DWI & DUI Defense in Little Rock

Little Rock DWI Lawyers Defense for DUI/DWI Crimes

Proudly Serving Arkansas with offices in little rock, Mountain Home, & Texarkana

If you have been stopped, arrested, and charged with driving while intoxicated in the state of Arkansas — especially if you have never experienced it before — you are likely to be very confused, anxious, and scared. These are all normal feelings and emotions following a DWI/DUI arrest, or any arrest for that matter.

The best way to put your mind at ease following a drunk driving arrest is to hire an experienced DWI attorney in Little Rock who has an established record of successfully defending these serious charges.


Fight Your DWI Charge Today. Contact the Experienced Little Rock DWI Lawyers at Collins, Collins & Ray, P.A.


Maximize Your Chances of Success with Our Little Rock DWI Lawyers by Your Side

Drunk driving cases are loaded with scientific evidence and rely heavily on the training and education received by the police officers involved. Therefore, these cases should be handled by attorneys who focus their practice on DWIs — otherwise, the attorney is not likely to keep up to date on the current DWI science, testing, and law, all of which are often quite complicated.

This is precisely why many of our clients (whose cases we took to trial and got not guilty verdicts) were told by other attorneys with a more generalized practice that there was no chance they could win their cases and were encouraged to plead guilty. 

Do You Need a Lawyer for DWI in Arkansas?

When choosing an attorney, price is a concern, but should not be the primary concern. The old adage, “you get what you pay for” is true in life and law. 

We charge enough to handle the case right, rather than just charging enough to get the client in the door. It is the constant battle of quality versus quantity. We are here to protect your rights. What are your rights worth to you?

How Long Does a DWI Stay on Your Record in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, a DUI conviction remains on your record permanently. However, authorities can use a DUI conviction to justify enhanced criminal charges if you are arrested again for DWI within five years of the initial conviction. After five years, authorities can no longer use the sentence to bring more severe criminal charges. 

How Can a DWI Defense Help Me?

A DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) defense attorney can provide valuable assistance if you are facing DWI charges. A skilled DWI defense attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process, protect your rights, and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. 

Here are several ways in which a DWI defense attorney can help you:

  • Legal Expertise: DWI laws are intricate and vary from state to state. A DWI defense attorney specializes in this area of law and understands the specific rules, regulations, and legal procedures relevant to DWI cases in your jurisdiction.
  • Case Assessment: Your attorney will carefully review the details of your case, examining the circumstances of your arrest, the evidence against you, and the actions of law enforcement. This analysis can uncover potential weaknesses in the prosecution's case and lead to the suppression of evidence or dismissal of charges.
  • Customized Defense Strategy: Every DWI case is unique. An experienced attorney will develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. Whether it involves challenging the validity of field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, or the legality of the traffic stop, your attorney will chart the best course of action for your case.
  • Protection of Rights: A DWI attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process. They can advise you on your right to remain silent and your right to legal counsel, preventing self-incrimination and helping you make informed decisions.
  • Negotiation Skills: Attorneys have the negotiation skills necessary to interact with the prosecution. They can negotiate with the prosecutor to potentially have charges reduced or secure more favorable outcomes, such as plea agreements or alternative sentencing options.
  • Courtroom Representation: If your case goes to court, an attorney will represent you effectively. They are skilled in presenting your defense, cross-examining witnesses, and making legal arguments. Their courtroom experience is invaluable in seeking an acquittal or reduced penalties.
  • License Suspension: DWI convictions often result in the suspension of your driver's license. An attorney can help you navigate the administrative and legal processes to minimize the impact on your driving privileges.
  • Mitigation and Sentencing: If you are convicted, your attorney can advocate for a fair and just sentence. They may present mitigating factors and character references that can influence the judge's sentencing decision.
  • Legal Knowledge: DWI attorneys have an in-depth understanding of the science and technology behind DWI testing methods, allowing them to challenge the accuracy and reliability of tests such as breathalyzers or blood tests.
  • Peace of Mind: Facing DWI charges is stressful. Having a DWI attorney by your side provides you with guidance, support, and reassurance during a challenging and uncertain time.

In summary, hiring a DWI defense attorney is essential to protect your rights, navigate the legal process, and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. They bring legal expertise, experience, and negotiation skills that can make a significant difference in the resolution of your DWI case.


