Charged with DWI/DUI in Texarkana? We Defend Your Rights in Both TX & AR

Texas uses the term DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) for most drunk or drugged driving cases. Arkansas uses DWI for most adult drivers and DUI for underage drivers. Whatever it’s called in your paperwork, the consequences are serious—jail time, fines, a suspended license, and a criminal record that can follow you for years.


Anderson Law Firm defends drivers against DWI and DUI charges on both sides of Texarkana. As your Texarkana DWI lawyer, we focus on protecting your freedom, your license, and your future from the moment you contact us.

What’s at Stake After a DWI / DUI Arrest

A DWI or DUI conviction can affect far more than just one court date. In both Texas and Arkansas, you may be facing:


  • Jail time, even for a first offense


  • Thousands of dollars in fines and court costs


  • Driver’s license suspension or revocation


  • Mandatory classes, ignition interlock, or community service


  • Dramatically higher insurance rates



  • A permanent criminal record that can affect jobs, housing, and professional licensing


In Texas, a typical first-offense DWI is a Class B misdemeanor that can carry 72 hours to 180 days in jail, fines, and a license suspension measured in months rather than days. Arkansas penalties are similarly tough and can escalate quickly with prior offenses or high blood alcohol levels.


The earlier a Texarkana DWI lawyer gets involved, the more options you are likely to have for protecting your record and your ability to drive.

License Suspension and Deadlines – Act Quickly

A DWI / DUI case usually has two tracks: the criminal case in court and a separate administrative process over your driver’s license. Ignoring the license side can lead to a suspension even if your criminal case is still pending.

Texas (ALR Hearings)

In many Texas cases, you have a short window (often 15 days from receiving notice) to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. If you miss that deadline, your license suspension can go into effect automatically.

Arkansas (Office of Driver Services hearings)

Arkansas also has strict deadlines to request a hearing after a DWI arrest if you want to challenge the automatic license suspension or seek a restricted permit.

We handle these civil license issues at the same time as the criminal defense, working to protect your ability to drive to work, school, and family responsibilities while the case is pending.

Our Approach to DWI / DUI Defense

A DWI or DUI charge is not the same thing as a conviction. We examine every step of the case to identify problems with the traffic stop, the investigation, and the testing procedures. Our strategy often includes:


  • Challenging the Stop
    Reviewing whether law enforcement had a lawful basis to stop your vehicle, such as a clear traffic violation or reasonable suspicion. An illegal stop can lead to key evidence being suppressed.

  • Questioning Field Sobriety Tests
    Evaluating how field sobriety tests were administered and whether conditions—lighting, weather, medical issues, footwear—could have affected performance.

  • Examining Breath and Blood Testing
    Checking whether the machine was properly maintained and calibrated, whether the operator was certified, whether blood samples were handled correctly, and whether the test results meet legal standards.

  • Protecting Constitutional Rights
    Looking closely at Miranda warnings, questioning, and any statements you allegedly made. If your rights were violated, we seek to keep that evidence out of court.

  • Exploring Negotiation and Alternative Outcomes
    When appropriate, seeking reduction to lesser charges, diversion programs, or other resolutions that minimize jail time and long-term consequences, especially for first-time offenders.

Throughout the case, we keep you informed in plain language and prepare you for every court appearance and decision point.

First-Time DWI vs. Repeat Offenses

DWI / DUI cases are not all handled the same way. Your history, blood alcohol level, and the circumstances of the arrest all play a role.


  • First-Time Offenses
    For many first-time clients, the primary goals are to avoid jail, protect the license as much as possible, and limit the long-term impact on employment and background checks. We look at options such as reduced charges, deferred outcomes (where available), and carefully negotiated plea agreements, as well as full defense strategies when the evidence is weak.



  • Multiple-Offense and High-Risk Cases
    When prior convictions, accidents, injuries, or very high blood alcohol levels are involved, the stakes can be much higher—longer jail time, long-term license loss, and felony charges. In these cases, we combine a strong legal defense with proactive steps such as treatment, counseling, and mitigation to show the court that you are taking the situation seriously.

DWI / DUI FAQ

  • What is the difference between DWI and DUI in this area?

    Texas generally uses the term DWI for adult drunk or drugged driving cases. Arkansas uses DWI for most adult drivers and DUI for drivers under 21 who are accused of driving after drinking, even if their blood alcohol level is below the adult legal limit. The exact label on your charge depends on the state and your age, but both types of charges can carry serious penalties and should be treated with the same level of urgency.

  • Will I automatically lose my driver’s license after a DWI arrest?

    License consequences depend on the state, your prior record, and whether you refused or failed a chemical test. In both Texas and Arkansas, there is a separate administrative process that can suspend your license independent of the criminal case. You often have only a short time to request a hearing. If you contact a lawyer quickly, we can request that hearing and work to protect your driving privileges or pursue restricted driving options where available.

  • Do I really need a lawyer for a first-offense DWI or DUI?

    Even a first-offense DWI can create a permanent criminal record and trigger ongoing consequences for employment, professional licensing, and insurance. Having a lawyer means someone is looking for defenses, negotiating on your behalf, and keeping you from making decisions that could hurt you long-term. In some cases, a strong defense may lead to reduced charges or outcomes that are far better than what you might receive by simply pleading guilty on your own.

  • How much does a DWI lawyer cost in Texarkana?

    The cost depends on the complexity of your case—blood-test or breath-test issues, accident involvement, prior history, and whether a trial is likely. We discuss fees at the start of the representation so you know what is included and what to expect. While hiring a lawyer is an investment, the long-term cost of a conviction can be far higher in terms of fines, insurance, and opportunities.

  • What if I refused the breath or blood test?

    Refusing testing can lead to license-related consequences, including longer administrative suspensions in some situations, but it may also limit the evidence available to the prosecution. We review the circumstances of the refusal, the warnings given by officers, and the specific laws in the state where you were arrested. That analysis helps determine how best to protect both your license and your criminal case.

  • Can a DWI or DUI ever be cleared from my record?

    Record options vary significantly between Texas and Arkansas. In general, a straight DWI conviction in Texas is difficult to expunge, although certain first-time offenses may qualify for limited relief through nondisclosure if strict requirements are met. Arkansas law may allow sealing of some DWI offenses after specific waiting periods and conditions are satisfied. We can discuss your long-term record options as part of your overall defense strategy so you understand both the short- and long-term implications.

Take Action Now to Protect Your License and Your Future

A DWI or DUI charge in Texarkana can feel overwhelming—but you do not have to face it alone. Early legal help can make a critical difference in how your case is charged, how your license is treated, and what options you have in court.



Anderson Law Firm stands ready to defend your rights in Texas and Arkansas courts, explain every step in clear terms, and aim for the most favorable outcome the law allows.