First DWI in Louisiana? The Law Says 10 Days to 6 Months in Jail
September 13, 2026
First DWI in Louisiana? The Law Says 10 Days to 6 Months in Jail A lot of people think you can’t go to jail for
The Barkemeyer Law Firm is a group of DWI defense attorneys in New Orleans. Based in New Orleans, our attorneys have been practicing in the courts in New Orleans since we graduated law school at Loyola University of New Orleans. Our roots in New Orleans has led to good relationships with judges and prosecutors. This benefits our clients because we are always treated fairly which means our clients are treated fairly.
Our lawyers handle cases mostly in Orleans Criminal District Court, New Orleans Municipal Court, First Parish Court in Jefferson, Second Parish Court in Jefferson and Jefferson Parish District Court. We also represent clients in St. Bernard Parish and St. Charles Parish.
Contact us today if you need a lawyer for DWI or DUI in the New Orleans area.
Trusted NOLA DUI Attorneys
Our services include helping DWI clients regarding their driver’s license, license suspensions, temporary license, hardship license, Administrative Hearings, DMV issues, article 894, diversion programs, CDL drivers, insurance issues, professional license issues, employment issues, out-of-state licenses, expungements of DWI charges, child endangerment, felony DWI, DWI while boating, DUI with drugs, DWI with accident, bench warrant for DWI, failure to appear, hit and run, vehicular negligent injuring, reckless driving, careless operation, resisting an officer, flight from an officer, and any other issue relating to a DWI charge.
New Orleans Office Location & Directions
Our office is a staffed location where clients can schedule in-person consultations and case planning meetings. Carl Barkemeyer, Brenda Verbois and Matt McLaren handle all matters in the New Orleans area. If you were arrested for DWI in New Orleans, Jefferson, or the surrounding area, this office provides a convenient local meeting location while we work on your defense. However, usually all matters pertaining to a case can be handled through email and over the phone, including the representation agreement and case planning and updates. Contact us to schedule a consultation. Our office is located at:
Barkemeyer Law Firm – DWI Lawyers
422 S. Broad Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70119
Driving Directions to Our New Orleans Office
Our New Orleans office is located at 422 S. Broad Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119. For the quickest route, enter the full address into GPS exactly as written.
From I-10 Eastbound (coming from Metairie/Kenner):
Take I-10 East into New Orleans and use the exit for South Broad Street. Turn onto S. Broad Avenue and continue to 422 S. Broad Avenue.
From I-10 Westbound (coming from Downtown New Orleans):
Take I-10 West and use the exit for South Broad Street. Turn onto S. Broad Avenue and continue to 422 S. Broad Avenue.
From the French Quarter / Downtown:
Head toward I-10 and follow signs for S. Broad Street. Take S. Broad Avenue toward Mid-City and continue to 422 S. Broad Avenue.
Parking:
Street parking is available near the office. You can also park in the parking lot to the left side of the building. Please allow extra time during peak traffic hours. If you need help locating the entrance, call our office and we’ll guide you in.
Map
Office Photos
DWI Information
5 Videos
1:11
0:48
15:56
8:04
8:46
Tab #1
Learn about DWI second offense in Louisiana and the penalties if convicted.
Tab #1
Carl Barkemeyer gives in-depth info on how long your license will be suspended after a DWI in Louisiana.
Tab #1
See the the most important 27 questions and answers to DWI. You’ll really appreciate this if you have been arrested for DWI or DUI.
Tab #1
Receiving a DWI in New Orleans, Louisiana, can have serious repercussions. Knowing how to handle a DWI charge can be the difference between having the court’s full weight come down on you or help your case substantially. I put together 20 tips for handling a DWI in New Orleans to ensure you are prepared if you are ever charged with driving while intoxicated.
Tab #1
This video describes everything you need to know if you’ve been arrested for a first-offense DUI or DWI in Louisiana. This video can help you understand the penalties, license suspensions, and court system a little better.
30 Days to Request Hearing - Don't Wait
If you were recently arrested, you have 30 days from the date of arrest to request an Administrative Hearing to fight the proposed suspension of your driver’s license. We will do that for you and help guide you throughout the entire process. If you do not request the hearing in time, your license will be suspended immediately.