When it's serious, contact us! Our Little Rock DWI defense attorneys have years of experience defending clients against serious drunk driving charges.


Types of Drunk Driving Cases We Handle

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

A person can be charged with DWI if they are caught operating a vehicle with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 or above.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

DUI charges can be brought against someone under the age of 21 who was operating a vehicle with a blood or breath alcohol concentration higher than .02 but less than .08.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

Driving while intoxicated by any substance that impairs your mental and physical capability can land you behind bars. While marijuana is one drug that will cause you to be an impaired driver, it is not the only one that will get you charged with impaired driving. 

Driving while under the influence of a prescription medicine can also get you charged with a case. The penalties for impaired driving could change your life, so you need to hire an attorney that you trust.

 Whether you are charged while driving under the influence of drugs or prescriptions medicines, the attorneys at Collins, Collins & Ray will fight for you every step of the way.

Arrested at a Checkpoint or Roadblock?

Being arrested during roadblocks and checkpoints has been a recurring issue because such stops are often an affront to an individual’s rights against unreasonable search and seizure. We have successfully argued to the Arkansas Supreme Court regarding the constitutional protections that must be put in place during checkpoints/roadblocks.


To speak with our Little Rock DWI lawyers, call (501) 392-5007.


Our Achievements

  • DUI Defense Lawyers Association

    DUI Defense Lawyers Association: John C. Collins

  • AY Magazine’s Arkansas Best Lawyers

    AY Magazine’s Arkansas Best Lawyers: Brian Ray 2020, 2021

  • Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters)– 2014, 2015, 2018-2021

    Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters): John Collins 2014, 2015, 2018-2021

  • American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys – 10 Best Client Satisfaction - 2016

    American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys – 10 Best Client Satisfaction: John C. Collins 2016

  • Arkansas Life Magazine

    Arkansas Life Magazine’s – Top Attorneys: John C. Collins 2016, 2019

  • National Association of Distinguished Counsel Top One Percent

    National Association of Distinguished Counsel Top One Percent: John Collins 2015, 2020, 2021

    What to Expect When Arrested for a DUI in Arkansas

    Sometimes, when people are faced with the aftermath of a being arrested for DWI, they are somewhat frozen in fear because of all the questions and worries about what is going to happen to them. People who have never been to court sometimes feel that the anticipation of what is about to happen is overwhelming. 

    Most people don’t know what to expect and imagine the worst or imagine it will be like what they see on TV. Understanding these things will better prepare you to fight charges. The Little Rock DWI defense attorneys at Collins, Collins & Ray answer these questions every day for our clients so they will know what to expect through all the stages following your DWI arrest, from administrative hearings through plea and arraignment and trial.

    Pink Sheets Given to You by the Police

    When you are arrested for DUI in the State of Arkansas, the police officer will take your driver’s license. In return, they should provide you with two pink sheets of paper.

    One is your temporary license. It will serve as your driver’s license for 30 days after your arrest. In theory, this is to allow you to get your case handled and be on the road to getting your license back, either after a not guilty verdict or after your period of suspension following a guilty plea or a finding of guilt after trial. In reality, this is almost never enough time for the process to be concluded. Often times, your first court appearance or plea and arraignment date is not even set within that 30-day time period.

    The second pink sheet is a form for a request for an administrative hearing. You have seven days to mail or fax that sheet to Driver Control (at the address or number provided on the form) to request a hearing regarding the immediate suspension of your license. Failure to send that form to Driver Control will result in a denial of a hearing regarding your license. 

    Although this procedure is established by law as an administrative “hearing,” most cases result in an automatic finding that your license is suspended, with the time for suspension depending on whether it is a first-offense DWI, subsequent DWI, or DUI. The hearing officer will not hear testimony and will base their opinion on the report submitted by the police officer, who is not even present for the hearing. Still, it is important that the hearing request form be submitted to Driver Control within the seven-day period, because it is also the means by which you begin the process of getting an interlock device installed on your car.

    License Suspension/Interlock Device

    In most cases, after the 30-day temporary license has expired, your license will be automatically suspended through Driver Control. This is completely separate from the court process. At the time of your hearing (after a hearing officer finds that your license should be suspended), Driver Control will issue an “Interlock Order” that states that you are eligible for an interlock device to be installed on your vehicle. This device is attached to your ignition, and you are required to blow into it in order to start your vehicle. The vehicle will not start if there is a detectable amount of alcohol on your breath. You will also be required to periodically blow into the machine again in order for your vehicle to continue operating. 

