Bossier City DWI/DUI Attorney

DUI/DWI Louisiana Penalties

Louisiana may be known as a party state, but that doesn’t mean the law is lenient on DUI/DWI enforcement. The penalties for a DUI/DWI in Louisiana consist of:

First Offense

A first offense is considered a misdemeanor with possible penalties including:

• Probation up to two years
• 10 days to 6 months jail time
• A fine of $300 to $1,000
• 48 hours in jail or 32 hours of community service
• Participation in a court-approved substance abuse program and driver improvement program.

Even for a first offense, you should contact an attorney. Depending on the circumstances, they may be able to help reduce the penalties or help dismiss the charge entirely. 

Second Offense

A second offense is also considered a misdemeanor. However, the penalties increase substantially. Penalties for a second offense DUI/DWI may include:

• A fine ranging from $750 to $1,000
• 30 days to 6 months jail time
• 240 hours of community service
• Up to 6 months probation and 48 hours spent in jail
• Participation in a court-approved substance abuse program and court-approved driver improvement program
• An ignition interlock device to continue your driving privileges

Penalties often depend on the severity of the crime and prior history. A second offense means there’s prior history that plays into the conviction penalties. While it’s always important to contact a defense attorney after being charged with a DUI/DWI, it’s crucial if you have one or more prior DWI/DUI offenses.

Third Offense

While a first and second offense is considered a misdemeanor, a third offense moves into the felony threshold. The penalties for a third offense include:

• You could face a fine of $2,000
• One to five years imprisonment
• 240 hours of community service
• Up to 5 years of probation 
• One year must be spent in jail
• Community service and re-education programs
• Substance abuse evaluation and substance abuse treatment
• The offender’s vehicle may be seized
• Some judges order you to have an ignition interlock device
• Probation for the full length of any suspended sentence
• Home incarceration for a minimum of 6 months

The penalties for a felony DWI/DUI are severe and can impact someone’s life for a very long time, if not forever. It’s imperative to contact an experienced and aggressive defense attorney who can help achieve a favorable outcome for your circumstances. 

Fourth Offense 

Fourth offense DWIs and additional offenses are considered felonies that carry severe including:

• Fine up to $5,000
• Minimum jail time of 10 years and a maximum of 30 years (two of these years are without the benefit of suspension)
• Probation up to 5 years
• 320 hours of community service
• Home incarceration for at least one year
• Seizure of the vehicle
• Required to undergo a substance abuse evaluation
• Substance abuse treatment for four weeks inpatient and 12 months outpatient

People arrested for a DWI/DUI in Louisiana have thirty days from the date of their arrest to request an administrative hearing discussing their license status. Before that hearing, it’s vital to have contacted an attorney. If possible, they may be able to prevent your license from being suspended. 

In Louisiana, the legal alcohol limit changes depending on whether the driver is an adult, a commercial driver, or someone under 21. For adult drivers, the legal blood alcohol level is 0.08%, for those under 21, it’s 0.02%, and for commercial drivers, it’s 0.04%. Furthermore, drivers who commit a first offense with a BAC of 0.15% or 0.20% or have a minor of 12 years old or younger in the vehicle are likely to face more enhanced penalties.