2nd DWI offense in Louisiana

What is DWI offence ?

A person is charged with a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) offence at the time of driving his vehicle, where the Blood Alcohol Content of the individual is equal to or more than .08% under the drunken driving laws of the state of Louisiana.

Under the driving laws of the state it is compulsory for the police officials to conduct a blood and a breath test to convict an individual under DWI charges. Where the driver fails to cooperate with the department in performing any of the tests, he is arrested by the officials for violating the rules of the state. It becomes an absolute necessity to take the help of an attorney where you have been booked under the DWI charge even for the first time. The state laws are very strict that could even lead to suspension of license for an indefinite period of time.

Second DWI offense

Where the act of drunk driving is repeated for the second time within a period of ten years it is called Second DWI offence. Again this offence is classified as misdemeanor and felony.

Consequences of 2nd DWI Charge – Misdemeanor

Where a person is convicted for the second time under DWI charges he is required to perform community service of up to 32 hours, serve a jail term ranging from 10 days to 6 months, pay a fine up to $1,000 in addition to court and other fees, attend substance abuse evaluation and driver improvement program, where the BAC is .15 or more a mandatory jail term of 96 hours and also face suspension of license up to 1 year.

Consequences of 2nd DWI Charge – Felony

The second DWI charge amounts to felony where the prior conviction of a driver amounts to vehicular homicide or a first degree vehicular injury. He is to pay a fine of $2,000 in addition to court and other fees, serve a jail term up to 5 years, 240 hours of community service, attend substance abuse evaluation and driver improvement program and suffer suspension of driver’s license up to 1 year.