What to Expect After a First DWI in Arkansas

Do you know what to expect after a first DWI in Arkansas? This can be a stressful time, but it doesn’t have to be if you know a little more about your situation and what your next steps are after your DWI 1st Offense in Arkansas. Let’s go over what a typical first DWI in Arkansas timeline looks like. Keep in mind that every Arkansas DWI/DUI is different depending on various circumstances, but this information should help with general expectations regarding your case.

A First DWI in Arkansas

First, you should know that a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) refers to adult drivers who had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Arkansas uses the term DUI for underage drivers with a BAC under .08.

Upon arrest, the officer will provide you with important paperwork that you must keep for your case. One of the papers will be a Notice of Suspension/Revocation of Driving Privilege regarding your driver’s license. This means your driver’s license was taken and it will list your next steps once you get out of jail.

After your DWI or DUI arrest, you can be held in jail for six hours or bond out. You can contact a bail bond company or have someone you know like a family member or friend to bond you out.

Your Administrative Hearing

Now the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles or DMV will become involved in your DUI/DWI charge. The DMV or Driver Control will be the oversight agency related to your driver’s license suspension. Keep in mind that the DMV’s consequences are separate from your criminal charges in court.

You will have seven days from your arrest date to visit the DMV and request an administrative hearing if you took the breath test or if you refused it. Keep in mind that if you do not request a hearing, your license suspension will start 30 days from the date that you received your notice.

The following can occur as a mix of criminal and administrative penalties from a first DWI conviction in Arkansas.

• Court costs and fines
• Filing and maintaining an SR-22 for three years. This part usually occurs when your DUI attorney advises you to, or within 30 to 60 days from your arrest date.
• Attending and completing an approved drug and alcohol education course, and a MADD Victim Impact Panel or VIP.
• The other requirement you need to know about is driving again with an Ignition Interlock. You will receive a restricted Interlock license if eligible from Driver Control when you meet with them and once the device is installed.

When to Install an Ignition Interlock Device

You will probably hear the term, ‘ Ignition Interlock Device,’ from either the DMV or your DUI lawyer if you hired one. The DMV will order you to install an Arkansas Ignition Interlock within 45 days from your DWI arrest. Make sure you bring all the applicable paperwork to your Ignition Interlock device installation, like the Installation of Interlock Device and Confirmation of Interlock Requirement forms from Driver Control.

In Arkansas, a first DWI charge will usually mean a six-month license suspension and Ignition Interlock requirement. For a first DUI charge, the license suspension/Ignition Interlock period will last one year.

Smart Start Can Help You Through Your DWI/DUI

Finally, take a deep breath and remember that this is not the end of the world. Start over today by choosing Smart Start, the Most Trusted Ignition Interlock™ provider in Arkansas. If you have any questions about our program, feel free to call our 24/7/365 Customer Care Center by calling (800) 831-3299.

Need an Ignition Interlock in Arkansas?

Smart Start will help you drive again with a reliable, discreet, affordable, best Ignition Interlock. Receive your quote and your closest service center location now by calling (800) 831-3299 or by filling out our online form.