Rogers DUI Lawyers
A Drunk Driving Conviction Could Wreck Your Life
Arkansas courts take drunk driving very seriously. If a police officer pulls you over for suspected drunk driving, do not expect any leniency. Officers will often administer standardized field sobriety tests such as the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and horizontal gaze nystagmus to build probable cause for a DWI or DUI arrest. You may face a preliminary breath test at the roadside and an evidentiary breathalyzer or blood test under Arkansas implied consent law. Act quickly or risk fines, jail time, an administrative license suspension, and an ignition interlock requirement. Contact our Rogers DUI lawyers today, we will fight for you.
The legal questions about drunk driving pop up right away. Do I need a specific blood alcohol content to be charged? In Arkansas, DWI can be based on a 0.08 BAC or on impairment from alcohol or drugs, while under-21 drivers face DUI at 0.02. Commercial drivers can face consequences at 0.04 and CDL disqualification. Can I refuse a field sobriety test or a chemical test? Refusing standardized field sobriety tests is different from refusing a breath, blood, or urine test, which can trigger an immediate license suspension under implied consent and strict deadlines for an administrative hearing with the Office of Driver Services.
There are many potential defenses to driving while intoxicated charges. A skilled DWI/DUI attorney can challenge the traffic stop, reasonable suspicion, or checkpoint procedures, and file a motion to suppress illegally obtained evidence. We scrutinize breath test calibration and maintenance records, operator certification, and issues like mouth alcohol or GERD that can skew a breathalyzer. Blood test defenses may involve chain of custody, fermentation, anticoagulants, or lab error, while dashcam and bodycam footage can reveal mistakes in standardized field sobriety testing. For first-offense DWI, repeat offender cases, accidents, or alleged drug impairment evaluated by a DRE, a targeted defense strategy can protect your record and your driver’s license.
A Rogers DUI lawyer from Natural State Trial Attorneys can help you understand your charges and options for defense in Arkansas. We guide you through arraignment, the ODS administrative license hearing, plea negotiations, trial strategy, and post-conviction issues like SR-22 insurance or an ignition interlock device. We serve drivers in Rogers, Bentonville, Springdale, and Fayetteville, and in Washington and Benton County courts. You need an excellent DWI lawyer on your side. Call 479-339-0778 today to set up a consultation.
DWI or DUI in Arkansas? Natural State Trial Attorneys is trial-ready and focused on protecting your record and your license. Our DUI lawyers defend breath and blood test cases, refusals, and under-21 charges across Northwest Arkansas. Call 479-339-0778 for a free consultation. Flexible scheduling and payment options.
Why You Need A Dedicated Rogers DWI/DUI Attorney
Fighting DWI/DUI charges requires skill, experience and knowledge of the local court system. Before you do anything else, make sure you have a DWI/DUI lawyer who:
- Knows the prosecuting attorneys
- Can negotiate on your behalf
- Will explain all your options
- Has the legal resources you need
- Won’t rest until you’ve gotten the best possible results
There is a wide range of options in most DWI cases. We help you determine if it is in your best interest to pursue a deferral program, take a plea or fight the charges in court. Whichever option is best for you, we are by your side to the very end.
Answers To Common Questions About Arkansas DUI Charges
It’s perfectly understandable to be filled with questions after a drunk driving arrest. Below, we’ve provided answers to some of the questions most often asked by prospective clients.
Do I have any defense options for fighting my DUI/DWI Charges?
In most cases, clients have more options than they realize. Although your specific options will depend on the details of your case, commonly used DWI defense strategies include:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop – Did the officer have reasonable suspicion to pull you over?
- Questioning the accuracy of breathalyzer or field sobriety tests
- Examining whether the officer deviated from protocol or made mistakes in the administration of tests
- Examining body camera or dashcam footage and comparing it to the officer’s notes and written testimony to look for inconsistencies.
- Demonstrating that your rights were violated during the arrest process
You won’t know your full list of options until you consult an experienced defense attorney. It is unwise to plead guilty or admit any criminal behavior without first speaking to a lawyer.
Can a DUI/DWI charge be reduced or dismissed?
Yes, under certain circumstances, a DWI charge can be reduced or dismissed. This may occur if there are issues with how evidence was collected, or if there are mitigating factors that can be presented in your defense. It’s important for your lawyer to act quickly and to speak directly with prosecutors. The sooner you call a defense attorney, the more legal options you may be able to exercise.
What should I do if I get pulled over on suspicion of DWI/DUI?
If pulled over, remain calm and polite. Provide your license and registration, but remember that you have the right to remain silent. Don’t give police any more information than absolutely necessary.
You can refuse field sobriety tests and a portable breathalyzer test without facing legal consequences for doing so. However, an officer might choose to arrest you anyway. If you are required to take a chemical test (blood, breath or urine) after being arrested, there will be consequences for refusal. In any arrest scenario, it is in your best interests to request an attorney before agreeing to answer questions.
Why should I hire a DUI lawyer if I plan to plead guilty?
As noted above, a good lawyer will protect your rights, explain your legal options and help you mitigate the consequences you are facing. A plea deal may ultimately be the best option for you, but you won’t know that until a lawyer examines the strengths and weaknesses of the case. Even if a plea deal is the best option, your lawyer can almost certainly obtain a better deal than what you could negotiate on your own.
An Aggressive DWI/DUI Defense From Attorneys Who Know How To Help
If you need a competent, aggressive, dedicated DWI lawyer in Northwest Arkansas, you need Natural State Trial Attorneys. You can schedule a time to sit down with our Rogers DWI/DUI attorneys either by phone at 479-339-0778 or by sending us an email.