There is no state in which drunk driving is legal or even looked upon favorably. However, that does not mean that drunk driving is treated equally in every state. Different states have different rules and regulations when it comes to drunk driving, including what the legal BAC limit is, the penalties of a drunk driving conviction and more. According to a recent study, Louisiana is one of the stricter states when it comes to drunk driving.
Based on a study which analyzed the enforcement rules of every state in the country and the District of Columbia, Louisiana ranked 14th for strict drunk driving enforcement. The data included comparisons of minimum jail sentences and many other metrics to draw this conclusion, such as Louisiana’s legal BAC limit of 0.08. The legal limit used to be 0.10, but in our state’s efforts to reduce drunk driving accidents and fatalities, it was lowered.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that DWIs were responsible for nearly a third of last year’s motor vehicle fatalities, with an estimated $60 billion in annual economic loss. Because of this, it is understandable that Louisiana takes drunk driving so seriously, but it is important to remember that individuals accused of drunk driving still have rights.
Unfortunately in their efforts to eradicate drunk driving, law enforcement officials become a bit overzealous, often assuming guilt on a person accused of drunk driving. In a state that is very strict about drunk driving, individuals facing DWI accusations need legal representation. It is your best chance at proving your innocence and avoiding a conviction that could see your license suspended, cost you money in fines or even land you in jail.
Source: The Advertiser, “Louisiana one of the stricter states for DWI enforcement,” Scott Rogers, June 21, 2015
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