What is the jail time for a first DUI in Louisiana?

Drunk driving offenses continue to plague our nation every year resulting in debilitating injuries and death to thousands of motorists. State laws are starting to crack down on offenders often prescribing harsh penalties for first-time offenders. The Louisiana DUI penalties sentences individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) for up to six months in jail and a fine of $1,000 for their first conviction.

First Time Penalties in Louisiana

Most people don’t intend to drink and drive, thus causing harm to another individual. Many times people believe that they are sober enough to make the trek home without incident. But the unfortunate fact is that even a couple of drinks can leave them impaired, resulting in a nightmare when they accidentally killed someone else. The Louisiana DUI penalties for a first time conviction include:

• A fine ranging from $300 to $1,000, in addition to court costs and other applicable fees
• Up to 32 hours of community service
• A substance evaluation and mandatory driver improvement school
• If their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was over .15, they will spend a minimum of 48 hours in jail
• Drivers license suspension of 90 days

The penalties may be enhanced if a minor child under the age of 12 was a passenger in the vehicle at the time of arrest. This means that a first-time DWI offense could result in a minimum sentence of 10 days in jail for first-time offenders.

Hiring a Louisiana Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal charges can be scary for anyone, especially for those who are going through a divorce. They may risk losing custody of their children and need the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney to exonerate them.