How DWI Charges Impact Your Driving Privileges

A driving while intoxicated (DWI) conviction carries more penalties than you may realize. A DWI charge is issued when a driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 or above. Besides the typical jail times and fines, you may also lose a key component of your livelihood: Your driving privileges.

DWI convictions typically result in license suspensions, which means you cannot go places without asking for a ride from a friend or family member, using public transportation or utilizing a ridesharing or taxi service. As a result, you may lose your job, miss appointments, be unable to run errands and have problems tending to your children's needs. These are fundamental aspects of your daily life that are at risk if you get convicted for DWI.

These license suspension periods apply to people convicted of a DWI in Louisiana on or after August 15, 2007:

• 1st DWI offense: One year
• 1st DWI offense with BAC of .20+: Two years
• 2nd DWI offense: Two years
• 2nd DWI offense with BAC of .20+: Four years
• 3rd DWI offense: Three years
• Underage DUI: One year

16-year-old drivers with an Intermediate License with a 61 restriction can get their license reinstated upon completion of a 30-hour classroom driver education course or a 6-hour pre-licensing course at the time of reinstatement. At the age of 17, the course is no longer required for reinstatement.

Our Baton Rouge DWI defense attorneys are prepared to help you save your license and protect your driving privileges at all costs. To get started on fighting your DWI accusations, contact the Ambeau Law Firm at (225) 330-7009 now!

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