    Driver Control will also provide you with a list of local interlock providers. You can call any of the providers listed on the form to have the machine installed on your vehicle. Some of the companies will even come to your vehicle for installation. There is a fee for installation of the device and a monthly maintenance fee, which varies and is payable to the interlock providers. 

    After the interlock is installed, the provider will give you a certificate of installation. This certificate must then be taken to Driver Control, and then you will receive a form that will serve as your restricted driver’s license, which states that you are only allowed to drive a vehicle that has an interlock device installed in it. This form will be valid for the period of your driver’s license suspension, which is determined by whether you are charged with a DWI-1 or subsequent DWI, DUI, or refusal.

    Another form that you should receive from Driver Control will specify what you are required to do in order to get your license reinstated after your suspension period, such as attending alcohol education classes and paying reinstatement fees. These requirements will not be necessary if you are found “not guilty” at trial. 

    DWI Court Dates & Plea Arraignment

    The ticket you received from the police officer will have your first court date written on it. It tells you when you must appear in court and the Arkansas District Court in which you must appear. This date is called a plea and arraignment date. This is a court date on which only guilty pleas or not guilty pleas are accepted. If you plead guilty on this date, you are sentenced immediately, and your case, except for the consequences, is over — so is your ability to fight your case. If you plead not guilty, you will be given a trial date.

    Some people ask if it is possible to plead not guilty on this first date and later come back and plead guilty. They usually ask, “Won’t that make the judge mad?” The answer is that it is very common for that to happen. Since sometimes there has been no opportunity for a defendant to speak to an attorney prior to their first court date, a judge will almost always understand why someone would not plead guilty on their first court date and then later change their plea to guilty. 

    If you have talked to friends and/or family about your DWI, or even other attorneys who are not familiar with DWI defense, you may be advised to just plead guilty on your first appearance and get it over with. However, our attorneys almost never give someone this advice. At this stage of the case, it would be foolish to do so. You don’t yet have all the information that the prosecution will try to use against you as evidence of your guilt. 

    In most jurisdictions, if you hire an attorney to represent you, the attorney will handle the plea and arraignment date, and you will not have to appear in court. Whether you attend the plea and arraignment or hire an attorney prior to that court date, it is at that court appearance that you will be given a trial date.

    How Long Does a DWI Case Take?

    After hiring an attorney, most people want to know how long they will have to wait for their case to be over. Understandably, they want to put this whole experience behind them as quickly as possible. You may be feeling the same way. Unfortunately, the process is not quick and easy. A lot of work has to be done by the attorney before your case ever gets to court. Documents and records have to be requested from the courts, police, Department of Health, and other agencies that may be involved in your case. It takes time to compile all these documents and records — sometimes, the attorney has to fight the agencies involved to get the necessary documentation.

    This is another reason you need to hire an experienced DWI lawyer in Little Rock. Other lawyers may not know about all the various documentation (and the various sources through whom the information is received) that they need to properly defend your case.  It goes well beyond the police report. This is a time-consuming process in which the attorney is doing a lot of work, and you are doing a lot of waiting. You should call your attorney at any time during this period for updates on your case if you feel apprehensive.

    Trial/Court Appearances

    As the trial date gets closer, most people start feeling anxious and worried about what will happen at court. This is very common. Again, especially if you’ve never been to court, going to court on your own case is a worrisome ordeal. You should be proactive in your case. Your attorney will be able to make you feel much more comfortable as the time nears by preparing you with the defenses that he or she will be presenting at trial. Make sure you know the date and time of your next court appearance and the location of the courthouse. Your attorney should tell you these things, but sometimes clients lose their letters, forget, etc., so keep in contact with your attorney so you will always be prepared. 

    It is not common for the defendant to testify at trial. Most people are very worried about getting up on the stand and being asked questions by the prosecutor. Most clients will never have to do that — their attorney will do the talking for them. If you are going to testify at trial, you will discuss this at length with your attorney and be more comfortable with the plan before you do it.  The attorney will be the one who will be asking the witnesses questions at court, but you should take an active role in your trial. Be prepared to listen carefully to all the testimony and be prepared to take notes if asked to do so by your attorney, as listening to the testimony may jog your memory regarding the events of your arrest. 

