This month, the Integrated Criminal Justice Information System Board in Louisiana met to possibly discuss the implementation of a statewide DWI tracking system. The Board is composed of leaders from around the state. The state legislature has requested that the Board reconvene and report back in 2013 regarding the tracking system.
The tracking system is supported by prosecutors and Mothers Against Drunk Driving in Louisiana. The system would include a statewide database of DWI arrests/convictions. Importantly, it would allow prosecutors access to more accurate records of convictions which would lead to more accurate formal charges. In theory, with access to the database, prosecutors will be able charge offenders with more serious charges than if the database didn’t exist because prosecutors may never know about the previous DWI convictions. DWI is an enhanceable offense in Louisiana, meaning that prior DWI convictions may be used to enhance the sentence of the new DWI conviction. Therefore, prosectors want to know the whole story regarding an offenders criminal history. The primary purpose of the database would be to provide a more detailed and accurate history of the offender.
DWI laws in Louisiana only become more harsh every legislative session. These charges carry serious consequences. If you or someone you know has been charged with DWI or DUI, contact Baton Rouge DWI lawyer, Carl Barkemeyer at (225) 964-6720.
