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Last Modified on May 05, 2026
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious crime that is prosecuted harshly under Louisiana law. If you’re facing potential DWI penalties, it’s helpful to know how to get your DWI charge reduced or dismissed in East Baton Rouge Parish. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate a DWI case on your own. In fact, it’s highly recommended that you hire a Baton Rouge DWI lawyer to form a solid defense and work toward reduced or dismissed charges.
Even so, it’s beneficial to understand potential DWI penalties for yourself, along with your rights and legal options, if you’re facing charges. Longman Jakuback can explain all these to you, build a strong defense, and seek a better outcome for your case.
Louisiana DWI Penalties and Laws
Defending against a DWI charge in Louisiana can be tough, especially if it’s a repeat offense. It’s estimated that DWIs resulted in 210 fatalities across Louisiana in a single year. Under Louisiana law, DWI can result in fines, the loss of your license, and time in jail or prison. There are four main levels of DWI charges under Louisiana law:
How to Get Your DWI Charge Reduced or Dismissed in East Baton Rouge Parish
It’s possible to have your DWI charge reduced or dismissed if you’re charged in Louisiana, but the process can be challenging. Before anything else, it’s highly recommended that you hire a DWI lawyer to formulate your defense and work toward a favorable outcome for your case. Even though DWIs are prosecuted harshly, there are avenues for a better sentence under Louisiana law.
Alternative options in these cases include:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop, your arrest, and any subsequent processing
- Filing a plea for a deferred adjudication
- Seeking pretrial diversion programs
An East Baton Rouge Parish DWI attorney can work with you to form a defense. Then, they can seek a reduced sentence or dismissal.
FAQs
Is DWI a Misdemeanor or a Felony in Louisiana?
DWI can be a misdemeanor or a felony in Louisiana. Most first-time DWI cases are misdemeanors under state law, but certain aggravating factors can escalate even your first offense to a felony charge. These include:
You’re also automatically charged with a felony DWI if you have three or more DWIs on your record within the lookback period under Louisiana law.
Is My License Immediately Suspended After a DWI Arrest in East Baton Rouge Parish?
Yes, your license is immediately suspended after a DWI arrest in East Baton Rouge Parish. This is done through an administrative license suspension (ALS). You have a set amount of time to schedule a hearing to appeal the ALS. Otherwise, it is automatically suspended.
You can also expect loss of your license to be a part of your criminal sentence if you’re convicted. It’s important to note that the ALS is separate from any criminal sentence imposed.
How Long Does It Take for a DWI to Come Off Your Record in East Baton Rouge Parish?
How long it takes for a DWI to come off your record in East Baton Rouge Parish ultimately depends on the actions you take. A DWI conviction is not automatically going to come off your record. You must go through the steps to have it expunged from your public record.
If you meet certain qualifications, you might have the charge expunged. You typically have to wait a set amount of time before filing for expungement.
What Are Alternative Sentencing Options to Jail Time for a DWI in East Baton Rouge Parish?
Alternative sentencing options to jail time for a DWI in East Baton Rouge Parish are going to depend on the nature of the charges against you and the strength of your defensive strategy. Possible alternative sentencing options that your East Baton Rouge Parish DWI attorney may discuss with you include:
- Community service
- Home incarceration
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
- Deferred adjudication through pretrial diversion programs
- Driver improvement programs
- Substance abuse programs
Hire a DWI Lawyer to Defend Your Case in East Baton Rouge Parish
As a local law firm with deep roots in Louisiana, Longman Jakuback is dedicated to protecting our clients’ rights and freedoms. We understand how much is at stake when you’re going up against the criminal justice system. Our firm can work hard to prevent your lowest moments from defining the rest of your life.
Our attorneys have been representing Louisianans through complex criminal cases since 2017. We proudly serve clients throughout Baton Rouge and beyond, and we’re confident we can represent you in and out of the courtroom. We have experience in defending misdemeanor DWIs through the Lafayette City Court and felony DWIs through the 15th Judicial District Court.
Over the years, we’ve earned many 5-star reviews from our clients due to our hard work and dedication to the members of our community. Members of our team have been included in Louisiana Super Lawyers, which is an honor that is only awarded to a small percentage of attorneys throughout Louisiana each year. *
If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, our criminal defense attorneys are here to listen. Come visit us at our office in Baton Rouge to learn more about how we can help. We’re located in the Saltz building on Main Street, right off I-110 and near the interchange with I-10 by the Mississippi River. Contact us to set up an appointment with a member of our team today.
* Future case results are not guaranteed by industry awards and recognition. Selection criteria will vary by organization.
