If you or someone you care about has recently been charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Louisiana, you might be wondering what kind of life changes to anticipate or what to do next. For first-time offenders, the idea of a DWI impacting your day-to-day life can be daunting, especially if you are unaware of what to expect. Repeat offenders may find themselves wondering how their charges will be impacted by their previous convictions.
A DWI can happen to anyone, often when least expected, and the consequences can be far-reaching.
Regardless of the severity of the incident, here are some of the top ways that being charged with a DWI can negatively impact your life.
- A DWI Can Hurt Your Driving Record
- Financial Consequences of a DWI
- Your DWI Can Land You in Jail
- Experienced DWI Lawyers in Louisiana Can Help
Introduction: The Far-Reaching Consequences of a DWI
A DWI conviction can have far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom. Drunk driving is a serious offense, and law enforcement officers in Louisiana treat these cases with the utmost gravity. The penalties for a DWI can be severe, including hefty fines, jail time, and the revocation of your driver’s license. As a drunk driver, you not only put your own life at risk but also endanger the lives of everyone else on the road.
The financial consequences of a conviction can be overwhelming, and the negative effects can ripple through every aspect of your daily life. In this article, we’ll explore the many ways a DWI can negatively affect your life, from the immediate legal consequences to the long-term impact on your reputation and relationships.
A DWI Can Hurt Your Driving Record
Depending on how much damage your DWI caused or the severity of the charge, including whether it is a first offense DUI or if there are multiple DUIs, your driving record will show your DWI for at least 5 years and possibly for life. Being caught behind the wheel while impaired can prevent you from continuing to operate a motor vehicle and may result in the suspension or even the revocation of your driver’s license. Driver’s license revocation is a serious consequence that can occur immediately following a DWI arrest or conviction, and legal procedures are required to contest this action.
Driving on a revoked license can lead to further legal trouble and additional penalties.
A DWI can also have a significant impact on your commercial driver’s license (CDL), potentially resulting in its loss and affecting your employment opportunities in the transportation industry. Additionally, a DWI can affect other types of licensing, such as professional licenses or security clearances, which may jeopardize your career.
Some individuals who are charged with a DWI in Louisiana and have retained or reclaimed their licenses might be ordered to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicle, which prevents them from starting their car without first sampling their breath. Many states require offenders to install ignition interlock devices as a condition for regaining driving privileges, and the device requires that the driver blows into it before the vehicle can be started. These devices may even require drivers to submit breath samples multiple times throughout a single journey to ensure they remain sober.
A DWI charge and any probation you are sentenced to will also appear on your criminal record. This information can be accessed by insurance companies as well as any job you apply for that conducts a background check. A DWI conviction will require multiple court appearances, which can disrupt your schedule and finances. Unfortunately, DWI charges are not eligible for expungement, which wipes the charge from public information, and they will remain on your record for a minimum of ten years.
Financial Consequences of a DWI
If you have been charged with a DWI and are a first-time offender, you can expect to pay a fine ranging from between $300 and $1,000. You can also lose significant amounts of money due to fines, increased insurance premiums, and legal fees. While both first and second offenses are considered misdemeanors in Louisiana, any charges beyond that are classified as felony DWI offenses, which carry much more serious penalties.
If you are convicted of DWI in Louisiana, you may be sentenced to more than a painful fine. If you plan to keep driving, your car insurance rates may also rise drastically. Being charged with a DWI means that auto insurance companies will now see you as a liability, which may require you to seek an SR-22 insurance plan that covers high-risk drivers. Such a plan may cost you 50% or more than your current plan. Even a few drinks or a single drink can impair your ability to drive and result in a DUI charge, leading to financial hardship. Drinking before getting behind the wheel, even after several drinks, can have severe financial and legal consequences.
