What are the possible consequences for multiple DWI/DUI offenses in Louisiana?
Being convicted of one alcohol or drug related driving offense could have serious consequences. A person convicted of multiple DWI/ DUIs will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This is the harsh reality one Louisiana man is now facing.
Alois G. Guepet, III, 58 of Plaquemines Parish was pulled over when a police officer noticed that he could not hold his lane. He was asked to exit his vehicle and was given field sobriety tests, including those that indicate the use of narcotics. He failed the field sobriety and narcotics tests and was arrested on suspicion of DWI and other offenses, including failure to appear on a DUI warrant. Officers searched Guepet’s vehicle and found numerous pill bottles including those for drugs such as oxycodone and alprazolam.
Later investigation revealed that Guepet was currently on probation for a previous DWI offense. They also found that he was wanted in Louisiana for probation violations and in Florida for failure to appear on a DUI warrant from 1998. With Guepet’s previous convictions, a conviction for the most recent incident will result in his fifth alcohol and drug related driving crime.
If Guepet is convicted of a fifth crime the consequences will likely be harsh. For a fourth or subsequent DWI/DUI in Louisiana the punishments could include up to 30 years in prison, $5,000 in fines, license suspension, ignition interlock device installation, mandated substance abuse programs and other punishments.
While DWI/DUI offenses are common in Louisiana, they can have a serious impact on a person’s future. In addition to the direct consequences such as jail time and fines, there are many indirect consequences that exist. A conviction can make it difficult to find work and housing, and can also have an affect on your car insurance premiums. All in all, it is best to have an attorney to fight these charges before they result in a conviction.