Quick‑reference overview of typical Louisiana DWI penalties. Always verify current law and consult an attorney.
Last reviewed: October 12, 2025 · Source: attorneycarl.com
| Offense Level | Fine (Typical) | Jail Range (Typical) | Mandatory Time / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Offense (Misd.) | $300–$1,000 | 10 days – 6 months | Jail often suspended with probation; enhanced minimums for ≥0.15 / ≥0.20 BAC* |
| Second Offense (Misd.) | $750–$1,000 | 30 days – 6 months | At least 48 hrs to serve (some courts allow home incarceration); higher sanctions at high BAC |
| Third Offense (Felony) | ~$2,000 | 1 – 5 years | Typically ≥1 year to serve (benefits limited); specialty court/treatment options vary |
| Fourth+ Offense (Felony) | ~$5,000 | 10 – 30 years | Commonly ≥2 years without benefits; extended supervision and treatment requirements |
| Scenario | Typical Administrative Impact |
|---|---|
| Submit ≥ .08 (21+) | Suspension (length varies by priors/BAC); 30‑day deadline to request OMV hearing; potential IID‑based restricted driving |
| Refusal of chemical test | Suspension often longer than submit; 30‑day deadline to request OMV hearing; IID commonly required for restricted driving |
| Under‑21 (≥ .02) | Underage OWI rules apply; administrative and court impacts differ from adult cases |
| CDL holders | Disqualification rules under state/federal law; consequences can exceed personal‑license penalties |
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| High BAC (e.g., ≥0.15 / ≥0.20) | Enhanced minimum jail; longer suspensions; extended IID conditions |
| Child endangerment | Additional mandatory jail and penalties |
| Crash with injury/death | Aggravated exposure; separate felony charges possible |
| Article 894 / Diversion | May impact sentencing/expungement eligibility; varies by court and outcome |
*Important: Exact penalties and license consequences depend on statute, facts, and priors. Verify current law and local practice before relying on this chart.
Disclaimer: Informational only; not legal advice. No attorney‑client relationship is formed. Laws change. Consult current Louisiana statutes and a qualified attorney. © Barkemeyer Law Firm — attorneycarl.com
Keep in mind that just because you are arrested for a specific-grade DWI, does not mean that is what the DA will charge you with or if you will even get convicted of the charge as booked. Once the DA gets the reports from the police officer, he/she will run your criminal background and determine what formal charge to pursuit. That is when you need an attorney to contact the prosecutor and start defending you. If you need help with a DWI in Louisiana, regardless of the grade, feel free to contact us.
Louisiana DWI lawyers at the Barkemeyer Law Firm providing legal defense services for clients in ALL of Louisiana.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is not formal legal advice nor does it create an attorney-client relationship.