    On your court date, it is best to arrive for your DWI trial about 15 minutes early. You should dress in “business casual” attire. No suits or “church clothes” are necessary, but you shouldn’t dress as if you are going to a cook-out or concert either. There will be other lawyers and other DWI cases set for trial on your court date, so plan to be there for several hours. If you are from out of state, plan on flying home the next day to avoid flight scheduling problems.

    Appeal from District Court

    If you do not win your case at the District Court level, you have the right to an appeal. Cases appealed from District Court go to the Circuit Court of the county in which the District Court lies. For example, a Little Rock District Court case will be appealed to the Pulaski County Circuit Court, and Texarkana cases will be appealed to the Miller County Circuit Court. When a case is appealed to Circuit Court, it starts over from the beginning. This is called a trial “de novo.” 

    A new plea and arraignment are usually required, the paperwork from your case must be replicated, and you will have a new trial. The great thing about a de novo appeal is that you can choose to have a jury trial instead of having the case heard and decided by a judge. The bad news is that the choice to have a jury hear the case is not yours alone. The prosecution can also get a jury trial. In other words, if you want to have a judge decide the case, but the prosecution wants a jury, the prosecution can force you to a jury trial. Regardless of whether you have a bench trial or a jury trial, the attorneys at Collins, Collins & Ray will fight for you every step of the way.


    There are important dates coming — therefore, you need an experienced attorney from the very beginning, so no part of your case is overlooked. Remember that your attorney is your voice in the judicial system, so you need to pick the right attorney for your case.


    Questions to Ask Your DWI Attorney

    You should ask your attorney questions such as:

    • Is your practice devoted primarily to drug and alcohol cases?
    • What kind of training have you received that is specific to DWIs?
    • Do you know the agency responsible for standardizing the field tests?
    • Do you know who is responsible for oversight of the breath tests in Arkansas?
    • Do you know how the breath, blood, and urine test results are calculated?
    • Can you tell me about the dual column gas chromatograph with flame ionization and potential problems with its use?
    • Do you know the possible and probable problems with the breath, blood, and urine tests?
    • Do you answer you clients’ calls on the weekends or after hours?
    • Can your clients have your personal cell phone number in case there is an emergency?
    • Have you ever been to a police academy or any other law enforcement training?
    • Have you ever arrested someone?
    • Have you ever ridden with police officers and seen how they make their arrest decisions?
    • Have you ever trained police officers on the street in real world situations?
    • Have you ever investigated a case that resulted in the issuance of a search warrant or arrest warrant?
    • Have you been trained to perform field sobriety tests?
    • Have you ever operated a breathalyzer?
    • Have you ever prosecuted people charged with a crime?
    • Have you ever trained prosecutors?
    • Have you ever lectured your peers on topics of DWI, DUI, or other alcohol or drug related offenses?
    • Have you ever sat as a special judge on criminal cases?

    Our lawyers can answer “yes” to each one of these questions. Don’t you want a lawyer who can do the same?

    Speaking Engagements Related to DWI in Arkansas 

    The attorneys at Collins, Collins & Ray are honored to have been selected by many Arkansas organizations to lecture on topics involving DWI law. The following is a list of speaking presentations made by attorneys of Collins, Collins & Ray to other attorneys, police officers, law students, legal professionals, etc. throughout Arkansas. Some of the presentations were given as training, while others were simply informational. Many of the speaking engagements included information on field tests, breath tests, blood tests, best defenses, and procedural pitfalls for DWI/DUI arrests.

    This list has not been updated with the most recent training but is merely a sampling of the topics, audience, and frequency of the lectures we have given:

