Shreveport, Louisiana DWI Attorney
Being charged with DWI is a serious offense that can have serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is very important that anyone facing a DWI charge in Louisiana understand what challenges they will encounter. It is imperative you seek the legal advice of an accomplished and knowledgeable DWI criminal defense attorney immediately. If you want to make sure you understand all of your options and rights, call today for a professional and free consultation.
What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Shreveport?
Pursuant to Louisiana law, once you have been cited for violating the DWI statute, the state initiates two separate, yet simultaneous legal actions against you. There is a criminal action in response to the ticket that was issued to you, and an administrative action is brought against your license by the Louisiana OMV. Both actions can result in the revocation of your driving privileges, but it is imperative to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider. Also, each action must be handled separately.Contact a Louisiana DWI defense lawyer today for a fast and free consultation.
Louisiana DWI / DUI Administrative Hearing
If you fail to request a hearing within 15 days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your Louisiana driver's license is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame. In order to preserve your right to an administrative hearing, it is crucial that you submit your request to the Louisiana OMV within 15 days. Contact a capable and professional DWI defense lawyer in Shreveport, Louisiana to help, but do not delay.
Pursuant to Louisiana law, an individual has 15 days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Louisiana OMV. Once the arresting officer retains your state issued driver's license, you are issued a temporary receipt of license. This receipt will serve as your driver's license for the following 15 days in lieu of the one retained by the officer.
DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders
- Jail Time - A first time DWI / DUI offender in Shreveport, Louisiana faces time in jail between 10 days and 6 months.
- Monetary Fines + Court Costs - Fines for a first time DWI range between $300.00, up to $1,000.00, plus court costs.
- Louisiana Driving Privileges and DWI - In Shreveport, Louisiana, a first time DWI / DUI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 365 days.
- Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of driver's license for 180 days.
- Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a BAC level of 0.04. A first time DUI / DWI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent DWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the Louisiana commercial license.
- Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of driving privileges.
Underage Driving Under the Influence (UDWI)
In Louisiana, a UDWI was a conviction received from any District, City, Municipal, Federal or Magistrate court having traffic jurisdiction for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of beverages of alcoholic content with a BAC level of .02 - .079 and under the age of 21 up until August 15, 2007. After that date, any UDWI conviction received are processed as a DWI.
DWI Subsequent Offenses
Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DWI violations. Due to the complexity of DWI laws in Louisiana, you may not be aware of rights and options, including any defenses you might use. This is why an accomplished and knowledgeable attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Louisiana DWI criminal defense attorney for a fast and free consultation.
Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. |