What are the penalties for a DWI in Arkansas?

Arkansas DWI laws (driving while intoxicated) are the equivalent to DUI laws of other states. It is strictly observed and imposes penalties to violators. These violators will face any or all of the following penalties: sentence to prison, fines, license suspension, alcohol education or treatment program and attend a victim impact panel.

Jail imprisonment lasts for 24 hours to one year for first time offenders. If a minor is seen in the vehicle of the offender, the jail sentence will be a minimum of 7 days to year. A public service may also be enforced. The offender will have to pay a fine of $150-$1,000 and have his/her license suspended for 6 months. Offenders will also be forced to enroll in an Alcohol Education or Treatment Program at their own expense, which may cost $125, and attend a victim impact panel.

A second time DWI offense, as expected, is heavier than the first one. The same set of penalties will be given. However, jail stay will be 7 days to one year. 30 days to one year will be sentenced if a minor is seen in the vehicle. The second time offender will have to pay a fine of $400-$3,000 with a suspension of license for 1 year. They will also have to attend to the Alcohol Education or Treatment Program and victim impact panel.

These penalties will continue to increase in severity as the number of offense of an offender commits increases. DWI is a serious issue in the state as this is the cause of numerous deaths by car accidents. Hence, the law is strictly followed.