Leland DWI Lawyer
Leland DWI Attorney
Being arrested for driving while intoxicated in North Carolina can lead to serious criminal penalties, the loss of your driving privileges, and negative impacts on your reputation and livelihood. If you’re facing a DWI in Leland, it’s vital that you secure legal representation quickly to make sure your rights stay protected throughout your case. A dedicated Leland DWI lawyer from The Shotwell Law Group can defend you today.
Trusted Leland DWI Attorneys
Our team of skilled DWI lawyers at The Shotwell Law Group shares over 30 years of experience defending North Carolina residents against a variety of criminal offenses, including misdemeanor and felony DWIs. We believe that this one mistake does not define you and focus on building a defense that advocates for your rights and future freedoms. Our team can also assist you during license suspension hearings, working to retain your driving privileges.
An Overview of DWIs in North Carolina
A DWI (driving while impaired) in North Carolina is a crime that occurs when a driver is operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. In 2022, 452 alcohol related crashes caused fatalities in North Carolina, making up 25% of total crash fatalities in the state. These numbers emphasize why the state prosecutes DWI offenses so harshly.
The legal BAC (blood alcohol concentration) limit for drivers over the age of 21 in North Carolina is 0.08%. For commercial drivers, the limit is stricter, sitting at 0.04%. Additionally, the state’s zero-tolerance approach makes it illegal for drivers under the age of 21 to have any alcohol in their system. If a driver is under the legal limit and still appears intoxicated, they can still be charged with a DWI if an officer sees they are clearly impaired or driving dangerously.
North Carolina’s Implied Consent Law
Refusing to submit to a chemical test when you’re arrested for impaired driving in North Carolina can result in an automatic suspension of your license, whether you are convicted of a DWI or not. This is a part of North Carolina’s implied consent law, which requires all drivers suspected of impairment to submit to chemical testing if they are asked. If you do not submit to the test, your license will be revoked for a minimum of 12 months.
Possible Penalties for a DWI Case in NC
North Carolina has five levels used to define misdemeanor DWIs, and one level to define felony DWIs. A Level 5 DWI is the least severe, and a Level 1 is the most serious. The following are the varying penalties associated with each DWI level:
- Level V. This is the least serious misdemeanor in North Carolina and can result in a fine of up to $200 and a minimum of 24 hours in jail to a maximum of 60 days.
- Level IV. Penalties for a Level IV DWI may include a fine of up to $500 plus a minimum of 48 hours of jail time to a maximum of 120 days.
- Level III. Penalties increase for a Level III DWI to a maximum fine of $1,000 plus a minimum jail sentence of 72 hours, up to a maximum of six months.
- Level II. Factors like multiple DWIs, driving with a suspended license, driving with minors in the car, or causing injuries to another person may result in Level II or I DWI charges. Level II fines increase to a maximum of $2,000, plus jail time of seven days to a maximum of one year.
- Level I. This is the most serious level of misdemeanor DWI in NC and carries a maximum fine of $4,000 and jail time of 30 days, up to two years.
A felony DWI conviction in Leland North Carolina comes with the most severe penalties, as you may lose your driving rights, have to pay harsh fines, and may even have to serve time in prison. Having an aggressive DWI lawyer on your side who can help protect your rights, craft a defense for your case, or negotiate for an optimal outcome is crucial when you’re facing North Carolina’s DWI laws.
FAQs About DWI Law
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a DWI Lawyer in North Carolina?
The cost of hiring a DWI lawyer in North Carolina can vary with every case. While most defense attorneys charge hourly rates, the amount you pay will depend on the severity of your charge, the complexity of your case, whether your case goes to trial, and how long your case takes to close. More experienced attorneys may charge higher rates, but it’s important to discuss all potential fees and pricing during your initial consultation/
How Can I Get a DWI Charge Dismissed in North Carolina?
A skilled DWI attorney can help you explore different avenues in an attempt to have your DWI charge dismissed in North Carolina. Your attorney can look into any procedural errors that may have occurred during the traffic stop, such as a lack of reasonable suspicion for the stop, improper administration of sobriety tests, defective equipment, or violations of your rights. In North Carolina, laws are strict, but it is still possible to have your charge dismissed.
What Should I Do If My Rights Were Violated During a DWI Stop in North Carolina?
If you believe that your rights were violated during a DWI stop in North Carolina, it is important to remain calm and contact a DWI attorney immediately. Any violations by law enforcement can lead to evidence being suppressed or the dismissal of your charge, even if you did commit an offense. Our team at The Shotwell Law Group can help you take action immediately and launch an investigation into what occurred when you were stopped.
What Is the Difference Between a DWI and a DUI in North Carolina
While the terms are often used interchangeably, it’s important to understand that all impaired driving charges in North Carolina are legally defined as DWIs. This simply means that, unlike other states that charge impaired drivers with DUIs, you are charged with a DWI in North Carolina if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This state began classifying impaired driving charges as DWIs back in 1983 as a part of North Carolina’s Safe Roads Act.
Hire a DWI Lawyer in Leland: Contact The Shotwell Law Group Today
The Shotwell Law Group PLLC shares a deep understanding of North Carolina DWI laws and provides aggressive, unbiased legal support for those who need it most. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our trusted DWI services in Leland.
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