If you are arrested for DUI in Louisiana, you may face both short- and long-term consequences that could affect your driving privileges. Depending on the severity of your case, if convicted, you could face repercussions, including administrative suspension, vehicle impoundment, or a court order requiring the installation of an ignition interlock device on your car. All of these consequences could greatly impact your quality of life.
If you are facing DUI charges in Louisiana, it’s vital to seek legal representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney. An experienced DUI lawyer can examine your case and develop a strong defense. Outlined below is information on what happens to a vehicle immediately following a DWI arrest and the potential vehicle sanctions you might face after a conviction.
What Happens to a Vehicle Directly after a DUI Arrest?
During a DUI arrest, the field police officer may choose to impound your vehicle or instruct you to call a family member or friend to come to pick you up and drive you home. Additionally, the officer may or may not allow someone else to pick up your vehicle.
If your car is impounded, the officer or the impounding company will provide you with information—including the location of your car and the cost to pick it up—for how to retrieve your car. Most commonly, this information is sent by mail to the address where your car is registered. Unfortunately, even if you were wrongfully arrested and your car was impounded, you will still have to go to the lot and pay the fee to get your car. If you believe your DUI arrest and the resulting impounding of your car were unlawful, you can keep the citation from the impounding company, which provides details on how to contest it.
Vehicle Sanctions after DUI Convictions
If you are convicted of a DUI, it’s likely that you’ll face vehicle sanctions. This is especially true for individuals facing second or third convictions. Some of the vehicle sanctions you may face after a conviction include:
- Impounding “in place.” This sanction involves putting a sticker or sign on your car while it is parked at your house that states it is illegal for you to drive the car for a specified period of time.
- Immobilization. The court may also choose to immobilize your car, which involves putting a boot or other immobilizing device on your car for the court-ordered time period.
- Permanent impound. In this scenario, your vehicle may be permanently impounded without recourse. This usually only happens to individuals who have been convicted of multiple DUIs.
- Ignition interlock devices. These devices are one of the most common vehicle sanctions enforced by courts in DUI convictions. They require you to blow into a tube that measures your BAC to start your car, ensuring it is within the legal limit.
- Driver’s license suspension. If you are convicted of a DUI, your driving license will likely be suspended for a period of time—usually from 30 days to a year.
These are a few of the vehicle sanctions you may face if you are convicted of a DUI. In addition to these consequences, you may face additional penalties, including jail time. The best way to minimize the effects of a DUI is to work with a skilled criminal defense attorney.
Contact a Louisiana DUI Defense Attorney
If you are facing DUI charges as a result of being pulled over while intoxicated, it’s essential to seek legal counsel. At the John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, we have the expertise to best represent your case in court.
Attorney Eric Johnson knows how to devise a winning defense strategy. With over 25 years of experience, he is a problem-solver who is committed to thoroughly investigating your case. To schedule a free consultation, call (318) 377-1555 or complete our online contact form.