Mint Hill DWI Lawyer

Mint Hill DWI Attorney

Navigating the legal process after driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be overwhelming, especially in North Carolina. The state has among the harshest and most complicated DWI laws in the country, so it is important to have a professional Mint Hill DWI lawyer on your side who can help review your case and ensure you are being treated fairly.

What Is DWI in North Carolina?

DWI is defined as driving while under the influence of an impairing substance. To be charged with DWI, you have to either be noticeably impaired or have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. If driving a commercial vehicle, the legal BAC limit is lowered to 0.04%.

In North Carolina, you can be charged for DWI if you are riding a bicycle. You can also be charged for operating a boat while under the influence, but it’s classified as a separate criminal offense: boating while intoxicated (BWI).

What Is a Per Se DWI Offense?

North Carolina recognizes a per se DWI when you fail a BAC test. This means that law enforcement only needs evidence of your BAC being over the legal limit to prosecute without any other proof of your intoxication.

Since North Carolina is an implied consent state, they have the right to arrest you if you refuse to participate in field sobriety tests. It is wise to comply and contact a Mint Hill DWI lawyer as soon as possible.

You can still be charged with DWI in North Carolina even if your BAC is under the legal limit, but law enforcement has to provide other proof that you were intoxicated. Some common symptoms of impairment they may site include:

• Dilated pupils
• Drowsiness
• Erratic driving
• Slowed reflexes
• Slurring your words
• Stumbling while walking

What Happens If You Are Charged With A DWI in Mint Hill, NC?

If you are charged with DWI in North Carolina, you can typically expect to have your license suspended for at least 30 days—a process known as civil relocation. Before you can have your license reinstated, you will have to complete a substance assessment and meet any other treatment requirements. From there, the penalties depend on the particulars and severity of your specific case.

Penalties for DWI can include:

• Hefty fines
• Jail time
• License suspension or revocation
• Vehicle confiscation

By working with a skilled Mint Hill DUI attorney, you can work toward lower fines and less severe sentencing so you can get back to living your life as quickly as possible.

5 Levels of Misdemeanor DWI in North Carolina

DWI charges are typically classified as misdemeanors in North Carolina, though they can be a felony charge if the circumstances are severe enough. Misdemeanor DWIs are categorized into five levels.

Level I misdemeanors are the most serious DWI charges you can receive, resulting in up to $4,000 in fines and a jail sentence that lasts anywhere between 30 days and two years. Level II misdemeanors come with fines up to $2,000 and a jail sentence lasting anywhere between seven days and one year.

Both Level I and II misdemeanors are reserved for:

• Anyone operating a vehicle with a revoked license
• Impaired drivers with children in the vehicle
• Impaired drivers involved in an accident
• Repeat offenders with multiple DWIs

A Level III misdemeanor is slightly less serious, resulting in a fine of up to $1,000 and a jail sentence between 72 hours and six months. For Level IV misdemeanors, you can expect a fine of up to $500 and jail time between 48 hours and 120 days. A Level V DWI charge is the least severe type of DWI charge you can receive in North Carolina. Typically, you can expect a $200 fine and a jail sentence between 24 hours and 60 days.

A judge is able to suspend Level III, IV, and V misdemeanors if you serve the minimum jail sentence, complete a certain number of community service hours, or if you do not operate a vehicle for an allotted amount of time. Your community service hours and the amount of time you cannot drive will depend on the severity of your case.

What Makes a DWI a Felony in North Carolina?

If you have had four prior DWI convictions within the past decade, DWI becomes a more serious felony. You must serve an active jail term of at least one year and go through a substance abuse program either while you are in jail or as a condition of your parole.

If you are a habitual DWI offender, law enforcement can confiscate your vehicle. This vehicle seizure must happen at the time of arrest—not after your case has gone to trial.

The Benefits of Working with a Mint Hill DWI Lawyer

North Carolina has some of the most severe and complex DWI laws in the country. By working with a Mint Hill DWI lawyer, you can rest assured you are covering all your bases, so you have a better chance at a more positive outcome for your case.

Our seasoned legal team at The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett has experience handling all types of complex DWI cases. We offer well-rounded advice and guidance on DWI cases based on our many years of experience working in the field. Our team can help with:

• Faulty field sobriety tests
• Inaccurate blood and breath test results
• Repeat DWI offenses
• Underage alcohol offenses

Get in Touch with the Accomplished DUI Lawyer at The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett

The complexities of North Carolina’s DWI laws can make navigating the legal process and protecting yourself throughout it a challenge. By working with a Mint Hill DWI lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing knowledgeable and experienced professionals are handling the details of your case.

The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett is dedicated to providing quality services that are tailored to your unique case. No matter the details of your situation, you can count on our legal team to work hard to ensure you are treated fairly. Reach out to set up an initial appointment today.