Baton Rouge DWI/DUI Defense Attorneys

What a DWI Conviction Can Cost You in Louisiana

In Louisiana, a DWI or DUI arrest sets two separate processes in motion: a criminal case and an administrative action against your driver's license. Under Louisiana law (La. R.S. §14:98), a conviction at any level carries consequences that reach well beyond the courtroom. You have just 30 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing to challenge an automatic license suspension.

Here is what is at stake, depending on the offense:

• First Offense. A fine of $300 to $1,000, imprisonment of 10 days to 6 months, a 365-day license suspension, a mandatory substance abuse program, and a potential ignition interlock device (IID) requirement. If your BAC was 0.15% or higher, a minimum of 48 hours must be served and your license suspension extends to 2 years.
• Second Offense. A fine of $750 to $1,000, imprisonment of 30 days to 6 months with a mandatory minimum of 48 hours served, a 2-year license suspension (4 years if BAC was 0.15% or higher), and a required IID. Community service of 240 hours may be substituted for part of the sentence under certain conditions.
• Third Offense (Felony). A $2,000 fine and imprisonment of 1 to 5 years, with at least a year of mandatory jail time. A felony record, participation in a substance abuse program, long-term license revocation, and mandatory IID all follow a third conviction.
• Fourth Offense or More (Felony). A $5,000 fine and imprisonment of 10 to 30 years, with a mandatory minimum of 2 years served without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspended sentence. 
• Aggravated Factors. A BAC of 0.15% or higher, a passenger age 12 or younger in the vehicle, or a prior offense within the past 10 years each significantly increase minimum sentences and suspension periods across all offense levels.

Your Next Step Is a Free Conversation

A DWI charge demands immediate, serious attention. Our experienced lawyers are ready to hear your story, answer your questions, and help you understand what a real defense looks like for your situation. There is no cost and no obligation to speak with us.

Our office at 601 Saint Joseph Street is minutes from both the 19th Judicial District Courthouse and Baton Rouge City Court. When time is critical, we can be where you need us — fast.

Start building your defense now. Contact us online or call (225) 320-8050 today for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a DWI in Louisiana a felony or a misdemeanor? 

A first or second DWI offense in Louisiana is generally a misdemeanor. A third or subsequent offense becomes a felony under Louisiana Revised Statute §14:98, carrying up to five years of imprisonment. The stakes increase significantly with each prior conviction within the preceding 10-year look-back period.

Can I refuse a breathalyzer in Louisiana? 

Louisiana enforces implied consent laws, which means that by driving on Louisiana roads you have legally consented to chemical testing. Refusing a breath, blood, or urine test leads to an immediate license suspension and can be used against you in court. An attorney should be contacted as soon as possible after an arrest.

What is the 15-day rule? 

After a DWI arrest in Louisiana, you have only 15 days to request an administrative hearing to challenge an automatic suspension of your driver's license. Missing this deadline means your license is suspended without any opportunity to contest it. This is one of the most time-sensitive steps after an arrest.

Can a DWI charge be reduced or dismissed? 

Every case is different. There are situations where the evidence can be challenged, charges reduced, or other outcomes achieved through careful legal analysis and negotiation. What is possible in your case depends on the specific facts, including how the stop was conducted, how testing was administered, and your prior record.

How quickly should I contact a DWI attorney? 

Immediately. Beyond the 15-day deadline for the license hearing, early intervention allows your attorney to begin preserving evidence, reviewing dashcam footage, and assessing the entire arrest record before anything is lost or waived.