Drunk driving charges are serious and can affect many aspects of individuals’ lives. This is because the penalties that can be assessed against drivers who have been convicted of drunk driving are significant and burdensome. This post will offer general information on some of the ways individuals can be sanctioned for allegedly committing DWI crimes, but it is important that individuals speak with their own criminal defense attorneys about how to prepare for their own drunk driving cases.
The first time that a person is convicted of DWI in Arkansas they can be punished with a full year in jail. They may also be required to pay a fine of $1,000, but in some situations, they may be able to avoid imprisonment if they are required to perform a significant amount of community service.
In addition to fines and jail time, first time offenders may be required to give up their driving privileges for up to six months. If a driver is able to get a restricted license and secure the installation of an ignition interlock device, they may be able to retain their ability to drive in the months immediately following their DWI conviction.
It is important that readers remember that the penalties discussed in this post only relate to first time drunk driving offenses. Individuals who are arrested and convicted of subsequent suspected DWI events may face bigger fines, longer periods of incarceration, and lengthier losses of their drivers’ licenses. There is no good outcome for a person who is convicted of a drunk driving offense, and as such, those facing these serious charges can benefit from getting help from legal professionals who offers support to DWI clients.
