Task Force Seeks to ‘Get Tough’ With Louisiana DWI

Three proposals aimed at reducing drunk driving in Louisiana.

Nearly half of the vehicular deaths in Louisiana can be attributed to alcohol, and a state task force recently joined with prosecutors to map out a ‘get tough’ plan. The Louisiana DWI Vehicular Homicide Task Force feels that motorists are in denial about their drunk driving habits and our culture has reacted slowly to the problem. In response, the group crafted three goals for state legislators to consider.

They are: increase the penalty for driving with a suspended license from a fine to a criminal offense; increase the penalty for refusing to submit to a breath test to check for blood alcohol content in a suspected Louisiana DWI; and limit information covered in pre-trial hearings. In the latter situation, Louisiana DWI defense lawyers are gathering police officer testimony at pre-trial hearings and then using any conflicting statements during trial to impeach the officer’s testimony and seek dismissal of the case. Similar legislation failed last session.

The DWI task force was hand-selected by Governor Bobby Jindal, with the hope that the recommendations from the group would hold greater influence with members of the Louisiana State Legislature. The task force plans to meet again in early March to finalize its proposals. The legislative session starts April 27.

Do you need a Louisiana DWI attorney?