Charged With DWI? Act Quickly.
A DWI arrest in Arkansas sets two separate processes in motion simultaneously — one criminal, one administrative — and both begin immediately. Every hour that passes without experienced legal representation is an hour your defense is standing still.
WHY IMMEDIATE REPRESENTATION MATTERS
The clock starts at arrest — not at your first court date.
A DWI charge in Arkansas is not simply a traffic matter. It carries consequences that can follow you for years — affecting your freedom, your livelihood, and your ability to drive. Understanding what happens next — and why timing is critical — is the first step in protecting yourself.
REASON #1
License Suspension
When you are arrested for DWI in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) moves to suspend your driver’s license automatically — independent of any criminal court proceeding. Under Arkansas law, you have only 7 days from the date of your arrest to request an administrative hearing to challenge that suspension. Miss that window, and your license may be suspended automatically, with no further opportunity to contest it.
An attorney who acts fast can request that hearing on your behalf, potentially keeping you on the road while your case is pending. For many clients — especially commercial drivers and CDL holders — preserving driving privileges is just as important as the criminal defense itself.
REASON #2
Court Deadlines
The Arkansas criminal justice system imposes strict procedural deadlines that can significantly shape the outcome of your case. Evidence must be reviewed, law enforcement records requested, and constitutional issues — such as whether the traffic stop was lawful or whether field sobriety tests were properly administered — must be identified and preserved early.
Delay can mean lost evidence, missed suppression opportunities, and fewer options at the negotiating table. Early representation gives your attorney time to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your arrest and build the strongest possible defense before critical deadlines pass.
REASON #3
Criminal Penalties
Arkansas DWI convictions carry serious consequences that escalate with each offense:
A first-offense DWI in Arkansas can result in up to one year in jail, fines ranging from $150 to $1,000, mandatory alcohol education and treatment, and a license suspension of up to 120 days. Subsequent offenses carry significantly harsher penalties, including longer jail sentences, higher fines, extended license revocation, and the possibility of felony charges beginning with a fourth offense.
Beyond the courtroom, a DWI conviction can affect your employment, your professional licenses, your auto insurance rates, and — if you hold a commercial driver’s license — your career. These are not consequences to face without a knowledgeable advocate in your corner.
DON'T WAIT
Your Defense Starts Now.
The decisions you make in the days immediately following a DWI arrest can shape the outcome of your entire case. At Cotter Law, we move quickly to protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and fight for the best possible result — whether that means pursuing a dismissal, negotiating a plea, or taking your case to trial.