobriety test will result in an immediate confiscation of the driving license.
Refusal to submit to the test may also lead to criminal penalties with the license being seized if the driver never refused to be tested before. However, if there were prior incidents when the same driver refused to be tested, it may be considered as a separate charge altogether.
If you are facing alcohol-related driving charges, it might be in your best interests to contact an experienced DWI defense attorney to represent you. A DUI conviction can have devastating implications on your life, a skilled professional can analyze the evidence and work for your best interest. You deserve to know your rights and all available legal options, and a qualified attorney can assist you in the process and possibly get the charges reduced or even dismissed.