Arkansas DWI

Arkansas DWI laws state that a person is considered to be driving while intoxicated when their blood alcohol level is .08% or greater. Minors with a blood alcohol level of .02% or greater are also considered DWI. Sometimes minors are referred to as DUI, not DWI. If you are given a citation for an Arkansas DWI, you must apply for your public hearing immediately. If you wait more than seven days, your driver’s license will be revoked.  

Arkansas Court Punishments

Arkansas DWI  first offenders face jail time. The court can give a minimum of one day in jail and a maximum of one year. However, in less serious cases of Arkansas DWI community service can replace incarceration in the sentencing. The arrest also carries a fine of between $150 and $1000. The offender is responsible for the $300 court costs. Second and third Arkansas DWI offenses carry longer jail times and steeper fees. A fourth DWI offense is considered a felony, with a minimum of one year of jail or community service time. The court can also require you to use an ignition interlock, which is a machine that requires you to pass a breath test before you can start your car. This is often done if your blood alcohol level tested higher than .18%.

Arkansas Department of Finance Punishments

An Arkansas DWI also faces penalties from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. If your breath test was under .18 you will have your license revoked for 120 days. With the help of a lawyer, you may be able to get a limited license to allow you to drive to and from work or school.

BAC Testing in Arkansas

If you are pulled over on suspicion of an Arkansas DWI, you must provide a blood, urine, or breath test sample. If you refuse to do this, it is considered in court as admitting to your guilt, and your fees and license suspension time will increase. If you are pulled over, be sure to cooperate with the officers. After you have returned home, contact a lawyer as soon as possible to help you with your case.

You can expect to be asked to attend an alcohol driving education program in conjunction with your Arkansas DWI. This will cost a $50 fee. Your insurance will increase as much as $1500 per year. Do not be surprised if your current insurance carrier refuses to keep you as a customer.

AR First Offense Punishments

• Jail time of a day to a year

• $150 to $1000 in fines

•  License suspension of 120 days

AR Second Offense Punishments

• Jail time of 7 days to 1 year

• $400 to $3000 in fines

• License suspension of 2 years

AR Third Offense Punishments

• Jail time of 90 days to 1 year

• $900 to $5000 in fines

• License suspension of 30 months

AR Fourth Offense Punishments

• Felony conviction

• Jail time of 1 to 6 years

• $900 to $5000 in fines

• License suspension for 4 years

AR Fifth Offense Punishments

• Felony conviction

• Jail time of 2 to 10 years

• $900 to $5000 in fines

• License suspension for 4 years

Arkansas DWI News Headlines