Scroll Top

Top DWI Lawyers in Louisiana

Finding A DWI Lawyer in Louisiana

Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense in Louisiana, and it is important to understand the laws surrounding DWI arrests in the state. A Louisiana DWI conviction can result in severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. In this article, we will explore the rate of DWI arrests in Louisiana over the past few years and how getting a Louisiana DWI lawyer can help you beat a DWI charge.

DWI Arrest Rates in Louisiana

According to the Louisiana State University Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety, there were 17,080 DWI arrests in Louisiana in 2019. This marks a decrease from the 18,098 DWI arrests made in 2018. However, the decrease in DWI arrests is not necessarily indicative of a decrease in the number of people driving under the influence, as the COVID-19 pandemic likely impacted the rate of DWI arrests in 2020.

The majority of DWI arrests in Louisiana occur in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans areas, with Jefferson Parish leading the state in the number of DWI arrests. Other high-ranking parishes include East Baton Rouge, Orleans, and Lafayette.

Find A DWI Lawyer In Louisiana Or In Any Other State

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

Penalties for DWI in Louisiana

The penalties for a DWI in Louisiana can be severe, depending on the circumstances of the case. The following is a general overview of the penalties for DWI in Louisiana:

First Offense:

  • A fine of up to $1,000
  • License suspension for up to one year
  • Possible jail time of up to six months
  • Mandatory completion of a substance abuse program

Second Offense (within 10 years of the first offense):

  • A fine of up to $1,000 to $1,500
  • License suspension for up to four years
  • Possible jail time of at least 48 hours, up to six months
  • Mandatory completion of a substance abuse program

Third Offense (within 10 years of the second offense):

  • A felony charge, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000
  • License revocation for up to three years
  • Mandatory jail time of at least one year, up to five years
  • Mandatory completion of a substance abuse program

Fourth and Subsequent Offenses:

  • A felony charge, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000
  • License revocation for up to four years
  • Mandatory jail time of at least ten years, up to 30 years
  • Mandatory completion of a substance abuse program

It is important to note that these penalties are a general overview and that the specific penalties for DWI in Louisiana may vary depending on the circumstances of the case.

Ignition Interlock Devices

In addition to the above penalties, Louisiana requires the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for some DUI and DWI offenders. An IID is a device that is installed in a vehicle that requires the driver to blow into it before the car will start. If the device detects alcohol on the driver’s breath, the car will not start.

In Louisiana, an IID is required for:

  • Second and subsequent DWI offenses
  • First offense with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15 or higher
  • First offense with a child passenger under the age of 12 in the vehicle

The cost of installing and maintaining an IID can be substantial, and it is important to discuss the potential requirement of an IID with your Louisiana DUI lawyer.

How a Louisiana DUI Lawyer Can Help You Beat a DWI Charge

One of the main ways that a Louisiana DUI lawyer can help you beat a DWI charge is by challenging the evidence against you. This may include challenging the results of field sobriety tests, challenging the validity of a breathalyzer or blood test, or arguing that the police did not have probable cause to stop you in the first place.

A Louisiana DWI lawyer can also help you prepare a strong defense strategy for trial. They can investigate the circumstances surrounding your arrest, interview witnesses, and gather evidence to support your case. Additionally, an experienced DWI lawyer can present your case in court and argue on your behalf.

If you have been charged with a DWI or DUI in Louisiana, it is essential to seek the assistance of an experienced Louisiana DWI lawyer. An experienced Louisiana DWI lawyer can provide you with the legal guidance and representation you need to help you beat your DWI charge.

Top Louisiana DWI Lawyers

Find The Top-Rated DUI Lawyers Near You

We have listings for the top DUI lawyers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Find the best DUI lawyer for you by clicking on your state here.

Drunk Driving Defense