Driving while intoxicated is a serious crime. Any time you get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you put your life and the lives of others at risk. The state of Louisiana carries harsh penalties for driving while intoxicated—penalties that can change the entire course of your life.
Before you make the choice to drive while intoxicated, you need to know the effect that decision can have on your future. Read about current DWI laws in Louisiana, penalties, and how long it takes to get a DWI off your record below.
What are Louisiana DWI Laws?
Driving while intoxicated is one of the most common criminal offenses in Louisiana. Any person driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of an illegal substance or with a BAC level of .08 or greater can be charged with a DWI. The severity of the charge depends on numerous factors including whether or not the individual facing charges is a repeat offender. For example, a first time offender will face misdemeanor charges whereas a third-time offender will face felony charges. Other factors that play a role in DWI laws include:
- BAC level
- Whether the individual is a minor or was transporting minors in the vehicle
- If the individual has a CDL (commercial driver’s license)
No matter the factors affecting your DWI, the best course of action for anyone facing criminal charges for driving under the influence is to hire an attorney who will fight for your future.
What are Penalties for DWI in Louisiana?
Within the first thirty days of being arrested for a DWI, you must file for a hearing with the DMV that will determine whether or not you can keep your driving privileges. The severity of the charges significantly impacts the severity of the penalties. Common penalties for DWIs in Louisiana include:
- Fines up to hundreds of thousands of dollars
- Several years of incarceration
- Increased insurance premiums
- Community service
- Driving school
- Driver’s license suspension
A knowledgeable DWI attorney will understand how to fight to mitigate the charges against you and reduce the penalties you face from a DWI. One of the most significant impacts a DWI has on a person’s future is its ability to impact how they are viewed by employers and housing managers. This is usually why people with a DWI want it to be erased from their record as soon as possible.
Removing A DWI From Your Record In Louisiana
In some states, you can fight for an acquittal, which means the DWI will be removed from your record. Louisiana, however, does not allow acquittals for DWIs. Therefore, if you are found guilty of a DWI, it will stay on your record long-term. The only option you have for reducing the effect a DWI has on your future is to find an attorney who will help you file an 894 Plea. This option is only available once every ten years to individuals with a clean record. Therefore, if you have previously faced DWI charges, your only option is to find an attorney who understands how to defend DWI charges and how to fight for you in court.
Trusted DWI Attorneys fight For You
In the state of Louisiana, reputable DWI lawyers can be found at The John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm. With more than 25 years of experience, Eric Johnson and his team of attorneys understand how to create a winning defense strategy. They take the time to get to know each of their clients individually and commit themselves to investigating each aspect of your case to present a strong argument in court.
Driving while intoxicated charges are serious. Don’t rely on an inexperienced attorney with only a handful of trials under their belt to protect your rights. Trust a seasoned criminal defense attorney in Louisiana who is a member of the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Call our office at 318-377-1555 to schedule your free consultation today.