Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious crime under Louisiana law, and it is prosecuted as such. DWI penalties typically start with the suspension of your license and can include hefty fines, imprisonment, substance abuse treatment programs, and other consequences based on the details of your conviction. Having a DWI on your record can also lead to problems down the road. So, how long does a DWI stay on your record in Louisiana anyway?
The short answer is that it stays on your record indefinitely. The longer answer is that it depends on the details of the charges as well as your criminal history.
After you get a DWI, the incident appears on your public record in background checks, which can lead to issues with education, employment, and housing opportunities. It’s important to understand Louisiana DWI laws, so you know when and how to remove a DWI charge or conviction from your record.
Louisiana DWI Laws
Drinking and driving can lead to serious injuries, property damage, and even death. Alcohol was involved in over 30 percent of all motor vehicle accidents recorded in Louisiana in a single year. In 2024 alone, alcohol was involved in 2,367 injury crashes and 196 fatal crashes across the state.
For these reasons, Louisiana prosecutes DWIs harshly. The state even adopted several new laws in 2025, including one that increases penalties for driving under the influence and for refusing breathalyzer tests.
The penalties for DWI only get more serious with each subsequent charge. It’s important that you understand how long a DWI stays on your record in Louisiana and what that means for you, even after you’ve served your sentence.
DWIs on Your Record in Louisiana
Louisiana law sets a specific period of time for a past DWI to be considered a prior charge on your record. This is known as the cleansing period, or lookback period. If you have a prior charge on your record, you can expect the DWI penalties you face for subsequent charges to be harsher. If you get three or more DWIs within the lookback period, you can be charged with a felony.
Even if a DWI is no longer within the lookback period for your public record, you can expect the conviction to remain on your public record indefinitely. That is, unless you do something about it.
Removing DWI convictions from your criminal record involves filing a petition for expungement. Misdemeanor DWIs require a 10-year arrest-free waiting period before they are eligible for expungement. You can hire an experienced DWI lawyer to help you with the expungement process.
FAQs
What DWI Penalties Can I Expect to Face if Convicted in Louisiana?
The DWI penalties you can expect to face if convicted in Louisiana can include license suspension, fines, time in prison, and completion of a substance abuse treatment program. In serious cases, you may have your license revoked or even have your vehicle seized.
It’s possible to secure reduced alternative sentencing for DWI with the right defensive strategy. It’s recommended that you hire a DWI lawyer to help you navigate your case.
How Long Is My License Suspended After a DWI in Louisiana?
How long your license is suspended after a DWI in Louisiana ultimately depends on the details of the case and your criminal history. The penalties for DWI in Louisiana escalate with each subsequent charge, so you can expect to lose your license for longer periods of time for a second offense.
You can expect law enforcement to take your license upon your arrest, at which point an administrative suspension begins. This is separate from any suspension from a criminal conviction.
Is DWI a Misdemeanor or a Felony Under Louisiana Law?
A DWI can be a misdemeanor or felony under Louisiana law. First-offense DWIs are typically misdemeanors as long as no other aggravating factors are present. DWI becomes a felony offense if you have three or more convictions on your record.
Other aggravating factors that can escalate a charge include:
- Causing injury or death
- Driving with a minor
- Excessive speeding
You can expect DWI cases to be handled through the 1st Judicial District Court of Louisiana in Caddo Parish.
Can I Have a DWI Charge in Louisiana Dismissed or Dropped?
Yes, you can have a DWI charge in Louisiana dismissed or dropped. A judge must be the one to dismiss your case, while prosecutors can have charges dropped. Judges typically decide to dismiss a case if there is insufficient evidence or legal issues arise with the prosecution’s claims.
Prosecutors may drop charges for the same reason. You and your attorney can also present alternative sentencing options and work toward a plea bargain if you’re unable to avoid sentencing altogether.
Hire a DWI Lawyer to Discuss Your Charges in More Detail Today
Whether you’re facing charges from impaired driving or you’re looking to have a DWI removed from your record, it’s wise to hire a DWI lawyer to help you understand Louisiana DWI laws and how to navigate different parts of the criminal justice system. Residents throughout Shreveport and surrounding areas turn to P. Michael Davis, Attorney at Law, to represent them through tough DWI cases.
As a Shreveport-based law firm, we’re familiar with Louisiana’s DWI laws, and we have a commitment to help the members of our community in any way we can. We’re also a part of the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel, making us a part of a network of over 1,000 lawyers dedicated to the defense of civil litigation.
We’re proud to serve northwest Louisiana, including Caddo, Bossier, DeSoto, Webster, and surrounding parishes. From favorable pretrial motions to resolutions after trial, you can count on our Shreveport DWI lawyers to be there for you through it all.
If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, get in touch with our team to schedule an appointment with a trusted attorney. Visit us at our office in Shreveport to get started today. You can find us on Ellerbe Road near I-49 and Louisiana Highway 3132.
