What Are the Penalties for a DWI Conviction in Louisiana?

As a DWI attorney in New Orleans, I meet with clients each day that, if convicted, face severe penalties.

Often, I find that drivers are unaware of the possible penalties of a DWI conviction, initially believing such a charge doesn’t carry heavy consequences. It is actually the contrary. I try to quickly educate drivers on the possible penalties of a DWI conviction in Louisiana.

To clear up any confusion on DWI penalties, below shows each DWI conviction and its maximum penalty:

What Are the Penalties for a DWI Conviction in Louisiana?

First Offense DWI in Louisiana

• Driving privileges suspended for up to 90 days
• Up to six months in jail
• Up to a $1,000 fine, in addition to court costs

Second Offense DWI in Louisiana 

• Driving privileges suspended for up to one year
• Mandatory 48 hours in jail
• Up to six months of additional jail time
• Up to a $1,000 fine, in addition to court costs

Third Offense DWI in Louisiana

• Driving privileges suspended for up to two years
• Mandatory 30 days in jail
• Up to five years in prison
• Possible home confinement
• Up to a $2,000 fine, in addition to court costs
• Possible loss of vehicle
• Six weeks in an inpatient substance abuse program, plus 12 months in an outpatient substance abuse program

Fourth Offense DWI in Louisiana

• Driving privileges suspended for up to two years
• Mandatory 30 days in jail
• Possible home confinement for five years
• Up to a $5,000 fine, in addition to court costs
• Possible loss of vehicle
• Six weeks in an inpatient substance abuse program, plus 12 months in an outpatient substance abuse program

Please be aware that first and second DWI convictions earn you a criminal record, while third and fourth DWI convictions will give you a felony criminal record.

Are there any other penalties for DWI convictions in Louisiana?

In addition to these penalties, the judge may require you to enroll in a driver improvement program or work on community service projects, possibly paying for all this from your own pocket.

If there was a fatality as a result of your accident, remember that any drunk driver in Louisiana who causes an accident that kills another person will face up to 20 years in prison.

Contact a New Orleans DWI attorney

As you can see, the penalties for a DWI conviction in Louisiana are not to be taken lightly. If you have been charged with a DWI in or near New Orleans, you need an experienced DWI attorney to defend your rights and fight to secure the best possible outcome. Contact us today!