Aggravated DWI Attorney in Northwest Arkansas

If you were arrested for aggravated DWI in this part of Arkansas, you are facing far more than a routine drunk driving charge. Jail time, long license suspensions, and a permanent criminal record are all on the table. You may be wondering what this means for your job, your family, and your future.

At Norwood & Norwood, P.A., we focus our practice on criminal defense, including serious DWI and aggravated DWI charges. Since 1988, our attorneys have handled more than 35,000 criminal cases in Benton County and Washington County courts. Our firm has obtained over 25,000 dismissals or not guilty verdicts, and we bring that courtroom experience to every case we accept.

We know cost is a real concern when you are already dealing with bond and towing fees. That is why we offer a free, no obligation consultation and affordable payment plans with low down payments. You can talk with our team about what happened and your options before you decide what to do next.

Protect your rights with a Northwest Arkansas aggravated DWI lawyer. Reach out to Norwood & Norwood, P.A. at (479) 235-4600 or through our contact form to schedule your free consultation. Take advantage of our nearly 100 years of combined experience and former prosecutor insights.

Understanding Aggravated DWI Laws in Arkansas

In Arkansas, the term Aggravated DWI typically refers to situations where specific factors under Arkansas Code § 5-65-103 and related statutes elevate the severity of the offense. While a standard first DWI is a misdemeanor, certain "aggravating" circumstances can lead to mandatory minimum penalties or even felony prosecution.

The most common reasons a charge is treated as an aggravated offense in Northwest Arkansas include:

• Extremely High Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): If your BAC is 0.15% or higher—nearly double the legal limit—Arkansas law imposes harsher penalties and mandatory requirements even for a first-time offender.
• Prior Convictions (The 10-Year Look-Back): Arkansas recently extended its "look-back" period. If you have prior offenses within the last 10 years, your current charge may be elevated. A fourth offense within this window is automatically prosecuted as a Class D felony.
• DWI Resulting in Serious Injury or Death: If an accident occurred while you were allegedly impaired and another person suffered a serious physical injury, you could face a Class B or C felony. If a death occurs, the charge can escalate to Negligent Homicide.
• Minor Passengers: Having a child under the age of 16 in the vehicle at the time of the arrest is a significant aggravating factor that increases jail time and fines.
• Driving on a Suspended License: If your license was already suspended for a prior alcohol-related offense, a new arrest will be prosecuted with extreme severity.

Penalties of Aggravated DWI Convictions in Arkansas

The consequences of an aggravated conviction are designed to be punitive. In Arkansas, these penalties hit hard and fast:

• Incarceration: For a fourth-offense felony, you are looking at 1 to 6 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Even misdemeanor aggravated charges can result in a full year in the county jail.
• Mandatory Fines: Fines can range from $900 to $5,000 for repeat offenses, plus hundreds of dollars in court costs and "public safety" fees.
• Driver’s License Revocation: A fourth offense results in a 4-year revocation of your driving privileges. For high-BAC or injury cases, the revocation may be even longer.
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): You will likely be required to install an IID in your vehicle at your own expense, which can cost thousands over the course of the requirement.
• Collateral Damage: A felony conviction means you lose your right to own or possess a firearm and your right to vote. It can also lead to the loss of professional licenses (nursing, CDL, teaching) and permanent difficulty in securing employment in Northwest Arkansas.

What to Do After An Aggravated DWI Arrest

The hours and days after an arrest can feel like a blur. You may have been booked into the Benton County Jail or Washington County Detention Center, posted bond, and received paperwork that is hard to interpret. It is common to feel overwhelmed and unsure what to do next.

Aggravated DWI cases in this region might begin in district court or circuit court, depending on the exact charge and circumstances. For example, your first appearance could be in Benton County Circuit Court in Bentonville or Washington County Circuit Court in Fayetteville. The exact court usually depends on where the arrest occurred and how the prosecutor files the case.

Right after an aggravated DWI arrest, steps like these can help protect you:

• Gather all paperwork from the arrest, including citations, bonding documents, and any forms about your driver’s license.
• Avoid discussing the details of the incident on social media or through text messages.
• Write down your memory of the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and any breath or blood testing while it is still fresh.
• Follow all bond conditions, including alcohol restrictions, travel limits, or check-in requirements.
• Contact a criminal defense firm promptly so an attorney can review deadlines and explain the process in the court that will handle your case.

