Donald D. Cleveland Attorney at Law
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Donald D. Cleveland Attorney at Law

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Multiple DWI, DUI And OWI

If convicted of drunk driving charges, you could face several consequences, including jail time, driver’s license suspension and increased insurance rates. If this is the second, third or subsequent time you have faced drunk driving charges, the penalties will increase with each offense. It is wise to seek help from an attorney who can formulate and execute a solid defense strategy on your behalf.

My law firm Donald D. Cleveland, APLC, is located in Lafayette, Louisiana. I provide defense services to people charged with DWI (driving while intoxicated), DUI (driving under the influence) and OWI (operating while intoxicated).

My legal practice is built on professionalism, integrity and compassion. As your Lafayette multiple DUI defense lawyer, I can immediately begin building a strong defense on your behalf. Contact me today.

Act Quickly To Maintain Your Driving Privileges

If you have been arrested for DWI, you have 30 days from the date of your arrest to file for an administrative driver’s license hearing. If you do not file for the hearing, you will lose your driver’s license automatically. I represent clients at administrative hearings and help them keep their driving privileges.

Questions I Ask About DWI Charges

I gather all evidence pertaining to the DWI/DUI/OWI charges you face, including all records of the traffic stop and the arresting officer’s statement. I ask questions such as:

  • Did law enforcement have probable cause for the traffic stop?
  • Did law enforcement administer the standardized field sobriety test(s) correctly?
  • Did law enforcement administer the chemical test(s) properly?
  • Did law enforcement follow all rules and procedures before, during and after the traffic stop and arrest?

If I can find that any of the above questions can be answered with a “no,” it may be possible to have the charges against you dropped or reduced.

When you are facing a second, third or subsequent drunk driving arrest, I act with urgency and thoroughness to fight against the charges. My ultimate goal is to help you avoid a conviction and the following penalties:

  • Second DWI offense: You could face a mandatory 48 hours and up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine and possible driver’s license suspension for up to four years.
  • Subsequent DWI offense: A third or subsequent offense could be handled as a felony, with the possibility of a 30-year prison sentence.

How Multiple DWI, DUI Or OWI Convictions Can Affect Insurance Rates

You already know that being convicted of a DWI, DUI or OWI more than once in Louisiana can introduce potentially serious legal consequences. Unfortunately, few people recognize that having multiple DWI, DUI or OWI convictions on your record carries other consequences.

For many, the long-term financial implications, such as a steep hike in insurance premiums, can be substantial and introduce economic struggles. Since insurance companies assess risk based on driving records, and a history of DWI, DUI or OWI offenses signals high risk, it introduces these possible ramifications:

  • Premiums may increase significantly due to the perceived risk level
  • Coverage options may be reduced or limited by insurers
  • Some insurance providers may refuse to renew existing policies
  • Potential requirement to purchase high-risk auto insurance (SR-22)
  • Discounts and incentives for safe driving may no longer apply
  • Insurance claims may be scrutinized more heavily, leading to problems
  • Multipolicy discounts or bundling benefits may be revoked or inaccessible

These financial setbacks are not short-term. Elevated insurance premiums and restricted coverage often persist for years, impacting your budgeting and daily expenses.

Additionally, drivers who have been convicted of DWI, DUI or OWI offenses multiple times may struggle to switch insurance providers or negotiate lower rates, particularly for convictions that occurred within a short time frame.

How Multiple DWI, DUI Or OWI Convictions May Impact Employment

Unfortunately, having multiple DWI, DUI or OWI convictions can also have an impact on your job and severely disrupt your professional life. In Louisiana, employers often conduct background checks on applicants, and DWI, DUI or OWI offenses may raise concerns, resulting in these potential consequences:

  • Job applications may be rejected out-of-hand when a criminal background check is reviewed
  • Professional licenses and certifications could be suspended or revoked with multiple convictions
  • Certain fields, such as health care, law and transportation, may bar those with a background of multiple DUIs from employment
  • Career advancement may be limited due to concerns about reliability and reputation
  • Positions requiring driving or operating heavy machinery may become inaccessible, at least for a time

The employment challenges associated with multiple Louisiana DWI, DUI or OWI convictions can vary depending on industry and position. However, many discover that a deep history of DWI, DUI or OWI convictions harms employment prospects, especially in fields where public safety and ethics are critical.

Facing A Multiple Offense For DWI?

Contact me online or call 337-572-9874 to schedule a confidential consultation in St. Martin Parish and the surrounding area. I can meet with you evenings and weekends by appointment.