Arkansas DUI Consequences
 |
|---|
If you were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Arkansas, it is important to understand what you are up against. As one of the most dangerous offenses a driver can commit, a DUI conviction carries a multitude of penalties. In addition to the court-imposed sentence, drivers who are found guilty of drunk driving often face long-term Arkansas DUI consequences. Here are just a few things of the things you’ll need to consider if you are facing DUI charges in the state of Arkansas.
One of the first things you will face if you are convicted of DUI in Arkansas is an automatic license suspension. In fact, even if this is your first offense, the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will issue an automatic six-month license suspension immediately after your arrest. Plus, in addition to losing your license, you will also face new penalties once your case is brought before a judge in criminal court.
Assuming you have no prior convictions on your record, the sentence for a first DUI can include a fine of anywhere from $150 to $1,000, as well as up to a one-year jail sentence. The judge may also require you to undergo alcohol treatment and/or complete driver’s education program. In some cases, you may even be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle—which means you will have to take a breathalyzer in order to operate your vehicle.
Of course, you can expect to receive a harsher punishment if you already have a DUI conviction on your record. Under state law, a second conviction carries up to a two-year license suspension, $3,000 fine, and a minimum 30-day jail sentence. If you are convicted of three or more DUIs within a five-year period, any subsequent charge will be classified as felony offense—and as a convicted felon, you will lose many personal freedoms, including your right to vote, carry a passport, and purchase firearms.
Regardless of how your offense is classified, a drunk driving conviction will continue to haunt you long after you’ve completed the terms of your sentence, as your crime will be reflected on your criminal record for the rest of your life—jeopardizing countless employment, housing, and educational opportunities as a result. You’ll also pay a hefty price for your offense when your insurance company finds out about your conviction. Most DUI offenders must pay two to three times more for auto insurance—and that’s assuming your insurer doesn’t drop you (and many of them do).
The good news is that being arrested for DUI does not necessarily mean that you will be convicted of the charges against you. With the right defense strategy, you may be able to reduce or avoid many of the Arkansas DUIs consequences listed above.
To improve your chances of obtaining a successful outcome in DUI court, submit your information online today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled DUI defense attorney in your area.
