
Lake Charles College Student DWI Attorney
Facing a DWI charge can be overwhelming and scary, especially if you’re a young college student with little experience dealing with the law. The good news is you don’t have to go through this on your own. In fact, it’s highly recommended that you work with a Lake Charles college student DWI lawyer, no matter how straightforward your case may seem.
McHale Attorney At Law has been helping local Lake Charles students with DWI cases for over three decades. We’re confident we can get you through your case.
Lake Charles College Population
Driving under the influence is a prevalent issue in every state across the country. According to recent data, about 21.5 percent of 100,000 drivers in the United States are involved in fatal alcohol-related crashes. Moreover, there were approximately 15.5 per 100,000 underage drunk drivers involved in fatal alcohol-related crashes. In recent years, 31 percent of motor vehicle crashes in Louisiana alone were related to alcohol.
Lake Charles is home to at least 10 colleges, including community colleges, public colleges and universities, and private colleges and universities. There was a total of 17,053 students enrolled in community colleges near Lake Charles, another 13,003 students enrolled in undergraduate programs at public colleges and universities, and another 5,117 undergraduate students at a private four-year college in the area.
All this to say the region is home to a lot of students, and that means a lot of young drivers on the roads. Moreover, it means a lot of young drivers who are often experiencing their first bit of real freedom and who also tend to have relatively easy access to alcohol. When considered together, it’s no wonder.
Underage College Student DWI Cases in Lake Charles
When considering college student DWI laws, it’s important to remember that many offenders are going to be under the age of 21. Underage drivers who are found operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Louisiana must meet different legal standards than adults facing the same charges.
For example, typically you must have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or lower to be considered under the legal limit. For drivers under 21, they must have a BAC of 0.02 percent. For a first-time conviction of an underage DWI, you can expect to face:
- Fines between $100 and $250
- Imprisonment for a minimum of 10 days
- Possible probation
It’s wise to hire a college student DWI lawyer to help you understand the nature of your charges and to help you fight for a reduced sentence. In some cases, they may be able to have your case dismissed entirely. Regardless, an attorney can be an invaluable asset to have on your side.
Contact Mchale Law Firm
337-802-9259Call Us Today
Hire a College Student DWI Lawyer
McHale Law Firm opened its doors in 1995 and has been dedicated to serving the people of Lake Charles and southwest Louisiana ever since. Our team is proud to offer quality representation through every phase of your case, even litigation. No matter what happens, you can rest assured we’re there for you.
Moreover, we go above and beyond simply taking care of your case. We listen to your story and sit down to explain your situation, so you’re fully aware of what’s happening. Our team is there to support you and your needs, regardless of the details of your case.
FAQS
Q: As a Student, Can I Have My DWI Charges Dropped in Lake Charles?
A: While Louisiana takes DWI crimes very seriously, it is possible to have your charges dropped, especially if it’s your first offense. Your chances of beating a DWI charge in Louisiana depend on the strength of your defense, which involves gathering evidence to instill enough reasonable doubt. With a knowledgeable Lake Charles college student DWI lawyer on your side, you can build a strong defense against your charges and work toward a lighter sentence or dropped charges altogether.
Q: What Are the Penalties for DWI in Lake Charles?
A: The exact penalties you may face as a DWI offender can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. For example, a first-time offense is likely to result in a fine and a minimum prison sentence. However, it’s likely your attorney can negotiate putting you on probation instead. Repeat offenses are more likely to result in imprisonment as well as other consequences like license revocation and completion of mandatory substance abuse programs.
Q: How Can a Lake Charles College Student DWI Lawyer Help With My Case?
A: Working with a Lake Charles college student DWI attorney can be beneficial for your case in many ways. For starters, your lawyer can help you understand the nature of your charges and investigate the prosecution to find weaknesses in their claims against you. In addition to ensuring you understand the charges against you, we will help you build the strongest defense against your charges. Your attorney is there to protect you and ensure you’re being treated fairly throughout the process.
Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a College Student DWI Lawyer in Lake Charles?
A: The cost of hiring a college student DWI lawyer in Lake Charles depends on the details of your case. In fact, a trustworthy attorney won’t be able to give you an accurate estimate without knowing more information. Pricing is going to hinge on things like the severity of the accident, the offender’s criminal history, and any other aggravating factors. You can typically expect a Lake Charles college student DWI attorney to charge an hourly rate or flat fee for services.
Lake Charles College Student DWI Lawyer
Facing DWI charges can be daunting, especially as a student. You feel like your life has just begun and that this is going to be a major setback. Fortunately, this does not have to be the case.
At McHale Law Firm, we don’t just have experience navigating DWI charges. We specifically have experience working on college student DWI cases. If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, call us to set up an appointment with a Lake Charles college student DWI lawyer today.

