Were you arrested and charged with DUI in Shreveport, Bossier, or the surrounding area? Were you required to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle, or are you afraid that the court might impose this type of punishment? If so, contact Attorney Ebonee Norris and her team right away, to discuss your rights and legal options.
An ignition interlock device will prevent the vehicle from starting, until the operator's blood or breath alcohol content has been tested and determined that it is below the level established by the court.
Courts in Louisiana can order people convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (commonly referred to as OWI, DWI, or DUI) to have ignition interlock devices installed on their vehicles, as a condition of a restricted license during a suspension period. People can also be ordered to install these devices when they refuse to submit to chemical tests in conviction with OWI, DWI, or DUI traffic stops.
If you were arrested for an alleged OWI, DWI, or DUI in Louisiana, you will want to quickly find legal representation to help protect your driving privileges. An experienced attorney will know how to protect your rights, and help you get back on the road as quickly as possible.
The Norris Law Group represents clients all over the greater Shreveport and Bossier areas. You can have our lawyer discuss all of your legal options when you call (318) 771-7000, or contact us online to set up a confidential consultation.
Louisiana Revised Statute § 32:378.2.A establishes that a court can require any person placed on probation for a first or second OWI, DWI, or DUI conviction to not operate a motor vehicle during the period of probation, unless the vehicle is equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device.
Under Louisiana Revised Statute § 32:378.2.B.(1), any person who has had their driver's license suspended, revoked, or canceled under any of the following conditions must be issued a restricted driver's license upon proof to the Department of Public Safety and Corrections that their motor vehicle has been equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device:
Under Louisiana Revised Statute § 32:378.2.B.(4), any person granted a restricted driver's license who tampers with, circumvents the operation of, or removes the ignition interlock device during the period for which the restricted license is granted will have their driving privileges suspended for up to one year and/or 20 days imprisonment, in addition to other imposed penalties.
Louisiana Revised Statute § 32:378.2.C. provides that no person with a restricted driving privilege can do any of the following:
Installation of ignition interlock devices, and the cost of maintaining them, often means that people have to pay hundreds of dollars. Certain defenses in some cases could help individuals have their criminal charges completely dismissed, and allow them to avoid driver's license consequences.
One of the primary issues with any BAC test concerns how the test was administered. Was the person who administered the test authorized by Louisiana state law?
You will want to examine the device that was used to administer the BAC test. These instruments have to be regularly maintained in order to function properly, and a law enforcement agency's failure to appropriately care for breath test equipment could lead to test results being invalidated.
Other issues could also be at play in your drunk driving stop. Did the officer have a legitimate reason for the initial traffic stop? Were you informed of the consequences of not complying with the state implied consent law?
Were you arrested in Louisiana for an alleged OWI, DWI, or DUI? You need to take quick legal action to try and preserve your ability to drive.
Attorney Norris, and the skilled team at The Norris Law Group, will work tirelessly to help you achieve the most favorable outcome to your case, that results in the fewest possible consequences. Call (318) 771-7000 or contact us online to take advantage of a confidential consultation. We have extensive experience helping people just like you avoid the harshest consequences of a DUI conviction, and we're ready to go to work on your behalf when you hire us.