DWI Tag Archives — Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Blog

How Do DWI Breath Tests Work?

Published on: February 15, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Do DWI Breath Tests Work?

Driving while impaired (DWI) is a serious offense. DWI generally refers to driving while under the influence of alcohol, but it can also pertain to drugs. If you are stopped by law enforcement, they will want to assess you for impairment and determine whether you are over the legal drinking limit. The legal limit in North Carolina is 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The police will utilize field sobriety tests to evaluate impairment. They will also use breath tests to measure your BAC level.

What is BAC?

Types of Sobriety Tests

Published on: February 1, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Types of Sobriety Tests

Law enforcement takes drunk driving very seriously. North Carolina law restricts driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. When police officers pull a vehicle over for a traffic stop, they may think that the driver is intoxicated. Field sobriety tests are the method that officers use to try to determine whether a driver is over the legal drinking limit. Tests are done with a driver to assess their level of impairment. Many people wonder what types of sobriety tests are used and whether they must comply with a request to complete them.

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests

Do I Need to Stop at a Sobriety Checkpoint?

Published on: November 16, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Do I Need to Stop at a Sobriety Checkpoint?

With the holidays at hand, more people are on the roadways traveling to and from family gatherings and company parties. This time of year, there is an increase in the number of DUI accidents and arrests. Law enforcement may utilize sobriety checkpoints to find drivers who are driving while intoxicated or under the influence. The legal limit in North Carolina is 0.08% BAC (blood alcohol concentration). If you are found to have a BAC at or higher than 0.08%, you could be charged with DWI in North Carolina.

What is a Sobriety Checkpoint?

Five Misconceptions About DWI in North Carolina

Published on: September 14, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Are breath test results always accurate?”

Five Misconceptions About DWI in North Carolina

DWI Sentencing Factors in North Carolina

Published on: July 6, 2022 | 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?

DWI Sentencing Factors in North Carolina

DWI Sentencing Factors in North Carolina

Published on: June 15, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What happens if I am convicted of a DUI or DWI in Charlotte North Carolina?”

DWI, driving while impaired, is a serious charge. When a driver is stopped for DWI, they can expect to perform some roadside field sobriety tests and breathe into a breathalyzer device. If police officers believe that you are demonstrating signs of impairment, you will likely be arrested for DWI. If you are charged with DWI you will be facing a wide range of penalties if you are convicted. A knowledgeable DWI attorney will help protect your rights and will craft a defense to charges through the legal process.

Driving on a Suspended License

Published on: June 1, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I represent myself on a traffic ticket?”

North Carolina, like other states, requires all drivers to have a valid driver’s license. To obtain a driver’s license for the first time, drivers must pass written and road tests. The North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) provides you with a license to drive as a privilege. Therefore, there are some circumstances in which the state may suspend or revoke your driving privileges. If you have a suspended or revoked license it means that you did something to cause the situation. An experienced North Carolina attorney will help you resolve the problem so you can legally drive once again.

What are the Most Common Juvenile Crimes?

Published on: May 25, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “As a parent, what should I be aware of when speaking to police about charges my child faces?”

https://youtu.be/PJbBSmvamxI?t=1

As a parent, you work hard to protect your children throughout their lives. Unfortunately, there may come a time when your child makes a mistake, an error in judgment, or is simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. When a child under the age of 18 is charged with a crime, they are often considered a juvenile. Juvenile crimes are similar to adult crimes, but because they are committed by a minor, the consequences and penalties are different. In some cases, a juvenile might be charged as an adult, particularly when charged with a serious crime.

What Happens if the Police Do Not Read Me My Rights During an Arrest?

Published on: May 18, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?”

Getting detained and arrested by the police can be a traumatic experience. The situation often happens rather quickly and only later do you begin to think about how the incident unfolded. While most people understand that they have constitutional rights, they often forget about them completely when they are under the stress of being detained or questioned by law enforcement. When you watch television crime shows you may notice that when someone is arrested without their rights having been read, the judge might throw the entire case out. Although this happens on fictional programs, it is not what usually occurs in real life.

Can the Police Search My Car?

Published on: May 11, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?”

You are driving along and suddenly you see flashing red lights and hear a siren behind you. You are being pulled over by the police. Even if you are not doing anything wrong, you are likely to feel panicky and scared. When law enforcement pulls you over they will come to your window and ask for your name, your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. The officer will return to the police car to check your license and will come back to your car to talk to you about the incident. In some cases, the police want to search your vehicle, but should you allow them to do so? Though you may not have anything to hide, you may not feel comfortable with the police checking the inside of your car.