Covington DWI Lawyers
COVINGTON DWI/DUI LAWYER
An arrest for drunk driving can make you feel hopeless. But I can assure you that I will do my best to help you get the best outcome. Do not give up. A DWI conviction can result in significant penalties, jail time, increased car insurance rates, fines, and even suspension of your license. It could cost you less if we fight.
- Breathalyzer & Breath Tests
- College Student DWI/DUI
- DWI/DUI Accidents
- Felony DWI/DUI
- Ignition Interlock
Our team has extensive experience in representing clients in criminal DWI/DUI accidents cases as well as driver’s license suspension hearings. My 20+ years of criminal trial experience have allowed me to dedicate my life to helping people in Covington who face the severe and often fatal consequences of DWI arrests. No one deserves to be sentenced for a single mistake, regardless of whether they are students, public officials, tourists, or Covington Louisiana residents. I am aware of that, and I will do my best to help you protect your rights and get results. “I believe your case is unique and you merit my special attention.” – Attorney Ernest J Bauer.
My name is Ernest Bauer, and I am a Covington Louisiana criminal defense/lawyer attorney serving the needs of clients in Covington and throughout the surrounding region. For nearly twenty years, my law firm Covington has helped those with criminal defense needs find efficient resolutions to their legal matters.
I practice only in the areas of criminal defense, ensuring that my clients receive advice from a lawyer who is well-versed in the subject matter of their cases. When you hire me to represent you, I promise to give you straight answers, put in an honest effort to do my best for your situation, and be at your side throughout the entire process. You will always know exactly how your case is progressing. Contact me online or Call 504-610-5645 to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case with an experienced Louisiana attorney | Se Habla Español.
Call Us for Free Consultation: (504) 610-5645
Drug Offenses
Under Covington Louisiana drug laws, you can be subject to severe penalties if you are convicted of a felony drug possession charge. Even a drug crime nearby Covington as minor as possession and distribution of just an ounce of marijuana/pot/weed can expose you to harsh punishment in Covington Louisiana. Statistics released by Human Rights Watch indicate that most people charged with drug crimes are not violent people. Many people have families and good jobs but are caught making a mistake by being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
PREVENT DWI DRIVER’S LICENSE SUSPENSION in LOUISIANA
You only have 30 days to act before your Covington Louisiana driver’s license is automatically suspended. La. R.S. 32:667A (2). I can help you request an administrative hearing to keep your driving privileges up until the criminal DWI proceedings.
Your blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time you were arrested will determine how long your license can be suspended without a hearing. Your request may be suspended for a more extended period if you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the limit.
THE CHANGING COVINGTON LOUISIANA DWI LAWS
Louisiana’s DWI laws are constantly changing, but I keep updated with all the current versions. With every law change, the penalties for DWI seem to increase. Therefore, it is crucial to hire an experienced attorney to help you beat the charges or minimize the consequences of a DWI conviction.
FAQ’S COVINGTON LOUISIANA DWI/DUI
It can be frightening and distressing to be charged or arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI). You are likely unsure what to do next. We have collected some of the most common questions that we receive from clients about DWI in Louisiana. Below are the answers. Ernest J Bauer, a dedicated Covington criminal defense lawyer, can help you if you’ve been charged or arrested with DWI in Covington or Gretna or Jefferson Parish.
What’s the difference between DUI and DWI?
DWIs, driving while intoxicated, are usually given to those suspected of driving while under the influence of alcohol. DUI-driving while intoxicated is a charge that can be applied to anyone who is suspected of driving under other drugs, such as alcohol or marijuana. There is only one crime in Louisiana, typically referred to as DWI or OWI (operating while intoxicated/impaired/under the influence), which includes driving under the influence of any mind-altering substance.
What is Louisiana’s legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC)?
If your BAC is 0.08 or more, you could be charged with DWI in Louisiana. If your BAC is 0.08 or higher, you can still be charged with DWI if the police and the prosecution prove that you were impaired while driving. The limit for drivers under 21 years old is 0.02, while commercial drivers are 0.04.
Do I have to do field sobriety testing?
After pulling you over in Louisiana, a police officer might ask you to perform one of the following standard field sobriety tests (FSTs), heel-to-toe, one-leg, or horizontal gaze Nystagmus (shining light in your eyes and watching your reaction). These FSTs are optional, and you don’t have to do them. Most officers will already decide to arrest you if they give you one. FSTs are subjective and will be used against you as evidence. It is often best to decline these tests.
