Charged With a DUI/DWI in Hammond, Louisiana?

by: Sonja Bradley
Information you need if you have been charged with a DWI or DUI in Louisiana

Sonja Bradley has been representing clients charged with DWI in Tangipahoa Parish and the surrounding area for over 19 years.  If you or someone you know is accused of a DWI/DUI in Hammond, Louisiana, you need an experienced attorney to fight for you.

Many criminal defense attorneys seek quick plea deals for their clients. This is not how your case should be handled. A good defense attorney will review your file thoroughly and know the applicable law. Good attorneys keep their clients advised of all aspects of the case so the client has the information needed to make an informed decision.

After a review of the facts and law, it is sometimes in the clients best interest to enter plea discussions.  If a plea is not in your best interest, you will have Mrs. Bradley extensive experience and knowledge on your side at trial.  An attorney prepared to take a case to trial is vital in obtaining the best outcome.

Mrs. Bradley understands the clients’ welfare is the goal of effective representation.   She will advise her client on the best course of action, but the ultimate decision is the clients’.

Sometimes, litigation can not be avoided, and the best outcome will be achieved by having an experienced DWI/DUI attorney handling your case.  The goal for Mrs. Bradley is to provide the best representation possible.

DWI/DUI convictions can have a lifelong effect on the well being of a persons’ life, Sonja Bradley understands this and takes all cases seriously.  If you need an attorney that will put your needs first, then you need to call Sonja Bradley today at 225 686 8006.  You can click on the link to read the Louisiana statute that pertains to DWI/DUI charges here. http://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=78752

The followings are the relevant laws as they pertain to DWI/DUI charges.

In Louisiana, the particular circumstances surrounding your DUI charge will affect your penalty.  For example, enhanced penalties, including jail time, enhanced penalties include aggravating factors such as:
1) Committing an offense with BAC of 0.15 or higher
2) Committing an offense with BAC of 0.20 or higher
3) Committing an offense while a minor 12 years of age or younger was in the vehicle;


A 1st Offense DUI DWI Offense conviction is a misdemeanor crime.  The penalty for a first offense DUI in Louisiana is:
•    You can be fined from $300 to $1,000 fine ($750 to $1,000 if BAC 0.20 or more)
•    You could be sentenced to serve time in jail from 10 days to 6 months
•    You can have your driver’s license suspended for 12 months drivers license suspension (2 years if BAC 0.20 or more)
•    You may be eligible for a restricted hardship driving license immediately, with an ignition interlock will be required for the entire time of applicable suspension period for at least 12 months if convicted with a high BAC of 0.20 or more
•    You could have to perform 32 hours of community service and attend a court-approved substance abuse program
•    The court could also require you to attend an improved driver improvement program
•    You will have to provide an LA SR22 Insurance Requirement (proof of financial responsibility)


A 2nd Offense DUI DWI Offense conviction is a misdemeanor crime. Penalties in Louisiana for a conviction of a 2nd offense DUI DWI are as follows:
•    Fines range from 750 to $1,000
•    You could receive a sentence of incarceration from 30 days to 6 months in jail
•    Your drivers’ license suspended for 24 months (4 years if BAC 0.20 or more)
•    You could be restricted to a hardship driving license available after 45 days, and an ignition interlock will be required for the entire time of applicable suspension period
•    You may have to complete 240 hours of community service
•    You may have to attend a court-approved substance abuse program
•    The court could require you attend an approved driver improvement program
•    (IID) ignition interlock restriction upon drivers license reinstatement
•    You will have to provide an LA SR22 Insurance Requirement (proof of financial responsibility)

A 3rd conviction for a DUI DWI Offense is a felony. The penalties in Louisiana for a conviction for a 3rd offense DUI DWI are as follows:
•    You may have to pay a fine of $2000
•    You could be sentenced to incarceration from 1 to 5 years.
•    Your driver’s license will be suspended for 36 months
•    If you enroll in a DWI or sobriety program and you are in good standing, you will be eligible to apply for a restricted drivers license (hardship license) after the passage of 45 days suspension period
•    You are required to complete a substance abuse evaluation and treatment programs as ordered by the court.
•    You may be required to attend a court-approved substance abuse program
•    You may be required to attend a court improved driver improvement program
•    You could have your vehicle seized and sold.
•    You will have to provide an LA SR22 Insurance Requirement (proof of financial responsibility)

The contact information for the Tangipahoa’s Sheriff’s office or District Attorney office click here. Our resources page has helpful telephone numbers and website address you will need.

To read an interesting article answering the question, “Can You get a DUI on a Horse,” click here.

Sonja Bradley J.D., Sonja received her undergraduate degree from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Juris Doctorate from Loyola University School of Law. Sonja is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association and the 21st JDC Bar Association. She has 21 years of legal experience.