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 seasoned defense 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 10 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 a minimum of 96 hours of the sentence. Those with a BAC over 0.20% must serve 96 hours of the sentence and pay a fine of $1,000. Their driver’s license suspension will last for 4 years with the installation of an IID for at least 3 years.