Lake Charles DWI Attorney 

What are the Penalties for a DWI in Louisiana?

If your blood alcohol level is double the legal limit of 0.08%, or more, you could be subjected to harsher penalties for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

First Offense DWI

• Fines between $300-$1,000
• Jail time between 10 days-6 months
• Jail time may be suspended if the driver:
• is placed on probation;
• has served 48 hours in jail or has agreed to complete 32 hours of community service;
• agrees to complete a driver improvement program;
• agrees to complete a court-approved substance abuse program;
• Suspended license for one (1) year
• Ignition interlock device may be required

Second Offense DWI

NOTE: Like many charges in Louisiana, if you are a habitual offender of the same charge, such as operating a vehicle while intoxicated, the penalties become increasingly severe.

• Fines between $750-$1,000
• Jail time between 30 days-6 months
• 48 hours of which cannot be suspended and must be served; however, the remainder can be suspended if the driver: spends 15 days in jail, agrees to complete 240 hours of community service, in addition to a court-approved substance abuse program, completes a driver improvement program, and is placed on probation with the required installment of an ignition interlock system in their vehicle
• Suspended license for two (2) years

Third Offense DWI

Fine of $2,000

• Jail time between 1-5 years (with or without hard labor)
• Suspended license for three (3) years
• Ignition interlock system required in vehicle
• Confiscation of vehicle (at the discretion of the District Attorney)
• Probation for remainder of sentence, in addition to:
• 240 hours of community service;
• court-approved substance abuse program or an evaluation and inpatient/outpatient substance abuse treatment;
• a minimum of six (6) months of home incarceration;
• a requirement to obtain employment;
• a driver improvement program;

Fourth Offense DWI

• Fine of $5,000
• Jail time between 10-30 years (with or without hard labor)
• Suspended license for three (3) years

Understanding Field Sobriety Tests

When pulled over for a DWI, law enforcement officers may administer field sobriety tests to determine if a driver is impaired. It's important to understand the different types of field sobriety tests and how they can impact your DWI case. Our Lake Charles DWI attorneys can provide guidance on what to expect during field sobriety tests and how to protect your rights during this process.

Common field sobriety tests include:

• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)
• Walk and Turn
• One-Leg Stand

Knowing your rights and understanding the potential implications of field sobriety tests can be crucial in building a strong defense against a DWI charge. Contact our experienced Lake Charles DWI attorney for personalized legal guidance.

• Ignition interlock system required in vehicle
• Confiscation of vehicle (at the discretion of the District Attorney)
• Probation not to exceed five (5) years, in addition to: 320 hours of community service; court-approved substance abuse program (i.e. DWI or Drug Court) or an evaluation and inpatient/outpatient substance abuse treatment
• home incarceration that parallels the amount of time in probation
• a requirement to obtain employment;
• a driver improvement program;
• DWI Child Endangerment Law
• Additionally, if you have been charged with a DWI and had a child 12 years of age or younger in your car, the minimum mandatory sentence for each offense cannot be suspended.

Underage DWI First Offense Penalties

• Fines between $100-250
• Jail time between 10 days-3 months
• is placed on probation;
• agrees to complete 32 hours of community service
• agrees to complete a driver improvement program;
• agrees to complete a court-approved substance abuse program;
• has their driver’s license suspended for the length of one (1) year;
• Ignition interlock device may be required;

Underage DWI Second Offense Penalties

• Fines between $250-$500
• Jail time between 30 days-6 months
• Jail time may be suspended if driver is placed on probation, in addition to:
• serving 48 hours in jail;
• completion of a driver improvement program;
• completion of a court-approved substance abuse program;

or

• completion of 80 hours of community service work;
• completion of a driver improvement program;
• completion of a court-approved substance abuse program;

The above penalties discuss the minimum and maximums, while we never guarantee outcomes, because each case is so different and unique, we have seen much success over time in aggressively defending our clients. 

Those results include lesser jail sentences, probation in lieu of jail time, reduced conditions and time on probation, deferred adjudication and diversion of charges, and even outright dismissal of charges. 

Outcomes cannot be guaranteed by anyone, but at Sudduth and Associates, our Lake Charles DUI lawyers pride ourselves on guaranteeing to our clients our heart, our passion, and our every effort.

To speak with an experienced Lake Charles DWI attorney, give us a call at (337) 282-9003 or contact us online.