André Bélanger

André Bélanger – Author & Lawyer

When I first saw André Bélanger’s book, The Anatomy of A DWI Arrest, I was fascinated to see a lawyer giving out really great advice in an easy to read and easy to understand manner. Instead of paying hourly fees in the hundreds and thousands of dollars, Bélanger’s advice was so easily affordable it was ridiculous.

When you read André Bélanger’s story and Amazon Bio, you will see that he was “destined” to become a lawyer.

Melanie Rockett: You are a lawyer, though from your biography it appears a bit of a reluctant one. Tell us a bit about your background and how you came to practice law.

André Bélanger: In some ways, I think it was my destiny to become an attorney. I remember my 3^rd grade teacher saying she thought I would either sing opera or become a lawyer because I liked to talk and talk loudly. Ironically, my dad would often tell me “son, you can become whatever you want in this country, just promise one thing- you won’t become a lawyer.” My dad was an offshore worker. Now he’s my biggest fan!

But, I didn’t think I’d become a lawyer. I was an economics major at Knox College and quickly realized that I did not have the math skills to pursue a Ph.D. So, I opted for the next best thing and wanted to go after an MBA. Regrettably, the one school that I wanted to attend didn’t accept me. My interview didn’t go well and ended abruptly. So, needing something to do, I walked down the street to another university’s law school and was glad to hear they were still accepting applications. The rest, as they say, is history.

Melanie Rockett: The Anatomy of A DWI Arrest is your first book. Can you tell us why you decided to write it?

André Bélanger: People get arrested for drunk driving all the time. This is one of the few instances when “normal law abiding people” get into trouble. Many feel their world will come to an end if convicted. This book, explains to them what just happened and answers some common questions. I also provide some thoughts people can use on selecting an attorney. There are many charlatans out there who simply take people’s cash and plead them guilty without doing a good job reviewing their case.

Melanie Rockett: Most people never get arrested, but all it takes is a miscalculation on how many drinks you’ve had, and you could end up being arrested. What are the consequences of a DWI conviction?

André Bélanger: This is a good question that varies state by state. Most states follow a pattern of making DWI convictions enhance able. Meaning, it may start as a misdemeanor but subsequent convictions become felonies. Every year the penalties become more stringent. Depending upon the amount of prior convictions and your blood alcohol content, you could face mandatory jail time. A felony conviction would result in you loosing your right to carry a gun and possibly the right to vote and serve on a jury. In some instances, your car can be seized and auctioned. Of course, your driving privileges can get suspended too.

Melanie Rockett: One of the things you talk about in your book is choosing a good lawyer, can you give an example of how important that is?

André Bélanger: Vital. You deserve the best professional you can afford. Don’t shop for price and leave matters to chance. Want a heart surgeon whose main practice is podiatry? Of course not, but when it comes to lawyers, people tend to think one is just as good as another.

Melanie Rockett: Your book was short, but filled with extremely useful information. Are you planning MORE books along the same lines?

André Bélanger: Yes. I want to give out as much sound advice as possible.

Melanie Rockett: If you have ever been stopped or tested for drunk driving, you MUST read this book. It may have you thinking twice about that last drink. It may have you calling a taxi instead. If you DO get arrested you NEED the advice on choosing a good lawyer. Some lawyers will just plead you guilty, leaving YOU with a suspended license, increased insurance, jail time and even a lost job.

Hopefully once you read The Anatomy of A DWI Arrest you will never need a lawyer, but if you do you will now know what to do.

I am looking forward to more books from André Bélanger he has a great way of simplifying what many lawyers purposefully make difficult. If you too want to keep track of André Bélanger here is his Amazon Author Page.