DUI Defense Attorney Serving El Dorado, Arkansas

In the state of Arkansas, drunk driving is prohibited for both underage and adult drivers. A driver below 21 years old may be arrested and charged with a DUI for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or with a BAC of at least 0.02%. Unfortunately, an underage DUI conviction can jeopardize your liberty, quality of life, reputation, education, driving privileges, and future opportunities. Also, you’ll be required to complete a mandatory alcohol education course and might face other additional penalties and life-altering consequences. 

If you or your child have been charged with underage DUI, retaining a highly-skilled Arkansas criminal defense attorney is imperative for detailed guidance. At James B. Bennett Law Office, I have the resources and skills to advise and guide clients in their underage drunk driving cases. As your legal representative, I can investigate all of the facts of your child’s case and strategize an effective defense to fight their charges. In addition, I will fight aggressively to uphold their legal rights, protect their driving privileges, and help keep their record as clean as possible. 

My firm – James B. Bennett Law Office – proudly serves clients across El Dorado, Arkansas, and surrounding areas throughout all of South Arkansas. 

What Is DUI?

In Arkansas, the offense of driving while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances is often charged as a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). However, if the crime was committed by a driver below 21 years of age, the offense will be charged as an Underage DUI. 

According to Arkansas DUI laws, a driver under 21 years may be arrested and charged with underage DUI/DWI if he or she was operating or in actual physical control of a motor vehicle: 

• While under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or any other intoxicant. 

• With a BAC of 0.02% or more but lower than 0.08%. 

If you or someone you know is under investigation for underage DUI, you need to reach out to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney right away. Your legal counsel can examine the nature of your charges and enlighten you about the possible penalties. 

Minor in Possession (MIP) / Misrepresentation of ID - Alcohol

According to Arkansas law, it is unlawful for a person to possess a fraudulent or altered personal identification document in order to provide someone below 21 years with an ID to purchase alcoholic beverages or other age-restricted materials and substances. 

A person charged with minor in possession or misrepresentation of ID for purchase of alcohol will be subject to automatic license suspension and other penalties. Also, the defendant must complete a mandatory Drug and Alcohol Education program and attend a Victim Impact Panel class. 

Alcohol and Driving Education Program

As mentioned earlier, drivers charged with underage DUI must complete a Drug and Alcohol Safety Education Program (DASEP). The purpose of these alcohol education programs is to educate defendants about the consequences of drunk driving, promote public safety, and eventually mitigate DUI-related crashes. The program is available to individuals who have been convicted of any of the following offenses: 

• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) 

• Underage DUI 

• Minor in Possession (MIP) / Misrepresentation of ID - Alcohol  

• Fraudulent ID 

• Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) 

Upon completing the state-sanctioned drug and alcohol education program, you must submit the original signed completion certificate to Driver Control before your driver’s license can be reinstated. 

Possible Penalties

Some possible penalties for an underage DUI conviction in Arkansas include the following: 

• Substantial fines and court fees 

• Community service 

• License suspension or revocation 

• Probation 

• An ignition interlock device 

• Mandatory attendance at a Drug and Alcohol Safety Education Program 

A dedicated attorney can outline an effective strategy to help fight your charges and ensure that you do not suffer the far-reaching penalties and ramifications of a criminal conviction. Other potential consequences of an underage DUI conviction include: 

• A criminal record/history 

• Loss of scholarships or university acceptance 

• Increased auto insurance rates 

• Increased difficulty in getting government assistance. 

• Increased difficulty in getting employment or housing. 

• Deterioration of personal and professional relationships. 

• Ineligibility to obtain certain financial loans 

Don’t Face Challenges Alone

Navigating the criminal justice system and defending your underage DUI charges without skilled representation can expose you to the risks of getting convicted. Unfortunately, an underage DUI conviction can subject you to huge fines, public service work, license suspension, a criminal record, and other social consequences. Therefore, when accused of underage DUI, you need to speak with a criminal justice attorney for legal assistance and to protect your driving privileges. 

At James B. Bennett Law Office, I have devoted my career to handling criminal cases and protecting parents and their children arrested for underage DUI from the worst-case scenario. With my extensive knowledge, I can guide you through the Arkansas criminal justice system. In addition, I will fight vigorously for your child’s rights, dispute the accusation against them with factual evidence, and improve their prospects of a brighter tomorrow.