First DUI in Louisiana, referred to as DWI in the state, includes the possibility of both administrative and criminal penalties for offenders following arrest and upon conviction, respectively. To determine how your individual case may fare in the criminal courts and administrative license suspension hearing, having the insight and representation of legal counsel immediately following arrest is important. The following outlines penalties applicable to adult offenders with a valid, private driver’s license, and in contrast, minors, commercial drivers, and adults in violation of zero tolerance laws may face different or additional penalties.
Administrative Penalties
- First offense DWI in Louisiana results in administrative license suspension of ninety (90) days
- Reinstatement following first offense DWI not contingent upon use of ignition interlock device in Louisiana, but may require attendance and completion of alcohol/substance abuse assessment and education program
Criminal Penalties
- Convictions of first offense DWI in Louisiana have a mandatory minimum period of incarceration of two (2) days, with potential to serve out this mandatory sentence in the form of community service. However, in first offense cases, maximum penalty faced is six (6) months
- Fines for first offense convictions are not more than $1,000 in Louisiana, but fine amount does not cover court costs, fees, and other surcharges incurred during completion of terms of sentence or during reinstatement of license
- Convictions of first offense DWI in Louisiana influence charges and sentencing in future DWI arrests for a period of ten (10) years
Getting Legal Help
For more information and insight into first offense DWI defense in Louisiana, including whether the case-specific nature of your case may present the opportunity for reduction of charges into lesser criminal or non-criminal convictions as a plea option, consult with a Louisiana DWI lawyer.
