Why an Attorney Is Necessary in a Drunk Driving Case

DWI laws in North Carolina are complex, with aggravating and mitigating factors that can influence sentencing as well as the offender’s previous driving record. Drivers that are arrested for DWI in Greensboro or High Point as well as all parts of North Carolina face two problems:

1. The actual criminal charge of DWI which will be adjudicated in court.
2. The pre-trial license revocation is a civil procedure. Often there are steps that can be taken to get a limited driving privilege following the license revocation and this is something that the attorney can handle. Proof of insurance, a letter from your employer with specific work hours, and assessment from an approved alcohol and substance abuse treatment center , and payment of a court fee of $100.00 are required in order to get a limited pre-trial driving privilege.

Help from an attorney who specializes in drunk driving offenses can minimize penalties

Penalties for drunk driving are stringent.  Having an attorney who specializes in drunk driving on your side can increases the chance that charges may be dismissed or kept to a minimum. If you are convicted under North Carolina DWI laws, serious penalties are imposed.  There are five sentencing levels- ranging from Level One – the most serious – to Level Five-the  least serious.  Jail time,  fines alcohol and drug education classes, community service  and  court costs can be  imposed upon the convicted drunken driver   depending upon the sentencing level.

Jail time ranges from 24 hours to as long as 2 years, based upon factors such as the following:

• Previous DWI convictions
• High breathalyzer reading at the time of arrest
• Revoked driver’s license for a previous DWI
• Underage passengers – 16 years of age or younger- in the car
• Driving record in general

In addition to jail time, the drunken driver may also be required to pay fines that range from $200 to $4,000.  Again, the fines or costs depend on a number of factors in play at the time of arrest.

Also, drivers convicted of DWI in North Carolina can have their driver’s licenses revoked, but under certain circumstances  the drunken driver may be eligible for a limited driving privilege.

Get Help from a Lawyer in Greensboro, Greensboro and Guilford County

The DWI laws in North Carolina are complex and the penalties are severe. Because of the variables that are present under the law, it is vitally important that drivers arrested for DWI in Greensboro or High Point or other areas of Guilford County contact an experienced Greensboro drunk driving attorney. More importantly,  drivers  accused of drunk driving should contact their attorneys as soon as possible after arrest.  While the driver may still be convicted of a DWI, it may be possible to minimize the sentence that is imposed. The Clifford Division is experienced in DWI representation as well as all other  areas of criminal defense.

For legal assistance, please call toll free 336 574-2788 and ask for the Clifford Division or use our convenient contact form