DWI
DWI
Driving While Intoxicated Offenses
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense that can dramatically impact your life and your future. A DWI conviction can have long-term detrimental effects on your driving record, insurance, and employment.
You deserve a highly experienced, hard-working, and innovative criminal defense attorney to represent you in your case. I have nearly two decades of experience helping individuals proactively address DWI changes and have handled hundreds of DWI cases all across the state of Arkansas. I will work hard to ensure you understand your rights and receive a fair trial and focus on getting you the best resolution so you can move forward with your life.
Pulled over on suspicion of a DWI? Know Your Rights.
You have rights if you are suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you’ve been arrested on suspicion of DWI, contact your lawyer right away. When you call me first, I can help protect your rights and guide you through the criminal defense process. I can help you make sure your rights weren’t violated before or during the traffic stop.
Field Sobriety Test
Did you know that you have the right to refuse to perform a field sobriety test? Knowing your rights helps you protect yourself from a DWI conviction.
Breathalyzer Test
A breathalyzer test result will be considered evidence of intoxication, so it may be in your best interest to refuse a breathalyzer test. However, if you do refuse, your license will be suspended for six months. If you take a breathalyzer test, you have the right to have a second test performed at your own expense. The police are required to provide reasonable assistance to have this second test (blood or urine) performed.
DWI Penalties & Your Driving Privileges
Penalties for DWI convictions vary in Arkansas. In addition to criminal charges and punishments, your driver’s license will be suspended immediately after being arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
One day to one year in the county jail, $150-$1,000 fine, seven days to one year in the county jail if you have a passenger in the car that is 16 years of age or younger. Immediate six-month driver’s license suspension. You qualify for a 30-day driving permit that will expire 30 days from the date of arrest. You qualify for an interlock ignition device. You do not qualify for a restricted permit.
Seven days to one year in the county jail, $400-$3,000 fine, 30 days to one year in the county jail if you have a passenger in the car that is 16 years of age or younger. The Court may order community service in lieu of jail but for no less than 30 days. Immediate two-year driver’s license suspension. You do not qualify for a 30-day driving permit. You qualify for an interlock ignition device but only after 45 days from the date of arrest. You do not qualify for a restricted permit.
90 days to one year in the county jail, $900-$5,000 fine, 120 days to one year in the county jail if you have a passenger in the car that is 16 years of age or younger. The Court may order community service in lieu of jail but for no less than 90 days. Immediate 30-month driver’s license suspension. You do not qualify for a 30-day driving permit. You qualify for an interlock ignition device but only after 45 days from the date of arrest. You do not qualify for a restricted permit.
One to six years in the Arkansas Department of Correction, $900-$5,000 fine, two to six years in the Arkansas Department of Correction if you have a passenger in the car that is 16 years of age or younger. The Court may order community service in lieu of pen time but for no less than one year. Immediate 48-month driver’s license suspension. You do not qualify for a 30-day driving permit. The State of Arkansas will require an interlock ignition device to be placed on your car. You do not qualify for a restricted permit.
Two to 10 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction, $900-$5,000 fine, two to six years in the Arkansas Department of Correction if you have a passenger in the car that is 16 years of age or younger. The Court may order community service in lieu of pen time but for no less than one year.
