Experienced DWI/DUI Defense in Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, Springdale and All of Benton and Washington Counties

The attorneys at Rhoads & Armstrong bring more than 10 years legal experience to representing individuals charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI). In Arkansas, a DWI or DUI conviction can have severe consequences—not only in terms of the criminal penalties, but in terms of your education, career and financial future. You need to do everything you can to protect yourself, and this means putting a skilled and aggressive defense lawyer on your side.

Understanding Arkansas' DWI and DUI Offenses

Arkansas law establishes two primary criminal misdemeanor offenses for drunk driving: DWI and DUI. The DWI law applies in most cases. This is the law that makes it illegal for anyone over age 21 to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more, or to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs (even if your BAC is not 0.08 percent).

Arkansas' DUI law applies to underage drivers. Known as a "zero tolerance" law in other states, Arkansas' DUI law prohibits anyone under the age of 21 from driving with a BAC of between 0.02 and 0.08 percent.

10 Consequences of a DWI Conviction in Arkansas

As we already mentioned, facing a DWI or DUI charge in Arkansas is an extremely serious matter. Here are ten of the potential consequences of a DWI arrest:

• Fines. The fines for a first offense will usually be in the hundreds of dollars. For second and subsequent offenses, they are significantly more.
• Court costs. In addition to fines, you will also be required to pay the court costs associated with your DWI case.
• Jail time. While unlikely for a first-time offense, jail time is always on the table when facing a DWI charge in Arkansas.
• Community service. If you do not receive jail time, you will likely be required to perform community service as part of the punishment for your DWI.
• License suspension. After a DWI arrest, your license can be suspended for six months even if you are not ultimately convicted of drunk driving.
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID). If you obtain a hardship license to avoid suspension, you will be required to install an IID in your vehicle. Mandatory IID installation can also be imposed as a post-suspension penalty.
• Criminal record. A DWI conviction stays on your criminal record for five years.
• Enhanced penalties for subsequent DWIs. If you get arrested on a DWI charge again in the future, you can face enhanced penalties as a result of having a past DWI.
• Substance abuse counseling. You will generally be required to undergo substance abuse counseling (at your expense) following a DWI conviction.
• Insurance surcharge. After a DWI conviction, your insurance rates will go up, possibly by $1,000 per year or more.

When you hire Rhoads & Armstrong for your DWI or DUI case, we will investigate all possible strategies for helping you avoid a conviction. From police mistakes during your arrest to lack of evidence to prove guilty, there are several potential defenses to DWI and DUI charges. To give yourself the best chance at a favorable outcome, it is important that you seek experienced legal representation as soon as possible.

Request a DWI/DUI Consultation

To learn more about your situation and the defenses you may have available, schedule an initial consultation at Rhoads & Armstrong . You can reach us 24/7, so call 479-254-0135 or contact us online now.