How Long Will a DWI Stay on my Record in Louisiana?
DWI is a serious crime. DWI stands for driving while intoxicated. This means that anytime you are behind the wheel under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you are at risk of putting your life and the life of others in danger. Louisiana has a harsh penalty for those who drive intoxicated.
Louisiana DWI Laws
This is one of the most common offenses that Louisiana sees. Learn more about DWI Laws and Penalties here. If you are pulled over and your BAC is at or higher than .08, you are going to be charged with DWI. Keep in mind that if you are under the influence of drugs, you can also face a DWI.
There are several factors that are taken into consideration when the charge is given. One of those factors is whether the person has a previous record of driving under the influence. For example, if someone is charged with their third DWI, they are going to face a felony charge. If someone is charged for the first time, it is going to be a misdemeanor. Another factor is going to be your BAC level, if there were others in the vehicle, if the vehicle had minors, and if the person was driving with a CDL. No matter what the circumstances, you should make sure to hire the best lawyer to defend you.
Penalties for DWI Charges in Louisiana
When you are charged with a DWI, you will be filing a hearing with the DMV. You must do this within 30 days (about 4 and a half weeks) of the arrest. This is done to determine if you can keep your driving privileges or not. Keep in mind, the worse your charge, the worse your chances of keeping your license and the harsher the penalties. The penalties are going to include:
Fines
These fines can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars depending on your case.
Incarceration
Again, depending on your case, you could face up to several years in prison.
Insurance
When you are charged with a DWI, your insurance premiums are going to rise. This is because you are an at-risk driver who they are insuring. They raise the premiums because many people will repeat the same process.
Community Service
A judge could order community service as part of your punishment.
Driving School
You may have to attend driving courses that teach safe driving to continue driving or obtain your license again.
Suspension
You may not get your license back. You may face a suspension due to your charge.
It’s Important To Hire An Excellent DWI Attorney
Having a good DWI attorney near you will better your chances for a better outcome. They may be able to reduce the number of penalties that come your way. Keep in mind that just because you hired a lawyer does not mean that you will not receive a charge. The purpose is to eliminate as many penalties as possible to help improve your odds in the future. For that reason, you might investigate having it removed from your record. Nonetheless, you should definitely consult with a lawyer regarding DWI charges.
Removing Your DWI
In many states, you can try to pursue an acquittal. This means that the DWI is removed from your record and is no longer affecting you. However, in the state of Louisiana, there are no acquittals for the charge of DWI. This means that you cannot have a DWI removed from your record in the state.
That is why you should hire a lawyer to help you. A lawyer can help a repeat offender end up with less charges. They can also help individuals who have a clean record for ten years. If you have had the DWI on your record for ten years, you can file an 894 Plea. This can only be done every ten years. Also, you must have a lawyer or attorney help you with this plea filing.
Getting the Best Lawyers
The best thing you can do if you are facing DWI charges in Louisiana is contact Barkemeyer Law Firm for a case evaluation. They are going to help you with your case and you can even schedule your case evaluation right here. Keep in mind that they are there to do everything in their power to help you. A good lawyer will ensure that they have all the case details from every party. They will look over these details and determine what the opposing party has against you. They will look to see if there are weak spots in the case or other means to help you lessen your sentence.
Wrapping Up: How Long Will A DWI Stay On My Record In Louisiana?
Taking the time to know the laws and how the justice system works in Louisiana is important. Not all laws are the same in every state. If you are facing a DWI charge, do not panic. Just make sure that you are doing everything in your power to defend yourself with the best lawyers around. Make your life a little easier and contact Barkemeyer Law Firm for a consultation.
You should now have a firm understanding about how long a DWI will stay on your record in Louisiana and wish you the best of luck!
