How Much Does a DUI Cost in Louisiana?

Louisiana has many amazing festivals throughout the state, like the NOLA International Arts Fest and the Festivals Acadiens et Créoles. While many of these are events worth celebrating, they also come with a great deal of risk, especially when alcohol is involved. If you are charged with a DUI, you may be asking, “How much does a DUI cost in Louisiana?”

Experienced DUI Attorneys in Louisiana

Many people are shocked to find out the true cost of a DUI. However, the attorneys at Longman Jakuback can help. We can evaluate how serious your charges are and develop a defense strategy for your case. Our dedication can vastly improve the outcome of a DUI case.

DUI Fines

Each DUI conviction comes with its own set of fines, per the Louisiana DUI laws. The first offense can result in fines of $300 to $1,000. The second offense can bring $750 to $1,000 in fines. The third offense comes with a fine of $2,000.

The courts check the number of offenses you have had within the last ten-year period. The fines might be on the higher end if you had a high BAC or other aggravating factors associated with the DUI.

How Much Does a DUI Cost in Louisiana?

In addition to the fines associated with a Louisiana DUI, other costs exist, including:

• Insurance rates: Most people convicted of a DUI see their insurance rates go up significantly. Some companies might even end their coverage. Each company has a different amount of time that they review a driving record, but most charge more for coverage even years after the conviction.
• Recovering your vehicle: Obviously, you do not get to drive your vehicle home after getting arrested for a DUI. If you can’t have someone pick it up for you, it could get towed at your expense. You might have to pay later to pick up your car.
• Ignition interlock device: Some sentences for DUIs include requirements to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. This is not paid for by the state. It costs an initial setup fee as well as monthly fees for the IID to keep operating. You might need to keep paying this monthly fee for months or even years, depending on the sentence.
• Court fees: Court documents usually cost money to file. Most interactions with the court are not free and include some kind of document or filing fee. This might not seem like a lot at first, but these costs can add up over time.
• Recovering your license: After getting charged with a DUI, most people have their license suspended for a certain period. After this time has passed, you can go to the DMV to get it reinstated. However, there is a cost associated with this, too.

In 2024, for every 100,000 people in Louisiana, 78.77 people were injured in a DUI crash. The costs associated with accident injuries should not go unnoticed when counting the costs, as a DUI that results in an accident opens the at-fault driver up to civil liability on top of their legal expenses.

Why Hire a DUI Lawyer?

A DUI lawyer is experienced with the costs of a DUI. They can determine your specific expenses in greater detail.

Generally, preventing a DUI conviction costs less than a guilty verdict. However, an attorney might negotiate a deal with the prosecution to lower your fees and other DUI penalties in certain cases.

An attorney can also come up with a defense strategy that fits your case. This can increase the chances that you do not need to pay the fees associated with a DUI conviction. Attorneys do this in multiple ways.

First, they can challenge the legality of a traffic stop. If a police officer did not have a good reason to pull you over, then the traffic stop might not be considered valid in court. This can render some forms of evidence the prosecution has useless.

Certain extenuating circumstances in your situation could have resulted in an unfair charge. An attorney can determine what those might be and work to protect your rights.

Why Choose Us for DUI Cases?

Transparency is important to us at Longman Jakuback. Our team offers straightforward and direct legal support so you can know what to do next.

FAQs

How Much Is a First-Offense DUI in Louisiana?

A first-offense DUI in Louisiana typically leads to a $300 to $1,000 fine, depending on the details of the sentence. Penalties can also include jail time, lasting for days or months. If a judge orders it, they can also require that an ignition interlock device be placed on your vehicle at your expense. This adds more costs to a DUI conviction.

What Charge Is Worse, DUI or DWI?

In Louisiana, a DUI and a DWI are the same thing. They are technically considered to be OWIs, or operating while intoxicated. Both charges involve people driving under the influence of either drugs or alcohol. The sentencing is the same and depends on how many previous DUI charges you have.

How Long Is a DUI on Your Record in Louisiana?

A DUI is on your record permanently in Louisiana. Anyone conducting a criminal background check can see a DUI, regardless of when it happened. Insurance companies might only review a certain period of time, but that depends on the company. Prosecutors will check for additional criminal offenses within the past ten years. If they find any, they can increase the severity of your current charges.

What Is the Sentence for a DUI After the First Offense?

The sentence for a DUI after the first offense increases after every offense. The types of penalties are the same, but the quantity is more severe. For example, a first DUI charge might include an ignition interlock device, but a second DUI charge requires one for at least six months. The third DUI offense within a ten-year period is a felony.

These Costs Add Up

In 2024, there were 546 fatal injuries related to alcohol in Louisiana. Although the expenses of a DUI might seem excessive, they exist to protect people. To estimate the cost of your DUI charges, schedule a consultation with Longman Jakuback.