First-Time DWI in Arkansas: Penalties, Best-Case Outcomes, and Your Next Step
Arrested for your first DWI in Arkansas? Learn the real consequences, how attorneys fight these cases, and what your best possible outcome could be.
DWI/DUI
⚖️ Consequences of a First DWI in Arkansas
Even a first DWI is not a slap on the wrist. You’re looking at:
Up to 1 year in county jail
Fines ranging from $150 to $1,000
Driver’s license suspension for 6 months
Mandatory DWI education or alcohol treatment program
Installation of an ignition interlock device
These penalties are just the start. A DWI conviction on your record can raise insurance costs, limit job opportunities, and haunt background checks for years.
At Ludwig Law Firm, we see too many people treat a first DWI offense like it’s “no big deal.” In our experience, that’s a mistake.
Here’s what’s really at stake — and how a skilled DWI defense lawyer can change everything.
As always - if you have a legal question you want answered in a future blog, submit it via the form on this page. Now, let's dive in!
Acting Fast Can Help Your Case
DUI and DWI cases move quickly in Arkansas courts. Acting fast can preserve license rights, challenge faulty evidence, and keep options open. If you or a loved one has been charged, call Ludwig Law Firm at 501-838-4043 or visit our DWI defense page.
📞 Call Ludwig Law Firm today at 501-838-4043
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📍 Proudly serving clients across Arkansas
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Reading this blog or interacting with Ludwig Law Firm through this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every legal case is different, and you should not act or rely on any information in this blog without first consulting with a licensed attorney about your specific situation. For legal guidance tailored to your needs, please contact Ludwig Law Firm directly.
How We Fight First-Time DWIs
The good news? First offenses are often the most defensible. Our attorneys build aggressive strategies, including:
Challenging the traffic stop or probable cause
Questioning the accuracy of BAC testing
Arguing for diversion programs or deferred adjudication
Our goal is clear: dismissal if possible, reduction if not. We don’t roll over — we fight to keep your record clean and your life on track.
Best-Case Outcomes We Can Pursue
Case dismissal due to lack of evidence or rights violations
Reduced charge (such as reckless driving)
No jail time and minimized fines
Retention or reinstatement of your driver’s license
Ludwig’s Strategic Advantage: Why Our Arkansas Defense Lawyers Simply Win
Our firm tries DWIs all the time. That trial-tested reputation matters in DUI and DWI cases, where evidence like breathalyzer tests and traffic stop procedures can be challenged. For more than 43 years, Ludwig Law Firm has defended Arkansans facing charges in fast-moving courts.
When additional trial strength is needed, we partner with Harry Warden, a Little Rock criminal defense lawyer. Together, Ludwig and Warden Law Firms deliver the full spectrum of defense: thoughtful guidance and bold trial advocacy.
Other DWI Blogs
How Much Does a First-Time DWI Really Cost in Arkansas?
Can You Get a DWI Dismissed in Arkansas? The Role of Evidence In Trial Outcomes.
Do DWIs in Arkansas Add Points to My Record? Understanding State Penalties
How to Reinstate Your Driver’s License After a DWI in Arkansas
DWI Checkpoints in Arkansas: What to Expect and Legal Defenses
What Happens If You Drive on a Suspended License in Arkansas? Ludwig Law Firm Explains
Can You Get a DWI on Private Property in Arkansas? What the Law Really Says
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Why Arkansans Choose Ludwig DWI Defense
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a DUI less serious than a DWI in Arkansas?
Not necessarily. Both carry fines, suspensions, and can affect your record.
Can someone under 21 get a DWI in Arkansas?
Yes, if their BAC is 0.08% or higher. Otherwise, they are usually charged with DUI.
Does a DUI or DWI stay on your record forever?
It depends on the case. Some convictions may be eligible for sealing under Arkansas law.
