Administrative penalties with a DWI
Do you know someone who has been arrested and charged with drunk driving in Louisiana? Have you been arrested and charged with drunk driving yourself? Either way, you will want to understand the laws surrounding these charges to help yourself or support someone else through the process. Whle driving while intoxicated is a criminal offense, anyone convicted of a DWI may also face administrative penalties. Just what are these?
Administrative penalties for a DWI are administered through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety Office of Motor Vehicles. The primary consequence that this office handles is the loss of driving privileges. For some drivers, this may involve a suspension of their drivers’ licenses. The length of any suspension may vary depending upon a person’s blood alcohol level and the presence of any prior drunk driving convictions. Drivers with commercial driving licenses may actually be subject to disqualification of their drivers’ licenses.
During a suspension period, you may be eligible to apply for what is called a hardship license. If approved, a hardship license may give you the ability to drive to and from work or school or to make trips considered necessary for basic living. There is some discretion given to officers to determine what may be a necessity if you are stopped with a hardship license. This type of license may also require the installation of an ignition interlock device.
If you would like to learn more about driving while intoxicated charges and penalties, please feel free to visit the DWI arrest and conviction page of our Louisiana criminal defense website.