What Happens After a DWI Arrest in Shreveport, Louisiana?

If you are arrested for DWI in Shreveport, the process that follows does not happen in just one place or at one time. In Louisiana, a DWI arrest typically starts two separate tracks:

a criminal case in court
an administrative license hearing against the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles

Many people focus only on the court date and overlook the license side of the case, which often moves faster.

The Initial Stop in the Shreveport Area

Most DWI cases in Shreveport begin with a traffic stop by:

Shreveport Police Department
Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office
Louisiana State Police

Stops frequently occur along I-20, I-49, and major corridors running through Shreveport and into Bossier City.

During the stop, officers are gathering observations—how you respond to questions, how you move, and what they believe indicates impairment. These observations often become a central part of the case later.

Arrest and Transport

If an officer believes there is probable cause, you may be arrested and transported to a station.

One point that surprises many people:

In Louisiana, breath testing is typically done at the station, NOT on the side of the road.

This is different from what many people assume based on television or other states.

Chemical Testing and Implied Consent

Louisiana’s implied consent law governs what happens next. If you submit to testing, the results may be used in both the criminal and administrative proceedings. If you refuse, that decision carries its own consequences—particularly on the license side.

This is not a simple “yes or no” situation. It becomes part of how the case develops.

The 30-Day Administrative Deadline

One of the most important parts of a Shreveport DWI case happens early.

After the arrest, you generally have 30 days to request an administrative hearing to challenge the proposed suspension of your license.

Missing that deadline usually means:

automatic suspension
no opportunity to challenge it

This process is separate from anything happening in court.

Court Process in Caddo Parish

Criminal DWI cases in Shreveport are typically handled in Caddo Parish District Court or Shreveport City Court.

The first court date is usually an arraignment, where the charge is formally addressed. After that, the case may proceed through additional settings depending on the issues involved.

Every case moves at its own pace. Some are resolved early. Others take more time depending on evidence, motions, and negotiations.