Penalties for a Fourth DWI (Felony)

• 1 to 6 years in state prison

• Fines up to $5,000

• Permanent revocation of your driver’s license

• Mandatory ignition interlock device (if reinstated)

• Lifetime impact on employment, housing, and civil rights

The moment you’re charged with a fourth DWI in Arkansas, everything changes. This isn’t a misdemeanor — it’s a felony. Your freedom, your record, and your future are all on the line.
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!

Defense Strategies for Felony DWIs

We fight these cases with everything we’ve got, including:

• Challenging prior convictions used to enhance the charge

• Attacking probable cause and field sobriety procedures

• Questioning chain of custody for blood evidence

• Arguing mitigating circumstances to reduce sentencing

   

Best Outcomes We Work For

• Dismissal or charge reduction to a misdemeanor

• Minimized prison time through negotiated pleas

• Alternative sentencing programs in lieu of incarceration

• Reinstatement of limited driving privileges

   

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. 

This Is Where Experience Matters Most

A fourth DWI is life-changing — but it’s not hopeless. Ludwig Law Firm has defended countless felony DWI cases across Arkansas, and we prepare each one like it’s headed to a jury.

📞 Call Ludwig Law Firm today at 501-838-4043
🌐 Visit us at ludwiglawfirm.com 📍 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.

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

   

• Can a DWI Be Dismissed in Arkansas?

   

• Will I Lose My CDL After a First-Time DWI in Arkansas?

   

• 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

Contact Us

For a Free Case Evaluation — 501-868-7500

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.