Louisiana License Suspension & Revocation Attorneys
A common and often-overlooked matter related to DWI arrest is the suspension of a license. While it seems like a top priority, many arrestees fail to take the steps necessary to prevent license suspension prior to a DUI trial. We make our clients well aware of that vital and time-sensitive issue.
Timing Is Everything
Time is not on your side when it comes to preventing license suspension. You have merely 15 days to request an administrative hearing or you will lose your license for 90 days if you are over 21. Many of our clients at the Law Offices of Troy G. Broussard, J.D. have lost their licenses due to that simple oversight. Let us help you take that important first step in handling a life-changing DWI charge.
Administrative Process
The administrative hearing is a civil proceeding as opposed to DWI trial, which is a criminal proceeding. Different burdens of proof exist and there are unique strategies in defending the license suspension. After we gather the information from you, scheduling the hearing buys us time to request discovery of the state's file and subpoena the officer or officers involved in the arrest, along with video tapes and audio documentation.
Our goal at administrative hearing is to get your license back without the officer's testimony. If need be, we will put the officer under oath and question him similar to the way we'd cross-examine in a DWI trial. The officer will be asked about the administration of the field sobriety tests, procedures he or she follows for the breath testing machine known as the Intoxilyzer 5000, and even the probable cause for the initial stop. With that testimony from an officer under oath, the transcript can be used in a criminal trial if the matter goes that far.
Keeping your license is not only important to your lifestyle and livelihood, it also helps us negotiate a better plea. Again, time is of the essence.
For more information or to schedule a free consultation, please contact us.
