LOUISIANA DWI LAW
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Louisiana:
Implied Consent and Chemical Test Refusal: All drivers in Louisiana implicitly agree to consent to a chemical test to determine their BAC. A police officer may choose to test your BAC by performing a breathalyzer, urine, or blood test. If you do not allow the officer to perform a chemical test, your driver’s license will be suspended for 180 days. If you refuse a second time, your license will be suspended for 545 days.
Serious consequences can result from a DWI arrest. If you or someone you know has been arrested and charged with DWI, you should consult a Louisiana DWI attorney who focuses on DWI law in the county where you were charged.
DWI Arrest - Civil Case
Potential Penalties:
DWI Arrest - Criminal Charges
If you are criminally charged for DWI, you will have to defend yourself in a court of law. It is important to have a Louisiana criminal lawyer represent you in court.
Reinstating Your License After DWI Conviction: Once you are eligible to have your license reinstated you should visit your local Motor Vehicle Reinstatement Office to begin the process. You will have to pay a fee of between $50 and $300, and your insurance company must file an SR-22 form as proof of your financial responsibility with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).
Effect of DWI on Car Insurance: As a result of your DWI, your insurance carrier may drop your coverage, or at a minimum your insurance premiums will increase. In order to restore your driving privileges, however, you must have insurance. Your insurance company must file an SR-22 Proof of Insurance form with the Louisiana OMV.
Effect of DWI on Driving Record: A Louisiana DWI will remain on your driving record for 10 years.
Under 21 and DWI: In Louisiana, if a person under age 21 is driving and has a BAC of .02% or more, he will be sentenced to Driver Improvement School and may be fined between $100 and $250. The underage driver will also have his or her license suspended for 180 days. If you are underage you should speak with a Louisiana DWI attorney regarding the circumstances of your drunk driving.
Louisiana Resources
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