Rapides Parish DWI Lawyer - Alexandria DUI Attorney

Carl Barkemeyer wrote the published book on DWI: Practical Information for the Accused and Attorneys in Louisiana. He regularly gives lectures and advice to other attorneys regarding how to successfully defend clients for DWI.

Lawyers for DWI in Alexandria

The Barkemeyer Law Firm is composed of multiple attorneys that primarily defend clients for DWI and DUI. We have a combined over 100 years of experience defending clients charged with drunk driving in all areas of Louisiana. Our DWI lawyers frequently represent clients at the 9^th Judicial District Court in Alexandria and Alexandria City Court. We help with all aspects of the DWI case including: temporary license, DMV Administrative Hearing, hardship license, arraignment, criminal court hearings, additional DWI-related charges, negotiations with the prosecutor, decisions regarding the interplay between criminal case and license case, professional license issues, employment issues, CDL drivers, car insurance, college enrollment issues, and DWI expungements. Contact us at 318-716-3441 if you need help with a DWI in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Courts in Alexandria

If you’ve been arrested in Rapides Parish, then you will have court in one of the two courthouses in Monroe, La. If the arrest was for a felony charge or if your misdemeanor summons or arrest was outside the city limits of Monroe, you’ll have court at the 9^th Judicial District Court (Rapides Parish Court), located at 701 Murray St., Alexandria, LA 71301 in downtown Alexandria, LA. If you received a DWI in the city limits of Alexandria, you’ll have court at Alexandria City Court located at 515 Washington Street, Alexandria, LA. Either way, the process for attending court is similar in many ways. Make sure you wear the proper attire for court which means no shorts, no hats, no cell phones, and no sleeveless tops. Be on time for court, which usually begins at 8:30 am.

Steps to Take After a DWI Arrest

Following an arrest for DWI, there are two essential steps that every individual should take. First, it’s crucial to reach out to an attorney experienced in handling DWI cases to formulate a defense strategy or mitigate the consequences effectively. This strategy will be tailored to the specific case’s facts, the individual’s prior criminal record, and their personal and professional circumstances. Second, to contest the proposed driver’s license suspension, the attorney must request an Administrative Hearing within 30 days from the date of arrest.

Depending on the jurisdiction of the DWI arrest, the defendant may or may not have been provided with a court date. If a court date has been assigned, it pertains to the criminal case. Conversely, if no court date has been received, there’s no need to wait for one before retaining legal counsel. Right from the moment of arrest, an attorney can initiate the development of a case strategy. Additionally, the attorney can provide guidance and assistance in navigating various issues, such as professional licenses, employment, educational pursuits, insurance matters, and driver’s license concerns, among others.

DWI-Related Charges

Many times, during a DWI arrest, the police officer may include additional criminal charges. In addition to providing representation for DWI and DUI, our Alexandria DWI lawyers defend clients with other criminal charges such as reckless driving, possession of marijuana, careless operation of a vehicle, improper lane use, no license, hit and run, disturbing the peace, resisting an officer, possession of drugs, criminal damage to property, flight from an officer, theft, and more. Our lawyers can help with all types of criminal cases in Rapides Parish.