Applicable Arkansas Laws

5-71-212: Drinking in Public and Public Intoxication

When a person consumes any alcoholic beverage in any public place, on any highway or street, in any vehicle commonly used for transportation of passengers, in any depot, waiting room, or other public place other than a place of business licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises; when a person appears in a public place manifestly under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance to the degree and under circumstances such that he is likely to endanger himself or other persons or property, or that he unreasonable annoys person in his vicinity. Class C misdemeanor. Maximum penalty: $100 fine.

27: 5-27-205: Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor

When an adult knowingly gives a minor alcohol or drugs. Class A misdemeanor. Maximum penalty: one year in jail or $1,000 fine or both.

64: 5-64-401: Controlled Substance

Makes it illegal for any person to manufacture, distribute, dispense, or use illegal drugs. Possible Class Y felony. Maximum penalty: $250,000 fine or 40 years to life.

65: 5-65-302: Underage Driving Under the Influence

It is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 years to operate or be in actual control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or similar intoxicant and/or when blood alcohol is a minimum of 0.02%. Penalties for a first conviction are a fine up to $500, loss or suspension of driver’s license from 90-120 days, public services work, and enrollment in a driver’s education.

Act 561 of 2001: Code 5-65-104: Administrative revocation of driver’s licenses in cases of DWI

Drivers who fail blood alcohol test (blood alcohol of 0.08% or more) or who refuse a sobriety test will have their licenses seized by the arresting officer and may receive a thirty day temporary permit while waiting for a hearing. Penalties increase from loss of license 120 days for the first offense, to four years for a fourth DWI.

5-64-401 Possession of a controlled substance

Possession of marijuana for personal use (less than 1 ounce) is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Possession of more than an ounce is a felony punishable by imprisonment for more than a year.