Our team appears regularly in courts here and is familiar with how local judges schedule first appearances, pretrial hearings, and trials. When you contact us, we review your paperwork, help you understand what to expect at the next court date, and talk through immediate concerns such as your license and employment.

How Our Attorneys Defend Aggravated DWI

When you hire our firm to handle an aggravated DWI case, we start by learning what happened from your point of view. Police reports and test results are only part of the picture. Your perspective on the stop, roadside tests, medical issues, and interactions with officers can be critical for identifying issues in the State’s case.

Our attorneys review the basis for the traffic stop, the way any field sobriety tests were conducted, and the procedures used for breath or blood testing. Problems with equipment maintenance, improper instructions during tests, or gaps in the chain of custody can sometimes affect how strong the evidence really is. We also look carefully at how prosecutors are alleging the aggravating factor, such as prior convictions or an injury accident, and whether those allegations are supported by admissible proof.

When you hire an aggravated DWI attorney in Northwest Arkansas from Norwood & Norwood, P.A., you get a team that looks for the technicalities that others miss.

• Challenging the Initial Stop: If the officer didn't have a valid legal reason to pull you over, we move to suppress every piece of evidence they gathered afterward.
• Attacking Field Sobriety Tests: Many officers do not administer these tests correctly. We use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards to show how environmental factors—like high heels, uneven pavement, or the wind—can cause a sober person to fail.
• Scientific Defense: We scrutinize blood and breath samples for contamination or chain-of-custody errors. If the lab work was sloppy, it shouldn't be used against you.
• Habitual Offender Protection: We audit your prior convictions. If a past case from another state doesn't meet Arkansas's specific legal definitions, we fight to prevent the state from using it to enhance your current charge.

Why Drivers Choose Our Aggravated DWI Defense Team

People charged with aggravated DWI do not just want a lawyer who knows the law. They want a defense team that knows how that law is applied here. At Norwood & Norwood, P.A., we have deep roots in the courts of this region, including regular appearances in Benton County Circuit Court, Washington County Circuit Court, and district courts that hear drunk driving cases.

Our record of handling more than 35,000 criminal cases includes thousands of serious alcohol related charges. Being recognized on the Super Lawyers list, holding an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale Hubbell, and being named among respected criminal defense firms in Arkansas are all third-party confirmations of our commitment to quality legal representation.

We know that respect and communication matter as much as legal knowledge. Clients who come to us after an aggravated DWI arrest are often embarrassed or worried about judgment. Our attorneys approach every case with the understanding that good people can find themselves facing serious charges. We work to keep you informed, answer your questions, and treat you with the dignity you deserve.

Talk With Our DWI Defense Team

An aggravated DWI arrest can feel like it turns your entire life upside down. You may be worried about court, work, family, and the long-term effect of a conviction. You do not have to sort through all of that by yourself. Our attorneys are here to walk you through your options and help you make informed decisions.

When you contact Norwood & Norwood, P.A., you reach a criminal defense team that has handled tens of thousands of cases in Arkansas courts. We bring our experience, regional knowledge, and former prosecutor perspectives to every aggravated DWI we defend. With a free, no-obligation consultation and flexible payment plans, taking the next step is straightforward.

Call (479) 235-4600 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation with our DWI defense team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have to go to jail for aggravated DWI?

Jail time is a real possibility in aggravated DWI cases, but the exact outcome depends on factors like your prior record, the aggravating circumstance, and the judge. Our attorneys review your situation, explain realistic ranges, and work to pursue options that may reduce or limit time in custody.

How soon should I contact an aggravated DWI lawyer?

It is wise to contact an attorney as soon as you can after release. Early involvement helps protect important deadlines and allows us to start gathering information while events are fresh. Our firm offers a free consultation, so you can talk with us quickly without obligation.

Can your team help me keep my license?

There are often separate processes for the criminal case and your driving privileges. We can explain how Arkansas license rules apply to your situation and discuss options that may help protect your ability to drive, depending on the facts, your record, and available legal mechanisms.

What will happen at my first meeting with you?

At your first meeting, we listen to your account of what happened, review any paperwork you received, and answer your initial questions. We explain the general court process in the county where you were arrested and outline possible next steps. There is no obligation to hire us.

Do you offer payment plans for aggravated DWI cases?

Yes. Our firm offers affordable pricing, payment plans, and low down payments for criminal defense cases, including aggravated DWI. During your consultation, we explain the fee structure clearly so you understand costs before making any commitment. Our goal is to make experienced representation accessible.