Louisiana DWI Penalties: Lawyers Who Fight Back
Despite our reputation for good times, Louisiana's penalties for drunk driving are some of the most severe in the nation. If you are convicted of DWI, you could lose your license, incur heavy fines, lose your car, or lose your freedom. Your best chance to minimize or avoid these penalties is to get an aggressive Louisiana DWI lawyer on your side who can provide you with a strong defense.
At the Law Offices of Troy G. Broussard, J.D., our Louisiana DWI penalties lawyers have more than 20 years of experience fighting DWI. We understand the defense strategies you need to protect yourself. Contact our experienced attorneys today for a free consultation.
The penalties you could face for a DWI conviction in Louisiana include:
First Offense: Charge Is a Misdemeanor
- Jail sentence of up to 6 months
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Mandatory license suspension for a year (if you are under 21, a mandatory six-month license suspension)
Second Offense: Charge Is a Misdemeanor
- Jail sentence: at least 48 hours mandatory; total up to 6 months
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Mandatory license suspension for 2 year
- Ignition interlock system mandatory for a minimum of 6 months
Third Offense: Charge Is a Felony
- Mandatory jail sentence of 45 days to 5 years,
- $2,000 in fines
- Mandatory license suspension for 1 to 2 years
- Mandatory 6-week inpatient substance abuse treatment program, 12 months as an outpatient
- 30 days of community service
- Possible home confinement
- Ignition interlock system mandatory until treatment program and in-home detention are completed
- Your vehicle will be seized and sold
Fourth Offense: Charge Is a Felony
- Mandatory jail sentence of 75 days to 30 years
- $5,000 in fines
- Mandatory license suspension for 2 years after the prison sentence is complete
- Your vehicle will be seized and sold
- A mandatory 6-week inpatient substance abuse treatment program, 12 months as an outpatient
- 40 days of community service
- Possible home confinement for up to 5 years
The penalties in Louisiana vary depending upon your age, and the penalties are higher for CDL drivers.
At the Law Offices of Troy G. Broussard, J.D., we understand the enormity of what you are facing, and we have the experience you need to stand up against DWI charges. Contact our lawyers today for a free consultation about drunk-driving defense or for more information about Louisiana DWI penalties.