Although the existence of a DWI on a criminal record does not directly impact a credit score, many individuals find that the mounting fees and fines from court payments and increased insurance rates cause them to quickly sink into debt. If accidents occurred as a result of the DWI and the person who was charged experienced any injuries, they can expect to rack up medical bills in addition to all of their other payments, thus continuing to contribute to their overall debt. DWI-related accidents can result in serious injury, leading to substantial medical bills and long-term financial consequences. Several factors, such as prior offenses, BAC level, and whether an accident occurred, influence the financial penalties for a DUI.
Your DWI Can Land You in Jail
First-time offenders in Louisiana may expect to pay between $300 to $1,000 in fines, which increases to a range from $750 to $1,000 if the recorded BAC is 0.20 or higher. A DWI conviction will also require multiple court appearances, which can be stressful and time-consuming. Additionally, it is possible for first-time offenders to face jail time with sentences ranging from anywhere between ten days and six months. With a competent DWI defense lawyer by your side, it may be possible to avoid incarceration altogether.
Occasionally, impaired drivers convicted of misdemeanor DWI charges may qualify to enter an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program. An ARD is a pretrial diversion program that places first-time alcohol offenders into an alternative system to keep them out of jail.
Repeat DWI offenders who are convicted of a subsequent DWI must serve a mandatory 48 hours in jail in addition to an increased number of hours for community service and rehabilitation programs, fines, and other potential penalties. Some DWI charges may be felonies, and a conviction may lead to a sentence of several years in state prison. DUI offenders should be aware that your DWI may be a felony if you have had 2 or more previous DWI charges within the last 10 years. A DWI can truly ruin a person’s life by leading to incarceration, loss of freedom, and long-term consequences for personal and family stability.
The Ripple Effect: How a DWI Impacts Your Family
A DWI conviction doesn’t just affect you—it can have a profound impact on your family members as well. The emotional distress caused by a DWI can leave loved ones feeling embarrassed, anxious, or even ashamed. When your license is revoked, your ability to drive your family members to work, school, or important appointments is suddenly taken away, creating daily challenges and added stress for everyone involved. If you rely on a commercial driver’s license to support your family, losing it can threaten your livelihood and place a significant financial burden on your household. The consequences of a DWI conviction can strain relationships and disrupt your family’s routine, making it essential to seek professional help to navigate these challenges and protect your loved ones’ well-being.
Professional Fallout: Employment and Background Checks After a DWI
A DWI conviction can have a lasting impact on your professional life. Many employers conduct background checks, and a DWI on your criminal record can raise red flags about your judgment and reliability, especially if your job requires you to operate a motor vehicle. Repeat offenders may find it even more difficult to secure employment, as a history of impaired driving can suggest a pattern of risky behavior. In some cases, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, which can be both inconvenient and costly. For first-time offenders, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance to minimize the consequences of a DWI conviction and safeguard your professional reputation. Protecting your ability to drive and maintaining a clean record can make a significant difference in your career prospects.
Social Stigma: The Hidden Cost of a DWI
Beyond the legal and financial penalties, a DWI conviction carries a hidden cost: social stigma. Drunk drivers are often perceived as irresponsible or reckless, and a conviction can damage your reputation within your community and among friends and family. The shame and embarrassment associated with a DWI can lead to social isolation, making it difficult to maintain relationships or participate in social activities. The emotional toll of a conviction can be significant, affecting your mental health and overall well-being. If you’re struggling with the aftermath of a DWI, it’s important to seek professional help and consider joining support groups. Choosing a designated driver or using alternative transportation can help prevent drunk driving in the future, but addressing the underlying issues that led to the offense is key to moving forward and rebuilding your life.
Experienced DWI Lawyers in Louisiana Can Help
If you have questions about DWI charges, penalties, or expungement, the John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm is here to help. Attorney Eric Johnson and his team have been helping clients create winning DWI defense strategies for over 25 years. If you want to work with a criminal defense attorney who will be dedicated to strengthening your case and protecting your rights, look no further than Johnson Law Firm.
When you’re ready to take the next step in your DWI case, contact the experts. Call (318) 377-1555 or schedule a free consultation using our contact form today.