Know the Information About DWIs in Louisiana
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense in Louisiana. A driving while intoxicated offense in Louisiana (“DWI”), can have severe consequences, including jail time, fines, and license suspension. If you are facing a DWI charge in Louisiana, it is essential to understand the laws and consequences associated with this offense.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits
In Louisiana, the legal limit for BAC is 0.08%. However, drivers who are under 21 years of age, commercial drivers, and drivers who have previously been convicted of a DWI are held to stricter standards. For example, drivers under 21 years of age can be charged with a DWI if their BAC is 0.02% or higher, and commercial drivers can be charged with a DWI if their BAC is 0.04% or higher.
Penalties for a DWI in Louisiana
The penalties for a DWI conviction in Louisiana depend on the circumstances of the case. For a first-time offense, a driver can face up to six months in jail, fines of up to $1,000, and a license suspension of up to 90 days. If the offender had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.20 percent or more, the driver’s license of the offender will be suspended for two years.
Second and subsequent offenses carry harsher penalties, including longer jail time, higher fines, and longer license suspensions.
In addition to criminal penalties, a DWI conviction in Louisiana can also have collateral consequences, such as increased insurance premiums and difficulty finding employment. That’s why it’s crucial to take a DWI charge seriously and seek the assistance of a qualified attorney.
Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test
In Louisiana, if you refuse to submit to a chemical test, such as a breathalyzer or blood test, you can face an automatic license suspension of up to one year. This penalty is separate from any criminal penalties you may face for a DWI conviction.
DWI Defense Strategies
If you are facing a DWI charge in Louisiana, there may be several defenses available to you. For example, the prosecution must prove, among other things, that: traffic stop and arrest was legal, evidence was legally seized and admissible, field sobriety tests were conducted properly, and chemical test was conducted properly and accurately. A skilled DWI attorney can investigate the circumstances of your case and determine the best defense strategy for your situation.
Conclusion
A DWI charge can have severe consequences, including jail time, fines, and license suspension. If you are facing a DWI charge in Louisiana, it is essential to understand the laws and consequences associated with this offense. By working with Russell Law Firm, LLC’s experienced Louisiana DWI attorney, you will learn your options and aggressively defend the DWI charges made against you.
By: Danny Russell, Esq.
Information furnished herein is only general and not a substitute for personalized legal advice. ****The photograph above is not a depiction of any actual event or scene, but merely a dramatization.