A DWI arrest in Louisiana can be overwhelming, especially if it is your first experience with the criminal justice system.

For Jefferson Parish DWI arrests, the location of the arrest determines which court has jurisdiction. DWI offenses occurring on the East Bank of the Mississippi River, including Metairie and Kenner, are prosecuted in First Parish Court in Metairie. Arrests occurring on the West Bank, including Gretna, Harvey, Marrero, and Westwego, are prosecuted in Second Parish Court in Gretna. Understanding what happens next can help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

After a DWI arrest, you are typically taken into custody and either booked into jail or released once bond is set. In many cases, your driver’s license is seized at the time of arrest, and you are issued a temporary permit. This temporary license is only valid for a limited period, and you must act quickly if you want to challenge the suspension.

On the criminal side, the case proceeds through arraignment, pretrial conferences, and potentially trial. Prosecutors must prove that the stop was lawful, that you were impaired, and that any chemical testing was properly administered and reliable. These are not automatic conclusions, and each step is open to legal challenge.

Louisiana law imposes increasing penalties for repeat DWI offenses, making it especially important to handle even a first arrest carefully. A conviction can also have consequences beyond court, including higher insurance premiums and restrictions on driving privileges.

A Louisiana criminal defense attorney can guide you through both the criminal case and the administrative license process, ensuring deadlines are met and defenses are preserved. Early representation often provides the greatest opportunity to reduce charges, suppress evidence, or seek alternatives to conviction.

Stephen D. Hebert, LLC represents clients charged with DWI offenses throughout Louisiana and works to protect their rights at every stage of the process.