In North Carolina, driving while impaired by alcohol is a crime. The legal limit for DWI in North Carolina is a BAC of .08%; however, commercial vehicle operators have a legal limit of .04%. For drivers who have a previous North Carolina DWI conviction, the legal limit is also .04%. North Carolina has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under the age of 21; therefore, driving after drinking any alcohol is considered driving while impaired.
The penalties for a North Carolina DWI conviction are severe. In addition to fines, jail time, probation, alcohol abuse assessments, and community service, convictions also result in suspended driving privileges. The DWI attorneys of Welch and Harris, LLP have the experience and knowledge to develop the best defense strategy based on the circumstances of your North Carolina DWI arrest. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys.
Suspended Driving Privileges in North Carolina DWI Cases
If you are convicted of a North Carolina DWI, your driver’s license will be suspended for one year (13 months if you are under the age of 21). A second North Carolina DWI conviction results in driving privileges being suspended for four years. Driving privileges are permanently suspended for a third North Carolina DWI conviction.
A national registry called the Driver License Compact (DLC) allows states to share information regarding traffic violations. If you are convicted of a North Carolina DWI, the state will report the conviction to your home state. Depending on the laws in your state regarding driving while impaired or driving under the influence, your driving privileges may be revoked at home as well as in North Carolina. If your state does not revoke your driving privileges, you will still be unable to drive in North Carolina during the suspension unless you are granted limited driving privileges.
Until your driving suspension is lifted, you cannot renew a North Carolina driver’s license, which is true in most states. A North Carolina DWI conviction is serious. Losing your driving privileges for even a short period of time has a tremendous effect on your ability to earn an income and to take care of your family regardless of where you live. Depending on your own state’s DWI laws, you could lose your driving privileges for a longer period and face additional penalties. It is important that you contact an experienced North Carolina DWI lawyer to work on your behalf to dismiss the charges or minimize the penalties and consequences of a DWI conviction.
Contact an Experienced Jacksonville DWI Attorney
“Attorneys Who Aggressively Protect Your Rights”
Welch and Harris, LLP provides results-driven criminal defense representation to individuals seeking an alternative to large-firm representation. We understand that we work for our clients; therefore; our attorneys communicate regularly with each client to ensure that the client knows what is going on with the case.
If you have been charged with driving while impaired, you need an experienced DWI lawyer in your corner. We represent clients throughout Duplin County, Onslow County and the surrounding communities. Call our office at (910) 405-8459 or contact us online today for a free case evaluation.