LOUISIANA DUI/DWI DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

What Constitutes "Operating While Impaired" in Louisiana?

Under Louisiana law (LSA-R.S. 14:98), you can be charged with operating while impaired if:

• You are operating any motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, vessel, or other means of conveyance while impaired by alcoholic beverages

• Your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher

• You are impaired by any drug, combination of drugs, or combination of alcohol and drugs

This means you don’t have to be “drunk” in the traditional sense to face charges. Any level of impairment that affects your ability to operate a vehicle safely may be enough. Even legally prescribed medications or over-the-counter substances can lead to an OWI charge if they impair your judgment or coordination. Louisiana’s broad definition of impairment allows law enforcement to have significant discretion during traffic stops and investigations.

In Louisiana, driving under the influence is legally referred to as "Operating a Vehicle While Impaired" (OWI). These serious criminal charges can have far-reaching consequences that impact your freedom, finances, and future.

A conviction can lead to jail time, steep fines, license suspension, and even vehicle seizure. These penalties increase with each subsequent offense. Beyond the courtroom, an OWI can damage your reputation, limit employment opportunities, and result in long-term hardship for you and your family.

For drivers under 21, the threshold is much lower. You can be charged with underage OWI if your blood alcohol concentration is just 0.02% or higher.

This “zero tolerance” policy reflects Louisiana’s strict stance on underage drinking and driving. Even a single drink can put a young driver over the legal limit, leading to arrest, license suspension, fines, and mandatory educational programs.

A conviction can also create a permanent mark on a young person’s criminal record, potentially affecting college admissions, scholarships, and future employment.

Why You Need Experienced OWI Defense Representation

OWI penalties in Louisiana escalate dramatically with each subsequent offense. A conviction carries more than just fines and potential jail time - it can mean:

• Loss of driving privileges

• Mandatory installation of ignition interlock devices

• Required substance abuse treatment

• Probation restrictions

• Vehicle seizure (for repeat offenders)

• Permanent criminal record

• Skyrocketing insurance rates

• Employment difficulties

Because the consequences of an OWI conviction extend far beyond the courtroom, even a first offense can disrupt your personal and professional life. Subsequent offenses carry mandatory minimum jail sentences and harsher penalties, making it increasingly difficult to maintain employment, support your family, or regain driving privileges.

The financial burden also grows with each conviction, from court costs and fines to mandatory treatment programs and insurance surcharges. For repeat offenders, the risk of vehicle seizure and long-term incarceration becomes very real. That’s why it’s critical to take any OWI charge seriously and seek experienced legal representation right away.