If you get arrested for a DWI in Arkansas, several steps follow, and each one can affect your case differently. It’s important to have a good understanding about what happens after a DWI arrest in the state.
The arrest process
When law enforcement stops you for suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI), they may ask you to take a field sobriety test or a breath test. If they believe you are over the legal limit of 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC), they will arrest you. Once they arrest you, they will take you to jail and book you. They will also ask you to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, which can serve as evidence in your case.
Temporary driver’s license suspension
In Arkansas, the police will typically suspend your driver’s license after a DWI arrest. The suspension is immediate, but you can request an administrative hearing to contest it. If you don’t challenge the suspension, it will last for 180 days for a first offense, and longer if you have prior DWI convictions. The court may issue a temporary license, but it typically remains valid for a limited time.
The court process
After your arrest, the court will schedule your arraignment, where you will hear the charges against you. You will then decide how to plead. If you plead not guilty, the case will move forward to trial, and you will need to prepare a defense. The court may also order you to attend alcohol education classes or other treatment programs, depending on the circumstances.
Penalties for DWI
The penalties for a DWI conviction vary depending on several factors, including your BAC level and whether you have prior convictions. Penalties can include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol treatment, and even jail time. For a first offense, the consequences may be less severe, but repeated offenses can lead to harsher penalties such as longer license suspensions and higher fines.
Not every DWI arrest leads to a conviction. In some cases, you can challenge the arrest or the evidence against you. It’s important to understand your rights.
If you face a DWI arrest in Arkansas, consider your options carefully.