A breath test can be refused. However, your license will be suspended for six months if you refuse to take one. When you reject a breath test, the police must inform you about the consequences.
What penalties are there for DWI convictions?
A DWI conviction for the first offense can lead to fines up to $1,000 and up to six months imprisonment. You may also be suspended from driving for up to one year. For subsequent convictions, the consequences can be more severe. This could be your fourth offense. You could face up to 30 years imprisonment and fines up to $5,000. Additional aggravating factors, such as a high BAC or the presence of children in your vehicle, can result in more severe penalties.
Is it possible to go to jail for DWI?
Yes, even for a first offense. With the assistance of a qualified defense lawyer, however, it is unlikely that you will spend any significant time in jail for your first offense.
What happens to my driver’s license if I am arrested and charged with DWI?
After being arrested for DWI in Louisiana, your license will automatically be suspended. However, you will be issued a temporary permit for 30 days. To contest the suspension, you can file within the 30-day period for an administrative hearing. Your license will be suspended if you fail to contest the suspension or lose at the hearing. Your license suspension for a first offense with a BAC less than 0.08 will be 90 days. The suspension could be extended for those with a higher BAC, who refuse to submit to a BAC testing and/or prior convictions.
Do I have a criminal history after being convicted of DWI?
DWIs are considered criminal offenses. The arrest and conviction will be recorded on your criminal record as well as on background checks. There are diversion programs or first-time-offender programs for first-time offenders that can be used to keep your conviction from being recorded. Your criminal defense lawyer will help you to understand your options and advocate for you.
What happens if I am arrested for drunk driving in Covington Louisiana but live outside of the state?
You will be subject to a license suspension as well as any criminal convictions. You could face additional penalties if you fail to appear at Covington court. Ernest J Bauer, a DWI defense attorney, is familiar with clients from out of state. He will fight to get the best result for you while limiting the times you appear in Covington Louisiana courts.
Does my DWI cases require a lawyer?
Covington Louisiana law, federal law, and both the state and federal constitutions guarantee your rights. An experienced criminal defense attorney will help you ensure that your rights are not lost or waived. They can also protect you against abuse and undue harassment from police officers. Your attorney will review and evaluate all evidence against you. They will help build your most vigorous defense and reduce the penalties or drop the charges altogether. The difference between spending months in prison and being released is how well you have an attorney on your side.
I WILL FIGHT TO HAVE YOUR CHARGES DROPPED OR REDUCED
While the penalties for drunk driving are serious, they are not certain. I investigate your case to make sure that the police did not violate your rights. During an investigation, I consider the following issues:
1) Did the police have probable cause to arrest you?
2) Did they collect evidence legally?
3) Were you informed of your right to remain silent?
4) Did they tell you that you have the right to your own attorney?
If any of your rights were violated, you may have reason to get your charges dismissed or reduced to a traffic offense that does not include drunk driving charges. I also understand how to challenge Breathalyzer results and can challenge roadside sobriety tests. I also have extensive experience representing people who are facing second or multiple DUI/DWI offenses.
WORKING TO PROTECT YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE
If you failed the Breathalyzer test and were issued a ticket for drunk driving, you will face serious DWI/DUI charges in criminal court. You will also face a license suspension hearing by the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). I will fight to protect your driving privileges at the OMV hearing.
FIGHTING FOR THE BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOME IN YOUR CASE
Not all DUI lawyers are the same. When you come to the Law Office of Ernest J. Bauer Jr., I promise that you will never feel like your lawyer has forgotten about you. From the moment we meet in your home or at the jail, I want you to have confidence that you have the right attorney on your side.
CALL FOR A CONSULTATION WITH A ST. TAMMANY PARISH DRUNK DRIVING DEFENSE LAWYER
If you have been charged with drunk driving, you need legal representation right away. Contact me, a Covington DWI defense attorney, online or Call 504-610-5645 for an initial consultation to discuss your case. The initial consultation is free, and I can often arrange payment terms to help you pay for your defense.
CALL US TODAY
For a free initial phone consultation with an experienced Louisiana attorney, call me today at 504-610-5645, or fill out the contact form. I return all messages promptly.
OFFICE LOCATION
1966 N Hwy 190 Suite A
Covington, LA 70433
(504) 610-5645
(844) 272-1106 (fax)