Under Louisiana law, you can be convicted of a DWI offense if you operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated by drugs, alcohol, or medications, or while having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or more, according to Nolo. The immediate consequences of a DWI conviction range from fines to jail time, but the long-term consequences of a DWI conviction can be even more severe. If you are convicted with a DWI, you need an aggressive and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and avoid life-altering negative implications.
In Louisiana, a DWI conviction can negatively affect the following areas of your life and more!
- Your Driver’s License Privileges – According to BacTrack, a DWI conviction can result in your driver’s license being revoked – up to two years for your first conviction. This means that a DWI conviction makes it difficult to get to work or even keep your job. Losing the privilege of driving makes simple tasks stressful, and can prevent you from visiting friends and loved ones.
- Your Background Check Results – Most employers conduct criminal background checks before they hire job applicants. A felony or misdemeanor DWI conviction will appear in a background check and could hurt even your best efforts to secure a job. According to BacTrack, background checks may also be triggered by housing applications, or college financial aid applications and admissions processes. Landlords often conduct background checks and a DWI conviction could jeopardize your chances of getting the living arrangements you want.
- Your Employment Opportunities – Besides affecting your ability to get a job in the future, your current job may be also be affected by a DWI arrest and conviction. Court dates, jail time, and community service hours can disrupt your work schedule and put your job security at risk. In addition, job seekers may be at a severe disadvantage compared to other applicants if they have a DWI on their records. Many employers are uncomfortable hiring applicants who have DWI convictions. Even if your DWI conviction does not have anything to do with the job you are applying for, it can hinder your employment prospects or even disqualify you from a job, according to BacTrack. In addition, jobs that require driving a company vehicle, such as sales, truck driving, pizza delivery, catering, or cab driving jobs, may be closed to you by default.
- Your Auto Insurance Rates – Following a DWI conviction, your car insurance rates will likely increase significantly because drivers who have been convicted of a DWI are considered “high-risk” drivers by insurance companies. Your insurance rates may double or triple for at least several years. Some insurance companies may even terminate your coverage.
- Your Professional Relationships – A DWI arrest, even if it doesn’t end up being a conviction, can adversely affect the way you are perceived by your coworkers and employer. Even if you try to keep it a secret, your DWI arrest may be publicized by local media and permanently jeopardize your reputation. Depending on your company’s policy pertaining to DWI convictions, you may even lose your job.
If you’re charged with a DWI in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, don’t risk suffering these long-term effects. Get help from a legal team who is experienced in Louisiana DWI law and is dedicated to defending your rights and getting your charges dropped, dismissed, or reduced. Call 225-343-2205 to speak to an attorney today, or contact us online!
3960 Government St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: 225-343-2205
