Fighting DWI License Suspension In Shreveport & Bossier City

One of the most immediate and devastating consequences of a DWI arrest in Louisiana is the suspension of your driver’s license — and it happens automatically, before you are ever convicted of anything. Losing your license affects every area of your life. Your ability to get to work, take your children to school, attend medical appointments, and participate in daily life all depend on your ability to drive. The good news is that you have the right to fight your license suspension — but you must act within 30 days of your arrest or that right is gone.

I have helped clients throughout Shreveport, Bossier City, and Northwest Louisiana protect their driving privileges after DWI arrests for more than 30 years. I know exactly how the administrative hearing process works, what arguments are most effective, In my opinion, the license portion of the case is often the most important, and how to give you the best possible chance of keeping your license. Contact me immediately — the clock is already running.

How DWI License Suspension Works In Louisiana

When you are arrested for DWI in Louisiana, law enforcement will confiscate your physical driver’s license and issue you a temporary permit that is valid for 30 days. At the end of those 30 days, your driving privileges will be automatically suspended unless you have requested an administrative hearing to contest the suspension.

This suspension is separate from any criminal penalties you may face. It is handled through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles and the Division of Administrative Law — not through the criminal court system. That means even if your criminal DWI charge is reduced or dismissed, your license suspension can still go into effect if you did not properly contest it within the required timeframe.Do not make the mistake of waiting until the criminal court date to address the license suspension. At that time, you will be too late.

How Long Will My License Be Suspended?

The length of your license suspension depends on several factors including whether it is your first offense, your BAC at the time of arrest, and whether you submitted to or refused chemical testing:

• First offense, BAC under 0.15% — six months suspension
• First offense, BAC 0.15% or higher — 2 year suspension
• First offense, refusal to submit to chemical testing — 365-day suspension
• Second offense — one year minimum suspension
• Third offense — three-year revocation
• Fourth or subsequent offense — potential permanent revocation

A refusal to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test triggers an automatic suspension under Louisiana’s implied consent law — and that refusal can also be used against you in your criminal case. This is one of many reasons why contacting an attorney immediately after a DWI arrest is so important.

The Administrative Hearing — Your Opportunity To Fight

Within 30 days of your arrest you have the right to request an administrative hearing before the Division of Administrative Law to contest your license suspension. This hearing is your opportunity to challenge the basis for the suspension — including whether the arresting officer had probable cause to stop you, whether proper procedures were followed, and whether the chemical test results are valid and reliable.

I will represent you at this hearing and present the strongest possible case for reinstatement of your driving privileges. Even if the suspension is ultimately upheld, the administrative hearing process gives us valuable insight into the evidence the prosecution intends to use in your criminal case — making it a critical part of your overall defense strategy.

Hardship Licenses In Louisiana

If your license is suspended following a DWI arrest or conviction, you may be eligible to apply for a hardship license — also known as a restricted license — that allows you to drive under limited circumstances during the suspension period. A hardship license typically allows driving to and from work, school, medical appointments, and other essential activities.

Obtaining a hardship license is not automatic. You must apply through the most Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, meet certain eligibility requirements,and provide proof of SR22 insurance, and in many cases install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. I can guide you through this process and help you maintain as much independence as possible while your case is resolved.

License Reinstatement After A DWI Suspension

Once your suspension period is complete, reinstating your license involves several steps including paying reinstatement fees, completing any required substance abuse treatment programs, providing proof of SR22 insurance, and in many cases having an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. I will walk you through every step of the reinstatement process so there are no surprises and no unnecessary delays in getting your full driving privileges restored.

Your Future Deserves a Powerful Defense

Speak With Us Today 318-990-1089

Get Answers Today

Serving Shreveport, Bossier City, And Northwest Louisiana

I represent clients facing DWI license suspensions throughout Caddo Parish, Bossier Parish, Lincoln Parish, Webster Parish, Jackson Parish, Vernon Parish, and Natchitoches Parish. Time is critical — contact me as soon as possible after your arrest so we can act within the 30-day window.

Contact A.J. Hodges, IV To Fight Your License Suspension

Call 318-990-1089 to reach my Shreveport office. You can also contact me online. Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your right to contest the suspension — call me today.