Articles Tagged with charged with DWI

Crim-1024x1024Do I Need an Attorney for a First DWI Charge?

In North Carolina, the legal limit for a driver age 21 or older is 0.08% BAC. A driver with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more is considered impaired. If you are stopped by police and the officer thinks you might have been drinking, they will ask you to do some field sobriety tests and may ask you to take a breath test. You could face DWI charges. Driving while impaired, DWI is a serious charge and one that will negatively impact your life if you are found guilty. You will want to consult with an experienced DWI attorney as soon as possible.

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3-1What are the Potential Penalties for DWI in North Carolina?

Driving while impaired (DWI) is a serious offense and one that comes with severe penalties if convicted. According to the North Carolina Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission, DWI sentencing is back to normal, pre-pandemic operations. In 2022, North Carolina courts imposed sentences for 26,333 DWI convictions. Various consequences for someone found guilty of DWI may include jail time, community service, alcohol assessment and treatment, court costs, and the loss of driving privileges. If you are facing DWI charges, you will want to strongly defend the charges with help from an experienced DWI attorney.

DWI Sentences

DWI-1024x1024How Long Does a DWI Case Take in North Carolina?

Driving while impaired (DWI) is essentially the same as driving under the influence (DUI). In North Carolina, as in other states, you could be criminally charged with DWI if you are found to be driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. As someone who generally stays out of trouble, this could be the first time you are facing criminal charges in North Carolina. The experience can be daunting, and the process can be somewhat lengthy. Unlike a simple traffic violation, a DWI case will proceed through the criminal court system. It is helpful to understand the DWI process.

Arrest and Arraignment

2-1Law Enforcement Checkpoints: What to Do and What Not to Do

The holidays are here, and that means that more people will be traveling on the roads. The police will be out in full force, ensuring traffic safety. In addition, law enforcement may utilize roadside checks to verify sobriety, especially during holiday celebratory times. The goal of checkpoints is to reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road. This, in turn, will reduce the number of accidents and injuries due to collisions.

What are Roadside Checkpoints?

1What is Self Defense?

When you are faced with danger, you want to defend yourself. When you end up seriously hurting or killing the other person as a result, you might be charged with a crime. You may defend the charges with a claim of self-defense. Self-defense is an affirmative defense to a crime. In other words, you do not dispute that the situation occurred, but it happened because you were defending yourself or your property. However, you cannot claim self-defense in every situation. The law provides for the use of force under specific circumstances.

When Can You Use Force?

4Reckless Driving Charges in North Carolina

When you get behind the wheel of a vehicle you must follow the rules of the road. If you fail to adhere to the rules you might be pulled over and the officer may give you a traffic ticket. Most times, traffic infractions have penalties that include points against your license and fines. However, sometimes a moving violation is considered much more serious and therefore, it also has criminal penalties as well. If you are charged with reckless driving, you may need to seek legal help from a skilled criminal defense attorney in North Carolina.

What is Reckless Driving?

5-3Do I Have to Enroll in a Treatment Program After a DWI?

Driving while impaired (DWI) is a serious charge, and if you are convicted, you will face some penalties. When you get pulled over and subsequently charged with DWI, you may feel as though your life will never be the same again. In some ways, a DWI conviction will seriously impact your life. You may have your driving privileges suspended, making it harder to get to and from work. You might face some jail time, and you will likely have to pay some fines. In addition, you may need to attend a treatment program.

What is a Treatment Program?

1-4Can I Get Criminal Charges Dismissed in Charlotte?

Criminal charges can be devastating. If you are charged with a criminal infraction, the situation may consume your life. If you are found guilty, you could face some serious penalties that could have a long-term impact on your life. It is often best to vigorously defend yourself against criminal charges. In some cases, it may be possible to get some charges dismissed. A knowledgeable Charlotte criminal defense attorney will help protect your rights and defend against the charges.

Dismissing Evidence

3-4What are the Best Strategies for Defending DWI Charges?

Getting charged with DWI, driving while impaired, can be a daunting experience. You were likely driving along when you were stopped by the police. Suddenly, you find yourself at the side of the road, answering questions and performing some field sobriety tests. The next thing you know, you are in handcuffs, headed to the police station. DWI charges are serious, and if you are found guilty, you could face a number of severe penalties. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, there may be options for successfully defending DWI charges.

Was the Traffic Stop Legal?

7Can I Get a DWI While Riding a Bicycle in North Carolina?

Riding your bicycle is a great way to get around town. You can ride your bike to get to and from work, to go visit friends, and for pleasure and exercise. When you ride your bike, you may not feel that you have to follow all the same rules that you do when you are behind the wheel of a car. Some people may even use their bicycle instead of a vehicle in an attempt to avoid getting a DWI. Unfortunately, you are still subject to the same traffic laws as when you drive a car. You can still get a DWI while you are riding a bicycle in North Carolina.

What is a Bicycle DWI?

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