Getting arrested for a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) in Lake Charles can feel overwhelming. You may be confused, worried, and unsure about what will happen next. But don’t panic—knowing the legal steps ahead of you can help you stay calm and make smart choices.
This guide will walk you through what to do after a DWI arrest in Lake Charles, one step at a time. You’ll also learn how a Lake Charles DWI lawyer like Barkemeyer Law Firm can help protect your rights and build a strong defense from day one.
Step 1: The Arrest
It all starts with a traffic stop. If the officer believes you’re driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they may ask you to do field sobriety tests or take a breathalyzer test.
If they think you’re impaired, they’ll arrest you and take you to the police station or jail. You may be fingerprinted, photographed, and asked to take another test, like a blood or urine test.
Important Tip: Try to remain calm. Don’t argue, and don’t say anything that could hurt your case later. You have the right to stay silent and ask for a lawyer.
Step 2: Booking and Bond
After the arrest, you’ll be booked. This includes collecting your personal information, taking your mugshot, and entering your charges into the system. You may be kept in jail until bail is set.
Depending on your situation, you may be able to post bail and go home the same day. If not, you’ll appear before a judge within 72 hours.
Step 3: Driver’s License Suspension
In Louisiana, a DWI arrest often leads to immediate driver’s license suspension—even before your case goes to court. The officer may take your license and issue a temporary permit good for 30 days.
But here’s something many people don’t know: You only have 30 days to request a hearing to fight the suspension. If you don’t act in time, your license could be suspended for months.
This is one of the first things a good Lake Charles DWI lawyer will help you with. Barkemeyer Law Firm knows how to file the request fast and argue to keep you on the road.
Step 4: Hire a DWI Lawyer
This is one of the most important steps. You need an experienced local attorney who understands the court system in Lake Charles.
Working with someone like Advocate Carl from AttorneyCarl.com gives you the advantage of a lawyer who:
- Knows the local judges and prosecutors
- Has handled many DWI cases in Lake Charles
- Can challenge weak evidence
- Will fight to reduce or dismiss your charges
Step 5: The Arraignment
The arraignment is your first court appearance. During this hearing:
- The judge will tell you what you’re being charged with
- You will enter a plea (usually “Not Guilty”)
- The court may set future dates for your case
You should never go to this hearing without a lawyer. Your legal adviser can speak on your behalf and make sure your rights are protected from the start.
Step 6: Building Your Defense
After the arraignment, your lawyer will begin preparing your case. This includes:
- Looking at the police report
- Reviewing dashcam or bodycam footage
- Checking how the breath or blood test was done
- Seeing if your rights were violated
- Talking to any witnesses
A skilled Lake Charles DWI lawyer will look for errors or weaknesses in the case against you. For example, maybe the officer didn’t have a valid reason to stop you, or the breathalyzer wasn’t working properly. If so, your lawyer can ask the court to throw out that evidence.
Step 7: Negotiation or Trial
In many DWI cases, your lawyer may negotiate with the prosecutor. This can lead to:
- Reduced charges (like reckless driving)
- No jail time
- Probation or community service
- Alcohol or driving classes instead of harsher penalties
But if your case goes to trial, your lawyer will fight for you in front of a judge or jury. Barkemeyer Law Firm is known for aggressive defense and strong courtroom experience in Lake Charles.
Step 8: Sentencing (If Found Guilty)
If you are convicted or plead guilty, the judge will give you a sentence. This might include:
- Jail time
- Fines
- License suspension
- Community service
- Court-ordered programs
But with the right legal help, many first-time offenders are able to get lighter penalties or avoid jail.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait—Take Action Now
If you’re unsure what to do after a DWI arrest in Lake Charles, the best thing you can do is speak with a qualified attorney right away.
Time matters. There are deadlines to fight your license suspension and prepare your defense. A trusted lawyer like Carl Barkemeyer will guide you through every step, help protect your rights, and work hard to get the best outcome for your case.
Visit AttorneyCarl.com today to learn more and schedule a consultation.
The legal process can be confusing—but with the right lawyer by your side, you don’t have to face it alone.
