How Long Does A DWI Stay on Your Record in Louisiana? 2025

For many people, a DWI charge is a turning point in their lives. “How long does a DWI stay on your record in Louisiana?” is a common concern for anyone facing a DWI charge. The answer depends on several legal details. There might be things you can do about a DWI on your record.

How Long a DWI Stays on a Criminal Record

In Louisiana, a DWI conviction stays on a criminal record for ten years. This timeline starts from the date of conviction. This means it could be longer than the date you were arrested. During that period, the charge can affect everything from employment to future legal issues. Up to 95% of employers run background checks on potential employees. This can make it harder to secure housing and employment.

The law treats DWI charges seriously. If a person is arrested for another DWI during that ten-year window, the court can use the older conviction to increase the penalties. That could lead to longer jail time or even a felony charge.

After ten years, a person can ask to have the DWI expunged. But that doesn’t happen automatically. A judge must approve the request, and the person must meet specific conditions. Until then, the conviction stays public.

The Difference Between Arrest and Conviction in Louisiana

An arrest and a conviction are not the same. The law treats each one differently when it comes to criminal records.

• DWI arrests. An arrest shows that the person was taken into custody. It does not prove guilt. The arrest can still appear in a background check unless it’s expunged.
• Convictions. A conviction means the court found the person guilty. This has longer and more serious effects than an arrest. It can follow the person for ten years or more.
• Dismissed charges. Arrests are sometimes dismissed or dropped. If that happens, the person may be able to expunge the arrest within a shorter time.
• Expungement limits. Convictions have stricter limits for expungement. Most DWI convictions require a full ten years before the court will consider expungement.
• Employment and housing. Employers and landlords may react differently to arrests and convictions. A conviction often carries more weight in background checks and can block job offers.

Both an arrest and a conviction can affect someone’s life. However, a conviction causes more lasting damage. The conviction rate for felony charges related to driving is 73%.

Driving Record Impact

A DWI conviction does more than affect a criminal record. It also stays on a person’s driving record with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. That mark can lead to higher car insurance rates.

The DWI stays on the driving record for ten years. That aligns with the criminal penalty window. During that time, a repeat offense leads to more penalties and longer suspensions.

Don’t Let a Mistake Follow You Forever

In 2024, 5 people were killed in fatal crashes in Jefferson Parish due to alcohol-related offenses. The serious nature of a DWI means that it can stick longer than you expect it to. Waiting won’t fix it. Act fast and fight to protect your record. Schedule a consultation with the DWI Defense Center LLC. Legal support makes a difference when the stakes are high.