Introduction
Carl Barkemeyer wrote the book on Louisiana DWI defense: literally. His published work “Practical Information for the Accused and Attorneys in Louisiana” is a resource used by both defendants and legal practitioners in the state, a distinction that reflects a level of expertise in Louisiana DWI law that goes beyond standard courtroom practice. The Barkemeyer Law Firm operates across seven Louisiana cities, with offices in Baton Rouge, Covington, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans, and Shreveport, fielding a team of four attorneys with more than 100 years of combined experience.
Practice Areas
DWI Defense: First Offense
A first DWI offense in Louisiana carries consequences that are more serious than many people realize before they face charges. Louisiana law provides for license suspension of up to four years, fines in the range of $300 to $1,000, and jail time of 48 hours to six months. Mandatory alcohol education programs, home monitoring, and community service are additional possibilities depending on circumstances and the court’s disposition. The Barkemeyer Law Firm handles first offense cases with the same thoroughness as repeat offenses because the immediate and long-term consequences can be severe.
DWI Defense: Second and Third Offenses
Repeat DWI offenses in Louisiana carry escalating penalties that quickly become life-altering. A second DWI brings substantially higher fines, longer license suspension, and more significant jail exposure. A third offense is a felony under Louisiana law. Carl Barkemeyer and his team handle repeat offense cases with the understanding that the stakes for the client are dramatically higher than in a first-offense situation.
Felony DWI
When a DWI charge reaches felony level: through a third offense or aggravating circumstances: the consequences include the possibility of substantial prison time and permanent effects on employment and civil rights. Felony DWI defense requires experience with the more intensive proceedings that accompany felony-level charges in Louisiana courts.
Underage DWI
DWI charges involving drivers under the legal drinking age involve additional statutory considerations and potential juvenile justice implications depending on the age of the driver. The firm handles underage DWI cases with attention to these specific factors.
Child Endangerment Charges
When a DWI involves a minor passenger, Louisiana law provides for enhanced charges and penalties. These cases require defense that addresses both the DWI itself and the additional charges that arise from the presence of a child.
CDL Violations
Commercial driver’s license holders face a stricter legal standard for DWI than private drivers, and a DWI conviction can permanently end a commercial driving career. The firm handles CDL-related DWI matters with the understanding of what a commercial driver’s livelihood depends on.
Hardship Licenses
When a license is suspended following a DWI arrest or conviction, Louisiana law provides a process through which a driver may apply for a restricted hardship license allowing limited driving for essential purposes such as work or medical appointments. The firm handles hardship license applications for clients whose driving privileges have been suspended.
Expungements
Louisiana law permits expungement of certain criminal records, including some DWI convictions, under conditions defined by statute. The expungement process removes the public record of the offense, which can matter significantly for employment background checks and professional licensing. The firm handles expungement petitions for eligible clients.
SR-22 Insurance Requirements
Following a DWI conviction or license suspension, Louisiana typically requires proof of financial responsibility in the form of SR-22 insurance certification before driving privileges are restored. The firm advises clients on this requirement as part of the post-conviction process.
Administrative DMV Hearings
One of the most time-sensitive aspects of a Louisiana DWI arrest is the administrative license suspension process. Louisiana law requires that a driver request an administrative hearing before the Department of Motor Vehicles within 30 days of the arrest. If that deadline passes without a request, the license is automatically suspended. The Barkemeyer Law Firm handles these administrative hearings for its clients, and the 30-day window is a critical priority from the first contact with the firm.
Attorney Profiles
Carl Barkemeyer
Carl Barkemeyer is the lead attorney and founder. He published “Practical Information for the Accused and Attorneys in Louisiana”: a book that has established him as a recognized authority on Louisiana DWI and criminal defense law. He produces educational video content on DWI topics including license suspension procedures, second offense implications, and defense strategies, making substantive legal information accessible to people who are trying to understand their situation before, during, and after a DWI charge.
His practice spans the full geography of Louisiana through the firm’s seven office locations, giving him experience with courts, prosecutors, and judges across the state.
Additional Attorneys
The firm includes three additional attorneys, bringing the combined team to four attorneys with more than 100 years of collective experience in Louisiana DWI and criminal defense.
Location and Service Area
New Orleans Office: 422 S Broad Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 (across from the New Orleans courthouse)
Phone (Tangipahoa/Amite area): 985-888-0009
Phone (New Orleans): 504-226-2299
Website: attorneycarl.com/
Additional offices in: Baton Rouge, Covington, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, Shreveport.
Seven offices across Louisiana provide coverage for DWI defendants in every major population center in the state. The New Orleans office sits directly across from the courthouse, a location that reflects the firm’s deep integration into the New Orleans legal community. Payment plans are available, and DWI consultations are free.
Client Focus
A substantial portion of the Barkemeyer Law Firm’s client base consists of professionals: physicians, nurses, lawyers, engineers, teachers, military personnel, and business operators. These clients have more at stake in a DWI case than the typical defendant because a conviction can affect professional licensing, hospital privileges, security clearances, business certifications, and other credentials that took years to earn.
The firm’s experience serving this client base means it understands the secondary consequences of a DWI conviction that go beyond fines and license suspension. For a physician, a DWI conviction might trigger a medical board inquiry. For a nurse, it might jeopardize licensure. For an attorney, it may involve bar character and fitness review. For a military member, it may affect rank and security clearance. Defending these clients well requires understanding what they stand to lose beyond the legal penalties.
The firm also handles cases for out-of-state defendants: people who were arrested in Louisiana while traveling or visiting and who cannot easily return for court appearances. In many of these cases, the firm resolves the matter without requiring the client to come back to Louisiana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 30-day administrative hearing deadline, and why does it matter?
Louisiana law requires a DWI defendant to request an administrative hearing before the DMV within 30 days of the arrest. If this request is not made, the license is automatically suspended. This deadline is separate from the criminal case and requires immediate attention regardless of how the criminal defense proceeds. The Barkemeyer Law Firm handles these hearings as part of its representation.
I was arrested for DWI in Louisiana but I live in another state. Do I have to return for every court appearance?
Not necessarily. The firm regularly handles cases for out-of-state defendants and has often resolved these matters without requiring clients to return to Louisiana. This depends on the specific charge and the court involved, but it is a common situation the firm has experience managing.
What is an SR-22, and when is it required?
SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves a driver carries the required minimum insurance. Louisiana courts and the DMV typically require SR-22 certification as a condition of reinstating driving privileges after a DWI-related suspension. It is not a type of insurance but a filing made by an insurance company on the driver’s behalf.
Can a DWI conviction be expunged in Louisiana?
Louisiana law permits expungement of certain DWI convictions under specific eligibility conditions, including time requirements after completion of the sentence. Not all DWI convictions are eligible. The firm evaluates each situation to determine whether expungement is available.
What types of professionals does the firm serve?
The firm regularly represents physicians, nurses, attorneys, engineers, teachers, military personnel, and business operators: clients whose professional standing and licensure can be affected by a DWI conviction beyond the standard legal penalties.
Closing
Seven offices across Louisiana. Four attorneys. One hundred years of combined experience. A published book on Louisiana DWI law. A practice that explicitly serves professionals with significant stakes in the outcome. And a firm that handles the 30-day administrative deadline, the criminal case, hardship license applications, SR-22 requirements, and expungements as a complete package: including for out-of-state defendants who were arrested in Louisiana and cannot easily return. For a free DWI consultation at any of the firm’s Louisiana locations, reach the Barkemeyer Law Firm at 985-888-0009 (Tangipahoa/Amite area) or 504-226-2299 (New Orleans).
Website: attorneycarl.com/