    • Criminal Justice Institute in Ft. Smith (Drug Recognition Expert Training) in 2019
    • Little Rock Police Academy (Courtroom Testimony) in 2019
    • Ft. Smith Police Department (Standardized Field Sobriety Testing) in 2019
    • Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (DWI/Drugs) in 2019
    • Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Assoc. (Standardized Field Sobriety Testing) in 2019
    • Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Cross Examination) in 2019
    • Criminal Justice Institute-Jonesboro (Drug Recognition Expert Training) in 2019
    • Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Jury Trial Strategies) in 2018
    • DUI Defense Lawyers Association – Philadelphia (Jury Trials) in 2018
    • Criminal Justice Institute – Russellville (Drug Recognition Expert Training) in 2018
    • Best of CLE (DWI) in 2018
    • Little Rock Police Academy (Sobriety Testing) in 2017
    • In Service Training (Blood Draw Cases) in 2017
    • Impaired Driving Conference (DWI/Drug Cases) in 2017
    • Everything You Need to Know About DWI (DWI) in 2017
    • Arkansas Bar Convention (DWI Legal Updates) in 2017
    • Everything You Need to Know About DWI in Fayetteville for the Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in 2017
    • Webinar on DWI for Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association in 2017
    • Racing for Justice (Roadblocks) in 2016
    • Little Rock Police Academy (Standardized Field Sobriety Testing) in 2016
    • In Service Training (Standardized Field Sobriety Testing) in 2016
    • In Service Training (Drug Recognition Expert) in 2016
    • “Halting the Vampires/Bad Blood” Presentation at the Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in 2016
    • DWI and Field-Testing Presentation at the Arkansas State Police Training Academy in 2016
    • 118th Annual Arkansas Bar Meeting: Cross Examining a Police Officer in 2016
    • Standardized Field Sobriety Training: Little Rock Police Department in 2016
    • In-Service Training for Fayetteville Police Department on Drug Recognition Experts in 2016
    • DWI Roadblock Presentation at Racing for Justice XIV, Little Rock Arkansas in 2016
    • DWI Institute Presentation and Moderation for CLE at the UALR Bowen School of Law in 2015
    • Chicago Presentation to the DUI Defense Lawyers Association in 2015
    • DWI Institute Presentation Sponsored by the Pulaski County at the Verizon Arena in 2014
    • Taught Standardized Field Sobriety Tests Course with National Expert Tony Corroto in 2014
    • Criminal Post Trial Procedures Taught at UALR Law School in 2014
    • Betting on Justice XIII – DWI Day in Tunica, MS in 2014
    • DWI Trouble Presentation to the Arkansas Bar Association in 2013
    • Criminal Jury Trials from Start to Finish to Various Arkansas Criminal Defense Lawyers for NBI, Inc. in 2013
    • DWI Training at Little Rock Police Academy in 2013
    • DWI Law on the Crime Chronicle radio talk show in 2013
    • DWI Training to State Troopers at the State Police Troop School for the 2012 and 2013 Class
    • DWI Trial Practice for William H. Bowen School of Law Criminal Trial Practice Course in 2012 and 2013
    • DWI Defense for the Arkansas Paralegal Alliance in 2013
    • Blood Draws and Roadblocks at the William H. Bowen School of Law for the Fourth Amendment Class in 2013
    • DWI Training for the Little Rock Police Academy for 2012 and 2013
    • Drugs that Impair Driving to a Group of Arkansas Defense Lawyers in 2012
    • Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) to the Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in 2012
    • Topics Related to DWI law on Law Call Television Show in 2011
    • DWI and Drug Arrests at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock Police Department in 2011
    • Advanced DWI Training for the Hope Police Department in 2011
    • DWI Jury Trial Techniques Taught at the William H. Bowen School of Law to Various Arkansas Criminal Defense Attorneys in 2011
    • Drugs Recognition Expert Training to a Group of Various Law Enforcement Officers for the Criminal Justice Institute in 2011 

    Our DUI defense lawyers in Little Rock have extensive experience in criminal defense. Send us a message or call (501) 392-5007 to discuss the details of your case with our knowledgeable team.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Can a prior DUI be used to enhance a prior DWI?

      No, under Arkansas law, a DUI cannot be used to enhance a DWI.  For example, if you get a DUI when you are 19 and then get another DUI when you are 20, it will be a DUI-2.  But if you then get a DWI when you are 21, that will be a DWI-1, and the DUIs will not be used to enhance the DWI to a DWI-2 or DWI-3.

    • Can a prior DWI be used to enhance a DUI?

      Yes, a prior DWI can be used to enhance a DUI.

    • Is the look back period ten years from when I got my first DWI or ten years from when I plead guilty?

      Enhancement for prior DWIs and DUIs during the 10-year look-back period are determined from the date the violations occurred rather than the date of conviction.

    • How long do the Courts look back when determining if this is a 1st or subsequent DWI or DUI?

      The Courts will look back ten years.

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