Arkansas laws place harsh penalties on drunk driving offenses. This is due to the need to keep the state’s roads safe. Police who are out on the roads make a concerted effort to find people who are driving under the influence. They will watch for signs, such as weaving in and out of lanes, and stop vehicles that appear to have an impaired driver. Once they conduct the stop, they have to determine whether the driver meets the legal standards for driving while intoxicated (DWI).
When the driver appears to be impaired by alcohol, the priority becomes determining their blood alcohol concentration (BAC). This has an impact on the charge and the penalties the person could face.
The driver’s age also plays a role in this. If a driver isn’t 21 yet, the legal limit for them is .02%. For those who have reached the legal drinking age, the limit is .08%. Most people don’t realize that once the BAC reaches .15%, the driver will face an aggravated DWI charge, which comes with enhanced penalties.
It’s important to realize that your driver’s license will be revoked if you are convicted of DWI. On a first offense, the revocation is for six months. A second offense is two years. A third offense is 30 months. You also face the possibility of having to use an ignition interlock device and have mandatory alcohol education, assessment and treatment.
The costs of a drunk driving case can be exorbitant, especially if you factor in the cost of missed wages and collateral consequences. Because of this, it is a good idea to try to seek legal guidance as quickly as possible once you are charged.