Highly Experienced DWI Attorneys Are Available
Barkemeyer Law Firm is a New Orleans DWI defense law firm that has been recognized year after year. We have been recognized for our high level of experience in the field of DWI defense in Louisiana. If you are facing charges, reach out to the Barkemeyer Law Firm to see if our lawyers are willing to take your case. We will devote our time and energy as we fight aggressively for your future. Contact our New Orleans DUI attorneys if you need help with your case. We also help with other DWI-related criminal charges such as reckless driving, careless operation, flight from an officer, hit and run, resisting an officer, warrant recall and more.
FAQs: Going To Court in New Orleans
Which courthouse in New Orleans do I go to?
If you’ve been arrested or cited for a misdemeanor, regardless of the who the arresting agency is, you will have court in the Municipal and Traffic Court of New Orleans at 727 S. Broad Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70119. If you have a felony charge, you will have court at the Orleans Criminal District Court at 2700 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119.
I live in another state; do I have to come to New Orleans for court?
If you just got arrested, bonded, and have a court date coming up soon, give our DWI lawyers a call because we can probably go to court for you early in the court process so you can go back to your home.
How does Barkemeyer Law Firm charge for services and DWI representation?
As you may know, every case is different and requires different levels of representation. For this reason, we highly recommend that you give us a call and speak with a member of our office staff. In this way we can learn more about your case and individual needs and can offer you an accurate quote on services if you choose to hire our law firm.
What should I expect if I hire Barkemeyer Law Firm?
If you hire our experienced firm to represent your case, you can expect complete transparency in the proposed outcome of your case. In addition to this, you can expect a team that will fight for you and get you the best outcome no matter what the charges may be.
In a best case scenario, our firm will whole-heartedly fight for the dismissal of your case. Many of our former clients have been fortunate to have major convictions dropped to go on and lead a normal life. If this is not possible, we will always fight for the best and fairest outcome for our clients. You can feel confident if you choose to hire our firm.
Barkemeyer Law Firm has secured years of experience in criminal law and has developer excellent relationships with the courts and other officials in New Orleans. In this way, you will be sure to get the highest level of service and priority for your case. You can also be sure that all members will work with you and on your case to get you results so you can go on live your life productively.
Where are you located?
Barkemeyer Law Firm is conveniently located in the heart of one of the greatest cities in the world - New Orleans. Our address is 422 S Broad Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119.
If you are traveling to us from City Park, follow these directions:
drive west on Palm Drive
make a left onto Roosevelt Mall Street
after passing through 1 roundabout, make a left-hand turn onto Orleans Ave
make a right hand turn onto N. Broad Street
once you reach Tulane Avenue, make a U-Turn and get on S. Broad Street
arrive at your destination
If you are visiting us from LSUHSC School of Medicine, follow the directions below to get to New Orleans Barkemeyer Law Firm:
travel Southeast on Perdido Street
make a left onto S Roman Street
make a left onto Tulane Avenue
make a right hand turn onto South Broad Street
you will arrive at your destination
Although we are located in New Orleans, we regularly defend clients in the parishes of Jefferson, St. Charles, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, St. John and Plaquemines.
Are there any landmarks in the location of your firm?
Yes. There are several landmarks in the neighborhood of Barkemeyer Law Firm of New Orleans. Most importantly, we are located directly across the street from the Orleans District Courthouse on Tulane Avenue. Our address is 422 S Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes. Barkemeyer Law Firm does accept credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and many apps.
How is a DWI defense attorney different than other lawyers an does it matter?
Any lawyer can call himself/herself a DWI defense attorney. The reason they would do this is to let people know that they primarily represent clients who have received a DWI charge. An individual receives a DWI charge when they have received a summons from a police officer or were arrested and booked.
DWI Lawyers Know DWI Statutes
Police issue summons to appear in court and arrest people for violating criminal statutes. DWI statutes can be either state or municipal laws. Statutes are laws written by lawmakers that say a specific behavior is illegal. The criminal statute will have the elements of the prohibited activity that constitute a violation of the statute and penalties associated with it. For instance, if you were arrested in New Orleans, the police officer may charge you under the New Orleans Municipal Code or Louisiana State Law.
Since there are so many criminal laws and procedures, some lawyers will just focus on this type of law. Sure, there are many lawyers that will take DWI cases for the money, when actually, they spend most of their time handling personal injury cases or family law disputes. A real DWI defense attorney only defends clients with DWI and DUI charges because he can get very familiar with the DUI laws.
Would you rather buy a taco at a burger restaurant or at a Mexican restaurant where they pride themselves on their tacos?
