How Long Is Your License Suspended After a DUI in New Orleans?

One of the most important questions asked by people charged with a DUI is “How long is your license suspended after a DUI?” With open container laws and drive-thru daiquiri shops throughout the city, residents of New Orleans might assume DUI laws are more relaxed in the Big Easy. But the truth of the matter is that even a first offense DUI or DWI can cause your license to be suspended in New Orleans, and subsequent offenses can lead to even harsher penalties. First action: talk to a criminal defense attorney (New Orleans) .

Hear from lead attorney Lance J. Robinson about this issue in his video below, or keep reading for more information about how long your license is likely to be suspended after a DUI in New Orleans .

Before you start worrying about how long your license will be suspended after a DUI, there is a critical step you can take to keep your driver’s license—at least until your Driver’s License Hearing.

Most penalties you could receive for a DUI don’t take effect unless you plead guilty or are found guilty at trial. When it comes to your ability to continue driving, however, your license can be suspended before a determination of your guilt has been made. To avoid this scenario, you must act fast.

In Louisiana, you only have 30 days from the date of your DUI or DWI arrest to request an administrative hearing concerning your driver’s license. If you fail to do so, the Department of Motor Vehicles will automatically suspend your license.

Have you been charged with a DUI in New Orleans? Contact us today to request a Driver’s License Hearing on your behalf. With our help, you can continue to drive in the months before your hearing.

So how long is your license suspended after a DUI in New Orleans and other Louisiana parishes? It depends on a variety of different factors. The facts of the case will also determine any other penalties you may face.

• If you are arrested for a DUI or DWI and refuse to submit a blood or breath test, your license will be suspended for:
  • 365 days for your first offense
  • 730 days for your second offense
    
    
• If you are arrested for a DUI or DWI under 21 years of age, and your blood alcohol content (BAC) level is 0.02% or higher, your license will be suspended for:
  • 1 year for your first offense
  • 2 years for your second offense
    
    
• If you are arrested for a DUI or DWI at 21 years of age or older, and your blood alcohol content (BAC) level is 0.08% or higher, your license will be suspended for:
  • 1 year for your first offense
  • 2 years for your second offense
    
    
• If you are arrested for a DUI or DWI at 21 years of age or older, and your blood alcohol content (BAC) level is 0.20% or higher, your license will be suspended for:
  • 2 consecutive years for your first offense

These penalties are subject to change, so check the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles or talk to your attorney for the latest information.

If you go to court and are convicted of a DUI or DWI two or more times in the past 10 years, subsequent convictions are considered felonies in Louisiana. These will lead to even more severe penalties.

Fortunately, the Law Office of Lance J. Robinson has over 22 years of experience defending hundreds of clients against DUI and DWI charges. In most cases, we are able to avoid jail time for our clients.

For first-time offenders, we have successfully qualified clients for diversion programs. These can reduce fines and other penalties, while also getting your charges dropped. For third- and fourth-time offenders, we have been able to qualify clients for DWI/Drug Courts, allowing them to bypass mandatory jail sentences. Call now for a free consultation to learn more.

In some cases, in order to reinstate your suspended driver’s license in New Orleans or other Louisiana parishes, you may need to:

• File an SR-22 form that shows you’ll maintain car insurance coverage for 3 years
  
  
• Complete a Defensive Driving Course
  
  
• Pay any fines and driver’s license reinstatement fees
  • $100 for your first offense
  • $200 for your second offense
  • $300 for your third offense

In the meantime, you may be able to obtain a temporary hardship license, which allows you to drive to and from work, school, and other necessary locations. Call the Law Office of Lance J. Robinson for a free consultation to discuss these possibilities and receive our assistance in applying for this temporary license.

When you are arrested for a DUI or DWI, it is important to contact a New Orleans criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The Law Office of Lance J. Robinson can help you fight for lower penalties, a shorter license suspension time, and even a dismissal of charges. We can also work on your behalf to maintain your ability to drive in certain situations.

These are a few of the many steps we take to protect your rights in a DUI case:

1. Mailing your Driver’s License Hearing paperwork within the 30-day limit to allow you extra time to drive before your hearing.
2. Obtaining your police report to search for anything that could get your charges dropped, such as any reason that the police should not have stopped you, any technical issues with the breathalyzer or steps that were done incorrectly, and whether or not the police officer was certified.
3. Negotiating for reduced penalties , such as lower fines, a shorter license suspension time, and DWI/Drug Courts instead of mandatory jail sentences.
4. Appearing on your behalf in court , so you can skip the hassle and stress of going to court.
5. Expunging your arrest or conviction from your public record.

To learn more, visit our DUI/DWI page or contact us today for a free, confidential consultation about your case.

It is important that you retain a New Orleans DUI attorney who is familiar with the New Orleans criminal court system along with DUI laws throughout Louisiana. The Law Office of Lance J. Robinson has over 22 years of experience, and we regularly avoid jail time for our DUI and DWI clients. In addition, we listen to your needs, explain your options, and help you through this experience every step of the way.

For more information about how long your license may be suspended after a DUI and how Lance J. Robinson can defend you against DUI or DWI charges, contact us today .