Underage DUI Attorney in Northwest Arkansas

DUI Attorneys Fighting Arkansas’s Zero-Tolerance Law

A DUI charge for a minor can disrupt everyday life and leave parents looking for immediate answers. At Norwood & Norwood, P.A., our underage DUI attorneys in Northwest Arkansas have guided thousands of families through these difficult moments. 

Our approach brings together decades of regional legal knowledge with an unwavering commitment to clear and practical communication. You and your child benefit from personalized guidance, shaped by long-standing professional relationships with area prosecutors, judges, and juvenile agencies.

Call a trusted underage DUI attorney in Northwest Arkansas at (479) 235-4600 or reach out online now. Norwood & Norwood, P.A. is here to help. Free consultations 24/7.

Understanding Arkansas Underage DUI Law

An arrest for underage DUI in Arkansas activates the state's strict Zero-Tolerance Law (§5−65−303), making it illegal for any driver under the age of 21 to operate a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of just 0.02% or higher. 

While this offense is often treated differently than an adult DWI, the penalties—including mandatory license suspension, heavy fines, required education programs, and a criminal record—are severe and can derail a young person’s educational and career path.

For the prosecutor to secure a conviction for underage DUI (DUI) in Arkansas, they must prove two core elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

• Operation of a Motor Vehicle: The accused operated or was in actual physical control of a motor vehicle.
• Unlawful BAC: The accused was under 21 years old and had a BAC of at least 0.02% but less than 0.08%. (If the minor's BAC is 0.08% or higher, they face the much harsher penalties of an adult DWI charge).

Due to the low threshold, the defense often hinges on meticulously challenging the chemical test results, a task where an experienced Northwest Arkansas underage DUI lawyer is essential.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of an Underage DUI

While a first-offense underage DUI does not include mandatory jail time like an adult DWI, the consequences are still serious. The penalties focus on license restrictions, financial costs, and mandatory education programs, and they become harsher with each subsequent offense.

• Fine – $100 to $500
• License Suspension – 90 days mandatory
• Community Service – Discretionary but often required
• Mandatory Program – Completion of an alcohol safety education program

Penalties increase significantly for repeat offenses:

• Second Offense: Fine of $200−$1,000, one-year license suspension, and mandatory 30 days of community service.
• Third Offense: Fine of $500−$2,000, and license revoked until the minor turns 21 or for three years, whichever is longer.

Collateral Consequences

A conviction for underage DUI leaves a permanent mark that can affect a young person’s trajectory:

• Driving Privilege Impact: Suspension makes commuting to school, college, or work extremely difficult. While a restricted permit may be allowed for a first offense, it is not guaranteed.
• Academic and Career Barriers: A criminal record (even a misdemeanor) is visible on background checks, potentially jeopardizing college admissions, scholarships, and future employment that requires driving or a clean record.
• Insurance Costs: Insurance rates will likely increase dramatically for several years.

The Arkansas DUI Defense Process: Dual-Track Battle

In Arkansas, underage DUI defense involves fighting the criminal case in court and the administrative license suspension imposed by the Office of Driver Services (ODS).

• Administrative Suspension: If the minor failed the chemical test or refused testing, the license is automatically suspended. Our firm immediately requests an administrative hearing to contest this suspension, seeking to protect the minor’s driving privileges.
• Challenging the Traffic Stop: We scrutinize police reports and dash-cam footage to determine if the arresting officer had reasonable suspicion to initiate the stop. If the stop was unlawful, any subsequent evidence, including breath test results, may be inadmissible.
• Challenging the Chemical Test Results: Since the charge hinges on a low 0.02% BAC, the accuracy of the Intoximeter device is frequently challenged. Our firm investigates:
• Calibration and Certification: Was the machine properly calibrated and were the test procedures followed according to Arkansas Department of Health standards?
• Observation Period: Was the minor continuously observed for the required time before the test to ensure no external factors (such as mouth alcohol or regurgitation) skewed the result?
• Negotiating Diversion: For first-time offenders, we prioritize advocating for programs or plea agreements that result in a dismissal of the charge, protecting the client’s record from a DUI conviction.

Trusted Underage DUI Lawyers Serving Northwest Arkansas Families

Since 1988, Norwood & Norwood, P.A. has provided defense for minors accused of drinking and driving across Northwest Arkansas. Our attorneys have handled over 35,000 criminal cases—including many involving DUIs for individuals under 21—earning a reputation for honest guidance and a practical, tailored approach. 

We help families stay informed with direct answers and walk them through each phase of the process with a steady hand. Our legal team draws on more than 100 years of combined experience, including former prosecutors who have worked on both sides of juvenile matters.

We have received honors from respected legal organizations for our diligent representation in criminal defense. These recognitions reinforce our longstanding history of integrity and client-focused results in Northwest Arkansas. Our clients rely on us not just for our legal qualifications, but for our approachable manner and our commitment to answering their concerns with care and attention.

• Proven record: Over 25,000 dismissals or not-guilty verdicts across our full range of cases
• Trusted locally: Recognized as one of Northwest Arkansas’s best criminal defense law firms
• Accessible support: Free consultations and affordable payment plans for families

How an Experienced Underage DUI Attorney in Northwest Arkansas Supports Teens & Parents

From the first meeting, you can expect help with understanding every stage and option available:

• Personal consultation: We meet with teens and parents to answer questions in clear, simple terms and explain what rights apply to your child
• Tailored approach: Our attorneys adjust advice for every family, considering each child's background and the court's established procedures
• Clear communication: We set realistic expectations about hearings, classes, possible outcomes, and next steps—never using fear tactics or vague promises
• Consistent support: We keep families updated, offer reminders, and provide general resources so you always know what comes next

Northwest Arkansas underage DUI courts may refer families to local counseling resources, education sessions, and community service programs, especially for first-time offenses. We inform parents about support options and what other local families have found helpful, so they can approach these requirements confidently and proactively.

Take the Next Step with an Underage DUI Lawyer in Northwest Arkansas

Early action after an underage DUI charge makes a difference for your child’s options and peace of mind. When your family reaches out, you receive experienced guidance from a team that knows Northwest Arkansas courts and handles these cases regularly. We listen, answer questions directly, and offer straightforward advice based on years of helping families in similar circumstances.

At Norwood & Norwood, P.A. we offer:

• Free, no-obligation consultation: Every family receives clear, practical answers before deciding what to do next
• Low down payments and payment plans: We make quality representation accessible for most families
• Recognized authority: Our firm holds honors and recognitions valued by clients throughout the area

Call (479) 235-4600 or reach out online today to discover the difference our team can make for your child’s future and your family’s peace of mind.

FAQs

How is an Underage DUI different from an adult DUI in Arkansas?

Youth under 21 can face charges with a lower BAC level than adults—often as low as 0.02%. Underage DUI cases usually proceed through the juvenile court system, which focuses more on rehabilitation and education than adult courts.

Will my child have a permanent record after an Underage DUI?

In Arkansas, most juvenile records do not follow minors into adulthood. However, some records may affect school or driving privileges for a period of time. Resolution options may depend on the specifics of each case and local court practices.

Can my child lose their driver's license after an Underage DUI?

Arkansas law allows the courts to suspend or restrict a minor’s license following a conviction. The exact length may depend on prior history, the BAC reported, and outcomes in juvenile court.

Should we talk to a lawyer before our first court date?

Legal guidance can provide clarity, inform you of rights and responsibilities, and help avoid mistakes that may affect the outcome. A consultation can help you prepare for court and understand what comes next.