DWI Arrests In North Carolina
A DWI arrest can affect not only your driving record and car insurance but also your career, your reputation and your personal life. Steep fines and the loss of your driver’s license may be just the beginning. Listed below are some of the questions we frequently hear from our DWI clients.
What is the legal limit for blood alcohol content level?
North Carolina has some of the toughest laws in the country regarding blood alcohol content. The legal limit varies based on four categories of drivers:
- 21 and older: .08% blood alcohol content
- Prior DWI: .04% blood alcohol content
- Under 21: zero tolerance
- Off-duty commercial driver (CDL license): .04% blood alcohol content
- CDL license holder operating a commercial motor vehicle: zero tolerance
- School bus and child care activity vehicle drivers: zero tolerance
If your blood alcohol level is at or above the legal limit, you will be arrested and fined at least $200. For repeat offenders, penalties become progressively more severe with each new DWI arrest.
What is drugged driving?
Broadly speaking, drugged driving is driving under the influence of any substance that may impair your ability to operate a motor vehicle. This includes not only marijuana and illegal drugs but also prescription and over-the-counter medications. You are considered to be under the influence of a substance if it impairs your physical or mental ability to operate a motor vehicle. The fact that you are legally allowed to use a medication does not make it legal to drive while taking the medication.
What are the penalties for DWI in North Carolina?
Penalties for a DWI arrest vary based on your age, the type of license you have, the type of vehicle you are driving and whether you have been arrested for DWI before. North Carolina law outlines five levels of DWI offenses based on these variables. At a minimum, you can expect the following penalties:
- Suspension of your license (possible revocation)
- Fines and court costs
- Possible jail time
- Increased car insurance rates
You may also be assigned to community service and probation. A DWI may also lead to the revocation of a license to work in some professions.
Why Should I Hire A Lawyer?
The consequences of a DWI conviction can be severe and long-lasting – you should do everything you can to avoid having a DWI on your record. An experienced DWI attorney can negotiate on your behalf to get charges reduced or possibly dismissed. At Coalter Law, PLLC, we know how to identify flaws and errors in police procedure and have years of experience navigating the court process. With an attorney by your side, you stand a much better chance of minimizing the damage done by a DWI arrest.
Contact An Experienced DUI Defense Lawyer At Coalter Law, PLLC
If you are facing DUI charges, we can help you minimize the damage by advocating for a reduced charge and possibly getting the charges dropped. Call Coalter Law, PLLC at 336-646-7977 or contact us online to set up an initial consultation.