Posts Tagged ‘Arkansas’

There is strict punishment in the Arkansas for people who are booked under DWI laws. Apart from the fine of $1,000, you also need to spend ten days in jail. You have seven days to challenge the suspension of your driving license. After being booked for DWI in the state of Arkansas, you will be given a temporary driving license which is valid for one month.

2009 Arkansas Criminal Law Modifications

The Arkansas Legislative assembly has come up with a number of amendments with regard to DWI laws. You need to have a proper understanding of these changes otherwise you may not be able to fight your DWI case during court. From July 1, 2009, there is an increase in the fine limits violations and misdemeanors. If you are booked for Class A, you will pay $2,500. For Class B, you will pay $1,000 and for Class C you will pay $500.


According to Act 341, there is an increase in the maximum fine for municipal ordinances violation from $500 to $1,000. In terms of driving license suspension, for the first DWI offense, your driving license can be suspended for a period of four months to six months. Act 922 states that your driving license can be suspended for a period of one year if it is your second or third DWI offense. Once this period is over, you need to install an interlock device in your vehicle.


Interlock Devices – On the basis of past record and the kind of DWI you are booked for, you need to install an interlock device in your vehicle. Interlock devices are governed by the Arkansas Department of Health. There are plenty of companies operating in the state of Arkansas that provide assistance in installing interlock devices, so there is no effect on your driving privileges.


Arkansas Commercial Vehicle License – In the state of Arkansas, there are increased driver’s license suspensions for individuals with a commercial vehicle license. If you refuse to undergo a chemical test, you are going to face huge financial penalties. If it is your first offense, you will not be able to operate a commercial motor vehicle for one year. For individuals booked under the Hazardous Materials Regulations Act, this suspension period can go up to three years. For a second offense, there is a strong possibility that you will be banned for life from operating a commercial vehicle.


Chemical Testing – When arrested in Arkansas for DWI, you need to offer a sample of urine, blood and breath for testing. If you refuse to give sample, your punishment will increase if you found guilty of the charges presented by the law enforcement official in the court proceeding. Your driving license will be suspended on the spot if you refuse to give your sample.

What to Do Next

When booked for DWI in Arkansas, make sure that you take the charge seriously. Hire an experienced DWI attorney that has comprehensive knowledge of Arkansas DWI laws.

In terms of statistics, the US has the highest legal drinking age throughout the world. In US, legal drinking age is set on the basis of the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984. According to this act, it is the responsibility of states to enforce a minimum legal drinking age of 21 years. States that do not follow such patterns may lose more than ten percent of their federal funding for highway apportionment.

Ohio

The legal drinking age in Ohio is 21 years. If you break the law in this regard, you can face a sentence of six months in jail with a fine of $1,000. At Ohio, you cannot give alcohol to anyone that is below the age of 21 years. This is applicable even if you are in your own house and parents have given approval.

Alabama

Similar to Ohio, no one below the age of 21 is allowed to indulge in buying and consumption of alcohol in Alabama.

Alaska

If you are below the age of 21 then you cannot consume alcohol in Alaska without the permission of your parents. However, people below the age of 21 are not allowed to drink in bars, restaurants and liquor stores.

Arizona

Individuals under the age of 21 are not allowed to buy alcohol in Arizona. Although in the case of a ceremony or religious service, you can consume alcohol.

Arkansas

Individuals under the age of 21 are not allowed to buy or consume alcohol in Arkansas. If you are under the age of 21, you cannot drive any motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration level of .02

California

According to California laws, no one below the age of 21 is allowed to consume alcohol. You will not be able to drive a motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration of .01 or more.

Colorado

If your age is less than 21, you cannot consume alcohol in Colorado unless your parent has given you approval to drink. But you can only do this on private property under the supervision of your parent.

Delaware

No one under the age of 21 is allowed to consume alcohol in Delaware.

Florida

No one under the age of 21 is allowed to consume alcohol in the Florida. But interestingly you are given a freedom to taste alcoholic beverage if it is required of a class in a college. But to do this, you need to be more than 18 years old.

Georgia

In the state of Georgia, you cannot consume alcohol if you are less than 21 year of age. Only exception to this rule is when your parent has given you permission to drink.

Wyoming

In the state of Wyoming, you cannot buy or consume alcohol if you happen to be less than 21 years of age. DUI laws in Wyoming are quite strict.

Washington

According to Washington laws, anyone below the age of 21 is not allowed to buy and consume alcohol. You are not allowed to drive motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration level of .02 or more. If your age is more than 21, you cannot drive motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration level of .08 or more.

Texas

Anyone below the age of 21 is not allowed to buy, posses, or consume alcohol in the state of Texas. However, minors can consume alcohol under the supervision of their parents or guardian. You will not be able to drive a motor vehicle if there are any traceable amounts of alcohol found in your blood stream.

Tennessee

Legally, you are not allowed to buy or transport alcohol in the state of Tennessee if you happen to be under the age of 21.