DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) penalties can range from fines to jail time. With growing public awareness and the increasing number of DWI cases, DWI lawyers have seen an increase in their caseloads. Some DWI lawyers specialize in defending against cases involving automobile accidents or drunk driving, while others focus on crimes related to child endangerment and intoxicated children. As a result, some lawyers choose to only practice DWI-related offenses.
In drunken driving cases, most courts require a trial date. If the person arrested for DWI does not have a valid license to drive, the judge may issue a temporary drivers’ license. Once the individual obtains a full license, he or she must inform the police within a day or two after the arrest. Failure to do so results in the cancellation of the license, which leads to suspension of both the person’s and the car’s registration. Should the suspension continue, the individual will be prohibited from operating a vehicle until his or her trial date.
As with any criminal charges, people who are accused of DWI face many serious consequences. A first offense DWI conviction will result in fines that often exceed one thousand dollars and up to a lifetime suspension of a driver’s license. The penalties also depend upon the state in which the DWI occurs. Most states impose a minimum prison sentence for first-time DWI offenders. Additional jail time may be assessed if the defendant doesn’t respond to repeated attempts to get him or her to enroll in alcohol or drug treatment programs.
The penalties increase significantly for subsequent DWI offenses, as well. A second or subsequent DWI conviction is a felony in Louisiana. As in other states, first-time DWI offenders are entitled to an alcohol education and counseling program through the Department of Transportation. Additionally, they are required to perform community service or participate in a county-approved drivers’ education program. A third or subsequent offense is punishable by a minimum of one year in jail, a maximum of two years in jail, and a lifetime suspended license.
In addition to additional penalties for subsequent offenses, Louisiana law provides for additional punishments for a DWI suspect who fails to disclose his or her arrest or charge when applying for new employment or rental housing. Some offenders are even prohibited from having a car or other vehicle of their own while they’re serving time in state jail. In certain circumstances, property seizure is also possible, as well as jail time for failure to appear in court as ordered. In short, a DWI suspect can find life sentences and lifelong jail terms, depending on the state where his or her case was tried.
In addition to the serious legal consequences of being arrested for DWI in Louisiana, the penalties can also have a significant financial impact. In particular, excessive DUI costs can substantially depreciate a person’s worth in the eyes of future employers. As a result of excessive DUI fines and fees, many people find themselves unable to obtain the most competitive loan deals or employment opportunities. Lack of decent employment prospects can make it difficult to pay off debts or meet necessary family expenses. For these reasons, it is important that those charged with DWI Louisiana be aware of their rights under the state’s laws and how to properly face their criminal charges.
