Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is illegal in North Carolina. Any time a person is caught operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) percentage of .08 or higher, they can be charged with this crime, putting them at risk of fines, jail time, and driving restrictions. If you are facing criminal charges for impaired driving, the most important thing you can do for yourself is to get help from a legal professional. Call the Concord DWI defense attorneys at Brannen Law PLLC for a consultation about your case.
Following an arrest, time is not on your side. The first thing you need to do is to find out exactly which charges you will be fighting. It also helps to have access to the evidence filed against you, which is why it is wise to talk to a criminal defense lawyer sooner rather than later. At Brannen Law PLLC, we have extensive experience guiding Concord clients through the legal process. We can request evidence from law enforcement on your behalf in order to better protect your freedom and minimize any penalties you face.
In North Carolina, the punishments for DWI offenses can vary. There are six levels of DWI sentencing, and depending on the severity of the offense, those charged with the crime could face months in jail or up to a year in prison. Convictions can also lead to community service and fines anywhere from $200 to $10,000 in fines. The only way to fight these charges is to build a strong defense, tell your side of the story, and make the best use of the law in your situation.
Punishments can be worse if there are aggravating factors present, such as driving with a suspended license, passing a school bus while it loads or unloads, or a BAC of .15 percent or more.
Sentences are ranked by severity, including:
Depending on your unique circumstances, a fourth DWI might be charged as a felony, and the penalties will be worse if you are convicted. It is crucial that you work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. No matter the scope of your traffic offense, let us help defend your rights.
In North Carolina, your driver’s license will likely be revoked for at least one year if you are convicted of DWI. However, it is possible to seek limited driving privileges that will allow you to drive for certain important reasons, such as work or school. To do so requires that you have an effective defense and can prove that you will not be a threat to other drivers on the road. There are specific eligibility requirements, but we can explain how you may qualify.
The intent of limited driving privileges is to allow a person to drive for the following reasons:
As your advocate, we will seek to dismiss the DWI charges altogether by checking for errors in the evidence filed against you. If your arresting officer unlawfully stopped you or took tried to entrap you in some way, all related evidence must be thrown out, giving you a better chance at a favorable outcome. The sooner you contact our office, the better chance we will have of preserving relative evidence to eliminate or reduce your charges.
At Brannen Law PLLC, we are prepared to provide the strong, aggressive defense you need in your DWI case. Our team is committed to ensuring you have the information and confidence you need to fight for your rights, preserve your driving privileges, and get the best chance at a hopeful future. We are located near Rotary Square, across from the courthouse.
Work with Brannen Law PLLC
Four Reasons to Choose Our Firm