Monroe, LA DWI Lawyer

After a night of festivities, the flashing lights and sirens in your rearview mirror signal potential trouble ahead. As you pull over, you face a flood of questions and sobriety tests. Before you know it, you are under arrest for a DWI.

A DWI arrest can lead to significant obstacles in your life, even if you have never before been in trouble with the law. You can instantly lose your driver’s license. This is just the tip of the iceberg of what follows a Louisiana DWI. You need immediate representation to reduce the risk that you will face the full extent of the penalties. Attorney Eric G. Johnson of The John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm is the Monroe DWI lawyer you deserve at this challenging time.

Penalties for a First-Time DWI Conviction in Monroe

A DWI charge will open a criminal record that prospective employers, landlords, and others who must conduct criminal background checks will see. These charges demand the skill of a Monroe DWI attorney who dedicates a significant portion of his practice to defending DWI charges. A conviction will lead to much worse than merely establishing a criminal history.

A first-time DWI is a misdemeanor offense in Louisiana. Potentially, a conviction could lead to:

• Up to six months in jail
• A fine of $300 to $1,000
• Up to two years of probation
• Thirty hours of traffic school and substance abuse courses
• Court-ordered community service, including garbage pickup

Enhanced penalties await those who blow over 0.15%.

Penalties for a Second-Time DWI Conviction

A second DWI within ten years of your first DWI conviction is a misdemeanor offense that may bring the following penalties:

• A minimum fine of $750 to a maximum fine of $1,000
• A minimum of 48 hours of the sentence must be served without the possibility of suspension
• 30 days of community service
• Re-education programs, as noted above, for a first-time DWI conviction
• Possibility of mandated ignition-interlock device (IID) installation for six months

Additional penalties await those with a BAC over 0.15%, including serving at least 96 hours of the sentence. Those with a BAC over 0.20% must do 96 hours of the sentence and pay a fine of $1,000. Their driver’s license suspension will last for four years, with the installation of an IID for at least three years.

Felony DWI Charges: Third and Fourth Offenses

Felony DWI charges are the most severe drunk driving charges. They represent your third and fourth DWIs in a ten-year period. Potentially, you could be looking at:

• A fine of $2,000 to $5,000
• Several years in prison with or without hard labor
• 30-40 days of community service
• Possibility of losing your vehicle
• Electronic monitoring
• Probation

Contact Our Experienced Monroe DWI Attorney Today

A DWI in Monroe is a serious offense that requires the attention of a skilled DWI lawyer. With just thirty days to apply for a hearing with the DMV to fight to keep your driver’s license, you don’t have much time to secure your future. Call the Monroe DWI lawyers with The John D. & Eric G. Johnson at 318-377-1555 for a free case review. You can also fill out our contact form.