The State of  louisiana dwi laws like most states across the country has laws governing Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI). These laws are designed to prevent individuals from operating motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The law is fairly clear in saying that anyone who drives while having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher can be arrested for DWI. A BAC is measured through a breath or urine test and is taken to determine if a person has consumed enough alcohol to impair their judgment. In some cases, it can take just one or two drinks for a person to have their BAC above this limit.

Louisiana DUI penalties are based on prior convictions, so if you have had a previous conviction within the past ten years it will be considered in determining your current sentence. Additionally, Louisiana participates in the interstate Driver License Compact, which means that if you are convicted of DUI in another state that is part of this agreement, that conviction will be reported to the State of Louisiana and your license will be suspended just as it would be if you were convicted here.

For a first time offender, the penalty will include fines, community service, a license suspension period of a year and possibly jail time. The offender must also attend a substance abuse treatment program and install an ignition interlock device in every vehicle they operate. A felony conviction of DUI will result in prison time of up to five years and may cause your license to be revoked for life.