⚖️ Penalties for a Second DWI in Arkansas

• 7 days to 1 year in jail (mandatory minimum)

• $400 to $3,000 in fines

• 24-month driver’s license suspension

• Mandatory ignition interlock device

• Longer DWI education or treatment programs

A second offense can also trigger enhanced penalties if it occurs within five years of the first.

If you’re facing a second DWI in Arkansas, you’re in dangerous territory. Prosecutors assume you didn’t “learn your lesson.” Judges are less forgiving. And the penalties get a lot worse.

But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In fact, this is exactly when you need a trial-tested DWI lawyer in your corner.

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!

Don’t Let a Second Mistake Define You

The difference between jail time and walking free often comes down to one decision: who you hire to defend you.
Ludwig Law Firm prepares every case like it’s going to trial — because that’s how we win.

📞 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.

Our Defense Strategies for Second-Offense Cases

We know the stakes are higher — and we build defenses to match. That includes:

• Investigating field sobriety test errors

• Challenging the calibration and maintenance records of BAC devices

• Arguing procedural violations by law enforcement

• Negotiating plea deals that avoid jail and reduce charges

Best Outcomes Attorneys Can Secure

• Dismissal based on constitutional or procedural violations

• Reduction to a first-offense level charge

• Avoiding jail time through treatment-focused alternatives

• Restoration of 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.

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

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