Texarkana, Arkansas DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer

Arrested for DWI in Texarkana, Arkansas?

Under Arkansas law, once you have been cited for violating the DWI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, yet separate legal actions against you. The criminal action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, while the administrative action is brought against your driver's license by the Office of Motor Vehicles in Arkansas. While both actions can result in the suspension of your Arkansas driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled separately.

Being arrested for DWI is a serious offense that can have serious repercussions, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is imperative that anyone facing a Arkansas DWI charge understand what challenges they will encounter. It is important you seek the legal advice of an aggressive and knowledgeable DWI defense attorney immediately. Call today for a consultation.

Arkansas DWI (DUI) Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Arkansas law, an individual has 7 (seven) days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Office of Motor Vehicles in Arkansas. If you fail to request a hearing within 7 (seven) days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your driver's license is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame. In order to preserve your right to an administrative hearing, it is crucial that you submit your request to the Office of Motor Vehicles in Arkansas within 7 (seven) days. Contact a capable and experienced DWI defense lawyer in Texarkana, Arkansas to help, but do not delay.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Monetary Fines - In Texarkana, Arkansas, fines for a first time DWI range between $150.00, up to $1,000.00, plus court costs.
• Arkansas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Texarkana, Arkansas, a first time DWI (DUI) conviction results in the revocation of Arkansas driving privileges for 120 days. A restricted permit may be requested if the offender's blood alcohol content (BAC) was below 0.15 and did not refuse chemical testing at the time of arrest.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of driver's license in Arkansas for 180 days.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of Arkansas driving privileges.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of driver's license in Arkansas for 180 days.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04. A first time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent Arkansas DWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the CDL.

DWI Arrest

After arrest law enforcement will give the person an Official Driver's License Receipt and Notice of Suspension/Revocation of Driving Privilege. The police officer will take the driver's license. This Notice will also allow the person to drive for the next 30 (thirty) days (if they have a valid driver's license). The Notice will inform the person that they have 7 (seven) days to request an administrative hearing to determine if they were intoxicated or registered a .08% blood alcohol content (BAC) or refused the BAC test. Also, the person can request a restricted permit if they have no other alcohol offenses and if the blood alcohol content (BAC) is under .15 and the licensee did not refuse test.

Before the license is reinstated they must complete an approved alcohol rehabilitation program and pay a $150.00 reinstatement fee. Remember, all of this action is rescinded if the person is acquitted of the charge in court. It is imperative you seek the legal advice of an aggressive and knowledgeable DWI defense attorney immediately. Time is of the essence. Call today for a consultation.

Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.

DWI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DWI violations. Due to the complexity of DWI laws in Arkansas, you may not be aware of rights and options, including any defenses you might use. This is why an assertive and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact an Arkansas DWI or DUI for a consultation.