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Last Modified on Jun 15, 2025
Driving under the influence (DUI), or driving while intoxicated (DWI), is dangerous not only for the person operating the vehicle but for everyone around them. For this reason, DUI is prosecuted harshly in Louisiana. If you’re facing charges, it’s critical to understand your rights and legal options. A local DUI attorney can help you there. It’s also helpful to understand more about DUI penalties and laws. For example, how long does a DUI stay on your record in Louisiana?
As is the case with many legal questions, the answer isn’t the same for everyone. Any details about a DUI conviction are going to be highly dependent on the specifics of the case, including the defendant’s criminal history. The same is true when it comes to trying to make changes to your criminal record.
DUI Cases in Louisiana
Alcohol-impaired driving has been an ongoing issue in Louisiana and across the rest of the country. In fact, Louisiana was recently ranked in the top ten most dangerous states for drunk driving. In 2022, 31 percent of motor vehicle crashes in Louisiana were related to alcohol. This number went down to 30.1 percent in 2023, but remains a critical problem across the state.
Alcohol-related car accidents can result in life-changing injuries or even death. The alcohol-impaired driving fatality rate in Louisiana is around 4.5 per 100,000 people. Since the risk of harming oneself and others is so high, DUI is taken very seriously under Louisiana law.
DUIs and Your Criminal Record in Louisiana
You can expect a DUI to remain on your criminal record indefinitely. It’s possible to have a DUI conviction removed from your record, but it requires active effort on your part. Specifically, it involves you applying to expunge your record.
DUIs have a set lookback period, or cleansing period, in which a prior DUI is considered when charging for a current offense. Even once that time passes, the offense stays on your record unless you apply for expungement. Furthermore, courts reserve the right to consider past DUIs on your record even if they are outside the cleansing period under certain circumstances.
It’s important to note that when you apply to expunge your record, you’re not erasing the conviction entirely. This means it still shows up when searched by law enforcement and other government officials.
Expungement simply removes the conviction from your public record, so it won’t show up in background checks. This can make it easier for you to secure stable housing and a job in the future.
To have a DUI expunged from your record, you must meet all qualifications and allow a certain amount of time to pass from when you were charged. A Louisiana DUI attorney can help you understand these requirements and guide you through the process.
Hire a DUI Lawyer
The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory has been serving Southern Louisiana for years, providing comprehensive criminal defense services to local Louisianans facing complex charges. Lead attorney Joshua Guillory has been a part of key cases that have helped shape Louisiana law and is committed to helping Louisiana residents with their legal needs.
Whether you need simple legal advice or request hands-on legal support to get you through your case, you can rest assured that our team can deliver. Our services include:
- Case evaluation
- Court representation
- Drafting legal documentation
- Honest legal advice
- Plea deal negotiations
- Trial preparation
FAQs
Can Prior DUIs Affect My Sentencing for a Current Charge in Louisiana?
Prior DUI convictions can impact the sentencing for a current charge in Louisiana, but this isn’t always the case. Under Louisiana law, DUIs have a set cleansing period where courts consider them as prior DUI charges when determining your sentence. Even then, a DUI stays on your criminal record. If you have prior DUIs and are facing a new charge, be sure to speak with your attorney, who can help you understand how your previous convictions could impact your current case.
Will a DUI Show Up on a Background Check in Louisiana?
A DUI is going to show up on a background check in Louisiana unless you take steps to remove the conviction from your criminal record. While a DUI conviction is only considered a prior DUI charge for a certain period under Louisiana law, it remains on your criminal record indefinitely. Expungement does not erase the offense altogether, but it can at least remove it from your public record for background checks.
Do I Have to Hire a DUI Lawyer to Represent Me in Louisiana?
You’re not legally required to hire a DUI Lawyer in Louisiana to represent you, but it is recommended to have legal counsel whenever you are facing criminal charges. When you hire a DUI lawyer, you get an experienced professional with relevant knowledge on how to handle cases just like yours. Your attorney can offer honest legal advice and provide aggressive representation to help you achieve the fairest possible outcome for your case.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a DUI Lawyer in Louisiana?
The cost of working with a DUI attorney in Louisiana is going to depend on the details of your case. That’s why many law firms offer initial appointments with potential clients. To understand the costs you may incur, it is always recommended to share the details of your case with an attorney who will be able to determine the complexities associated with your case and how their services can help.
Hire a DUI Lawyer to Help With Your Case in Louisiana
Whether it’s your first charge or a repeat offense, navigating a DUI case can be complicated and overwhelming. Instead of representing yourself and trying to balance countless different facets of your case, you can turn to a trusted Youngsville DUI lawyer from The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory.
From evaluating your charges to gathering evidence to negotiating plea deals, you can count on us to provide the comprehensive representation you need to get through your case. Talk to a member of our team about your case in more detail today. Contact our team today to learn how we can put our knowledge and experience to work for you.
