Arkansas DUI Laws, Penalties, and License Suspension

Arkansas drunk driving laws have become more and more complicated and the penalties are more harsh that ever. The amount of alcohol a person can consume is becoming less and the effort to crack down on DUI's is rising. Most people arrested for drunk driving have never been in trouble with the law before, this will be the first time they were handcuffed, put into the back of a police car, and tried by the state in court.

The DMV and court process is confusing and there is no room for even the slightest error. Knowing the laws, penalties, fees and process is extremely important. The biggest mistake you can make is assuming that you don't need to speak to a lawyer. DUIs are very complex and a lot is at stake. If you plead guilty to a DUI, your guilty. No reducing, no plea bargaining, just guilty. Give your case a change, talk to a lawyer. You can schedule a free, no obligation consultation with an attorney today by calling (877) 678-5640.

Arkansas Laws

The following driving actions are illegal in the State of Arkansas:

• Intoxicated during the operation of a motor vehicle. - “Intoxicated” means influenced or affected by the ingestion of alcohol, a controlled substance, any intoxicant, or any combination of alcohol, a controlled substance, or an intoxicant, to such a degree that the driver's reactions, motor skills, and judgment are substantially altered and the driver, therefore, constitutes a clear and substantial danger of physical injury or death to himself and other motorists or pedestrians.
• A person whose blood contains 0.08 percent or more concentration of alcohol.
  
• A minor under who is under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or similar intoxicant.
  
• A minor who has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 or above

Arkansas Penalties

First Drunk Driving Conviction
You will receive a fine that ranges from $150 to $1,000. Jail time from 1-365 days for a blood alcohol content (BAC) between .08-.15. If a person under the age of 16 was in the vehicle at the time of the offense, you will serve between 7-365 days in jail. Community service may be issued in lieu of jail time. Your license may be suspended for 6 months, however if allowed by the court, a ignition interlock restricted license may be issued.

Second Drunk Driving Conviction
You will receive a fine that ranges from $400-$3000. Jail time from 7-365 days in jail, or a minimum of 30 days community service may be issued in lieu of jail time. If a person under the age of 16 was in the vehicle at the time of the offense, you must serve between 30-365 days in jail or a minimum of 60 days community service. A 24 month license suspension, or, if allowed by the court, a ignition interlock restricted license may be issued after 12 months.

Third Drunk Driving Conviction
You will receive a fine that ranges from $900-$5000. Jail time from 90-365 days, or a minimum of 90 days community service may be issued in lieu of jail time if allowed by the court. If a person under the age of 16 was in the vehicle at the time of the offense, you will receive between 120-365 days in jail or a minimum of 120 days community service. A 30 month license suspension will also be issued, or, if allowed by the court, a ignition interlock restricted license may be issued after 12 months.

Fourth Drunk Driving Conviction
A 4th drunk driving conviction is a felony in the State of Arkansas. This is punishable by serving between 1-6 years in prison or 1 year of community service if allowed by the court. If a person under the age of 16 was in the vehicle at the time of the offense, you will receive between 2-6 years in prison or a minimum of 2 years of community service if allowed by the court. In addition, your license will be suspended for 4 years.

Arkansas Drivers License Issues

The implied consent law in Arkansas states that any person who operates a motor vehicle, by default, gives their consent to a blood, urine or breath test to determine if they are under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

If you refuse to submit a chemical test of blood, breath or urine your license will automatically be suspended for 180 days on your first offense. You may also be denied a reinstatement of your drivers license if you do not install a ignition interlock device for a period of six months.

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