Daily Work of DWI Defense Attorneys
The day-to-day life of a New Orleans DWI defense attorney is different than other lawyers as well. Most DWI defense attorneys spend their mornings and sometimes afternoons in a courtroom attending scheduled court appearances for arraignments, pretrial conferences, status conferences, motions hearings, sentencing hearings, and trials. On the other hand, most other types of lawyers spend their days sitting in an office in front of a computer drafting memos and letters. DWI defense attorneys also spend a lot of time talking to their clients and prosecutors, whether it is on the phone or in person.
Fee Agreement for DWI Defense Attorneys
The fee agreement between a DWI defense attorney and client are also very different than as between a regular lawyer and client. The fee agreement in a DWI case is usually a flat fee agreement which is an agreed attorney fee to represent the client for the entire case. For instance, the New Orleans DWI lawyer may agree to represent the client arrested for DWI for $4500. That means that the client will pay $4500 and that is it. There will be no invoicing or sending of bills or increasing the price. Flat fee agreements let the client know exactly what to expect. On the other hand, most other types of lawyers charge a retainer fee and they bill by the hour against the retainer. They do this because they have no idea how long a specific civil case could last. For instance, a divorce case could take 10 hours of work or 1000. There is no way for the lawyer to know. In criminal cases, there is a definite end. The case will end in a guilty plea, trial, or dismissal. That will happen at some point. In criminal cases, the DWI defense attorney could use his experience, knowledge, and reputation to obtain a great resolution quickly. Our Orleans Parish DWI lawyers will determine the cost based on many circumstances that vary from case to case.
Courthouses in the New Orleans Area
Parishes Served From Our New Orleans Office
The Barkemeyer Law Firm is very experienced and has the well-trained DWI attorneys with a proven record of assisting DWI clients to get back their licenses and protect their criminal record. Also, by applying our science-based knowledge to your case, we can be able to detect loopholes and faults in your tests which can help to free of any wrong charges. Contact us today at (504) 226-2299 to get a consultation and you have nothing to worry about with regards to our fees as they are highly affordable regardless of where you reside in Louisiana or outside of the state.
This office commonly assists clients with DWI charges arising in Southeast Louisiana, including:
-
- Plaquemines Parish
Important Links For New Orleans Defendants
Client Testimonials
I had a super frustrating legal battle over a theft charge, but I’m so thankful I reached out to the best New Orleans law firm. They were super professional and assured me that everything was in our favor. We ended up winning the case...
I found this New Orleans criminal defense attorney when I needed them the most and I was going through the roughest time in my life. They helped me work out the mess I was in and truly helped me get a fresh start.
I am so very thankful for their help...
Carl handled my drug possession case and gave me the best possible outcome. I was pulled over and caught with over 10 pills of ecstasy in New Orleans. I was facing some serious jail time along with fines because it was in a school zone...
Contact Barkemeyer Law Firm - DWI Lawyers
Barkemeyer Law Firm is the DWI-focused law firm to handle your DWI cases in Orleans Parish and the whole area of New Orleans. You can call our office at (504) 226-2299 or visit at 422 S Broad Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119. Our New Orleans DUI defense attorneys are seasoned and willing to take on any case, large or small.
For experienced DWI lawyers in New Orleans, Louisiana our firm is here to help
I Think Someone Drugged My Drink. Can That Be a Defense to a DWI?
August 8, 2026
I Think Someone Drugged My Drink. Can That Be a Defense to a DWI? One of the most common things I hear from potential clients
2026 Louisiana DWI Law Changes: What Drivers Need to Know
June 28, 2026
2026 Louisiana DWI Law Changes: What Drivers Need to Know Every Louisiana legislative session brings changes to criminal laws, traffic laws, and DWI-related procedures. Some
Louisiana Repeals Jury Trial Rights for Misdemeanor DWI
May 5, 2026
Louisiana Repeals Jury Trial Rights for Misdemeanor DWI Under newly enacted House Bill 56 (Act 8), which became effective April 27, 2026, the Louisiana Legislature
First Offense DWI in Louisiana: Ultimate Guide
May 4, 2026
Have you been charged with a Louisiana DWI first offense? If so, this DWI ultimate guide will help you out. Read on!
Louisiana DWI Paperwork Explained: What Each Document Means
April 19, 2026
Louisiana DWI Paperwork Explained: What Each Document Means In this article, I will explain the various documentation you may, or may not, have received when
