convicted DWI

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

Published on: July 12, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can 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?

What Happens if I Violate Probation?

Published on: June 28, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Happens if I Violate Probation?

If you have been placed on probation by the judge, you must follow the rules that the court provided. Probation allows you some freedom and is often a much better alternative than spending time in prison. Sometimes, a probationary period follows a period of incarceration as part of the sentence. Probation can be restrictive, and you could find yourself in violation of your probation. You may wonder what will happen if you violate probation.

Types of Probation

Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me With DWI Charges?

Published on: June 14, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me With DWI Charges?

DWI, or driving while impaired, is a serious charge. You may be pulled over for a traffic infraction and suddenly find yourself performing roadside field sobriety tests. The next thing you know, the police test your BAC and take you to jail. Now you are facing severe penalties if you are convicted. These penalties could cause problems for you for many years to come. You may wonder whether you can defend yourself without having to hire an attorney. Be careful here, as going it alone might put your future in jeopardy. An experienced DWI attorney will help you vigorously defend the charges and assist you in getting the best possible outcome.

DWI Charges are Serious

BAC Explained

Published on: June 7, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

BAC Explained

One of the most serious offenses that a driver may be charged with is driving while impaired, DWI. All states have DWI laws in place to restrict driving a motor vehicle while impaired due to the use of drugs or alcohol. In North Carolina, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. The police may arrest a driver when their BAC is 0.08% or higher, or they are suspected of driving while impaired. Some people think there is a magic number of drinks they can consume before they reach impairment, but that is not true.

How the Body Utilizes Alcohol

Can I Get DWI Charges Dismissed?

Published on: May 17, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can I Get DWI Charges Dismissed?

Driving while impaired (DWI) is a serious charge in North Carolina and across the country. If you are found guilty, you will face numerous penalties that could have a negative impact on your life for years to come. Getting arrested for DWI is likely one of the worst experiences of your life. DWI laws are tough and are meant to deter people from getting behind the wheel when they are impaired. With such high stakes, you may realize that one of the best ways to resolve your DWI case is by getting the charges dismissed.

Understanding DWI Charges

New Study Shows Benefits of Ignition Interlock Devices

Published on: March 6, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Why is it important to hire a DWI lawyer quickly after being charged with a DWI?”

In North Carolina, some drivers who have been convicted of driving while impaired are required to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in their car. The idea behind this is that in order to start the vehicle and continue driving, the driver can not be impaired. We live in a society in which driving is almost always necessary. The device gives drivers who have lost their license the ability to regain their license with just some conditions. Not every driver who is convicted of an impairment-related charge will be required to have an ignition interlock system in his or her vehicle. It depends on the specific state laws and the circumstances surrounding the charge and conviction. The device can be an excellent way for the defendant to retain possession of his or her license.