DWI Defense Lawyer in Shreveport

Criminal Defense for DWI Charges in Shreveport

A DWI arrest sets two separate legal processes in motion simultaneously: a criminal case and an administrative proceeding that threatens your driver’s license. Navigating both requires prompt action and clear-headed counsel. At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, our DWI attorneys represent individuals facing criminal charges throughout Shreveport, Bossier City, and the surrounding areas of Northwest Louisiana, approaching each case with the personalized attention and direct communication that difficult situations demand.

What Louisiana Law Defines as a DWI

Louisiana Revised Statute 14:98 governs the offense commonly known as DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) in Louisiana. The statute refers to the offense as operating a vehicle while impaired. Louisiana law establishes different blood alcohol concentration (BAC) thresholds depending on the driver:

• 0.08% for drivers age 21 and older
• 0.04% for commercial drivers
• 0.02% for drivers under 21

A driver may also be charged based on evidence of impairment, even when BAC levels fall below these thresholds.

BAC alone doesn’t determine a charge. A driver can be charged with DWI for impairment caused by illegal drugs, prescription medications, or a combination of alcohol and other substances, even when BAC falls below the legal limit, if officers observe signs of impairment.

Penalties by Offense Level in Louisiana

The consequences of a DWI conviction grow sharply with each prior offense. Here’s what Louisiana law prescribes:

• First offense: Misdemeanor; $300–$1,000 fine; 10 days to 6 months in jail
• Second offense: Misdemeanor; $750–$1,000 fine; 30 days to 6 months in jail; license suspension up to two years
• Third offense: Felony; $2,000 fine; 1–5 years imprisonment; possible vehicle seizure
• Fourth or subsequent offense: Felony; up to $5,000 fine; 10–30 years imprisonment

A BAC of 0.15% or higher triggers mandatory jail time that can’t be suspended and extends license suspension periods beyond the standard terms. Prior convictions and aggravating circumstances shape what a prosecutor may seek at sentencing.

The Administrative License Suspension: A Separate Clock Is Running

Louisiana’s implied consent law holds that driving on state roads constitutes consent to chemical testing when officers have reason to suspect DWI. If you test above the legal limit or refuse testing, the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles may move to suspend your license independently of whatever happens in criminal court.

You have 30 days from your arrest date to request an administrative hearing to contest that suspension. Missing that window typically means the suspension proceeds automatically. Refusing a chemical test results in a suspension of 180 days for a first refusal and 545 days for a second or subsequent refusal. A restricted or hardship license may become available after a portion of the suspension period, often requiring installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

Building a Defense Against DWI Charges

Not every DWI charge is airtight. A meaningful defense often starts with the traffic stop itself. Officers must have reasonable or probable cause to pull a driver over, and a stop that doesn’t meet that standard can affect how evidence gathered afterward is treated. Field sobriety tests must be administered according to established protocols, and breath or blood testing equipment must be properly calibrated and maintained for results to be reliable.

Our team includes a former prosecutor turned defense attorney, which gives us a practical view of how the other side builds its case and where weaknesses tend to appear. Our DWI attorneys work to negotiate reduced charges or sentencing when the facts support it and may pursue dismissal when the evidence warrants that outcome. When a case goes to trial, we represent clients through every stage of litigation. Every decision is driven by the specific facts of your case, not a one-size-fits-all playbook.

Why Shreveport Clients Work with Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law

Our founder, Ryan Gatti, has lived and worked in Shreveport and Bossier City his entire life. That means familiarity with local courts, prosecutors, and the practical realities of how cases move through the system here. It also means a genuine connection to the community our clients are part of.

We take the time to listen to each client and tailor our approach to their circumstances and goals. During consultations, we walk through the legal process in plain terms, answer questions directly, and help you understand what’s happening at each stage. Our commitment is to ease the burden of a serious situation, protect your rights, and help you move forward with clarity.

Which Court Hears Your DWI Case in Shreveport

Where your case is prosecuted depends on the arresting agency and where the offense occurred. Misdemeanor DWI charges from a Shreveport Police Department arrest are generally heard in Shreveport City Court. Felony charges and misdemeanors involving the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office or Louisiana State Police typically go to Caddo Parish’s First Judicial District Court. In Bossier Parish, felonies and most misdemeanors are handled in the 26th Judicial District Court, while Bossier City Court takes misdemeanor and traffic matters arising within Bossier City limits. Your arrest summons or citation can identify which court has been assigned to your case.

Talk to a Shreveport DWI Defense Attorney Today

The decisions you make in the days immediately following a DWI arrest can affect both your criminal case and your driving privileges. We can review the facts of your case, explain your options in plain language, and help you understand the path forward.