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Norwood & Norwood, P.A. Norwood & Norwood, P.A.
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Fayetteville Dwi Attorneys

DWI Lawyer in Fayetteville, AR

Norwood & Norwood is one of the best DWI / DUI defense law firms in Fayetteville, AR. For over a quarter of a century, we’ve defended more than 8,000 DWI cases. If you are charged with Driving Under the Influence, we can help you. Having a DUI Attorney Fayetteville residents can turn to for guidance means you are not trying to navigate these rules on your own or guessing about what to do next.

When you are arrested for DWI or DUI in or around Fayetteville, your driver’s license, your criminal record, and even your job can be at risk. The legal process in Washington County District Court or through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration can move quickly, and you may have strict deadlines to request hearings or challenge license suspensions.

Doug Norwood is our team leader and has input on all cases that need his knowledge and experience. There are many cases where several of our attorneys review a case and give input. The old saying “two heads are better than one” is very appropriate in the area of DWI. Our team puts our heads together to come up with ideas that will help our clients. 

The attorneys on our criminal defense legal team have a lot of experience in DWI cases, and they all aggressively look for ways to win cases and fight to get great outcomes for our clients. We fight hard for our clients and would love to help you!

Protect your license and your future; call a DWI lawyer in Fayetteville at (479) 235-4600 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 and offer affordable payment options.

Understanding DWI Laws in Arkansas

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Arkansas is governed by Arkansas Code § 5-65-103. Unlike many other states that use the term DUI, Arkansas uses DWI for alcohol or drug-related impairment. The law is strict: it is illegal to operate or be in actual physical control of a motor vehicle if you are intoxicated or if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher.

It is important to understand the distinctions within Arkansas law:

  • DWI (Alcohol): Most common arrests involve a BAC of 0.08% or higher, or "intoxication" evidenced by impaired reactions and motor skills.
  • DWI (Drugs): You can be charged for being under the influence of any controlled substance, including prescription medications, if they impair your ability to drive safely.
  • Underage DUI: For those under 21, Arkansas has a "zero tolerance" policy with a BAC limit of only 0.02%.
  • Commercial DWI: Drivers holding a CDL face a lower limit of 0.04% and much harsher professional consequences.

Distinguishing between these charges is vital because the defense strategies and administrative requirements vary. Our firm analyzes every detail of your arrest to ensure the state hasn't misapplied the law.

Penalties of DWI Convictions in Arkansas

The penalties for a DWI in Arkansas are designed to be punitive, even for a first-offense conviction. As your Fayetteville DWI defense attorney, our goal is to minimize these impacts:

  • Mandatory Jail Time: Even a first-offense DWI can result in up to one year in jail. While some judges allow for community service in lieu of jail for a first offense, it is not guaranteed.
  • Fines and Costs: Fines range from $150 to $1,000 for a first offense, but once you add court costs and "public safety" fees, the total can quickly exceed $1,500.
  • License Suspension: For a first offense, your license will be suspended for 6 months. A second offense within 10 years leads to a 24-month suspension.
  • Ignition Interlock: Arkansas law often requires the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) to regain driving privileges during a suspension period.
  • Permanent Criminal Record: In Arkansas, a DWI conviction cannot be expunged. It remains on your record forever, which can affect future job applications, insurance rates, and housing.

Our Comprehensive Approach to DWI Defense

We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all defense. When you hire a DWI lawyer in Fayetteville from Norwood & Norwood, P.A., we use our nearly 100 years of combined experience to look for every possible technicality.

  • Challenging the Field Sobriety Tests: These roadside tests (like the walk-and-turn) are designed for failure. We highlight how nervousness, medical conditions, age, or even the wind can cause a person to appear "impaired" when they are not.
  • Inaccurate Breathalyzer Results: The machines used by police are not infallible. We investigate whether the machine was serviced within the last 31 days and if the operator followed the mandatory 20-minute observation period before the test.
  • Drug-Related DWI Defense: These cases often rely on "Drug Recognition Experts" (DREs). We challenge their qualifications and the subjective nature of their evaluations.
  • Rising Blood Alcohol Defense: We may argue that your BAC was actually below the legal limit while you were driving but rose above it by the time the test was taken at the station.

What To Do After a Fayetteville DWI Arrest

After a DWI arrest in Fayetteville, it is common to feel unsure about what steps to take or how quickly things will move. The actions you take in the days that follow can affect both your criminal case in Washington County and your driver’s license with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. 

Paying attention to deadlines and getting legal guidance early can help you avoid unnecessary problems.

  • Carefully review and keep all paperwork or citations related to your arrest.
  • Mark your Fayetteville District Court date on your calendar and plan to attend.
  • Write down everything you remember about the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and any breath or blood testing.
  • Comply with all bond conditions and avoid new citations while your case is pending.
  • Keep track of work and personal obligations that may be affected by court dates.
  • Contact a Fayetteville DWI defense attorney to evaluate potential defenses, communicate with prosecutors, and guide you through your options as the case moves forward.

Why Choose Us as Your DWI Defense Lawyers in Fayetteville

Our firm brings deep experience and a unique perspective to DWI defense in Fayetteville. With former prosecutors on our team and nearly 100 years of combined legal experience, we understand how the state builds DWI cases and how to challenge them effectively. Although you hire one firm, you benefit from a team approach that applies seasoned insight to every case.

Because we have handled thousands of DWI and DUI cases in Northwest Arkansas, we know local law enforcement practices, testing procedures, and how Fayetteville prosecutors typically handle negotiations. We closely examine each stage of the stop, testing, and arrest to identify legal weaknesses. This local knowledge allows us to build defenses grounded in Arkansas law and real courtroom experience.

We also focus on you, not just the charge. From your first meeting, we learn about your background and goals, explain potential penalties, and guide you through each step of the process. Our attorneys help you understand both short- and long-term consequences and work to protect your record, license, and future while reducing the stress that comes with a DWI charge.

Many of our clients live or work in Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and other parts of Northwest Arkansas, and they worry about how a DWI conviction will affect their future. A DWI attorney in Fayetteville should be prepared to discuss potential long-term consequences, including increased insurance costs and employment issues, and to explore alternatives that may be available in some cases, such as treatment options or restricted licenses when allowed by Arkansas law.

    “Felony Case Dismissed!”
    “FELONY CASE DISMISSED! I was charged with Possession of a Firearm, Theft by Receiving and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia....The attorneys were able to prove my case to the Prosecutor and as a result all 3 charges were DISMISSED!!!!”
    - Jack
    “CHARGED WITH A DWI AND THEY GOT IT DROPPED!”
    “CHARGED WITH A DWI AND THEY GOT IT DROPPED! I was initially charged with a DWI and they got it dropped! Norwood & Norwood was great, they acted with great honesty and integrity.”
    - Mike
    “I would give 10 stars if I could!”
    “I would give 10 stars if I could! I met with Doug and he made me feel much better about my drug charge. I am so glad I hired him. Norwood got my drug charge dismissed and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
    - Maria

Contact Norwood & Norwood, P.A. Today!

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