Common Questions Answered by Charlotte DUI Law Firm
Drunk driving & DWI/DUI law in North Carolina
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Estwanik & May are often asked about North Carolina drunk driving and driving under the influence laws. Click on a link below to see answers to some of the typical questions we get:
- What should you do if arrested for drunk driving?
- What should you do if arrested or accused of Driving While Impaired?
- How do criminal and administrative penalties differ?
- What are some criminal penalties for DUI (driving under the influence)/DWI (driving while intoxicated)?
- What is a DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) hearing?
- How does a DWI affect my insurance?
- What is court procedure after a DUI arrest?
- What is the difference between a DUI and DWI?
- What should you do if you have a suspended license?
Contact Charlotte drunk driving lawyers for help with your case
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Estwanik & May, PLLC is centrally located in Charlotte and founding partner, Christopher May, supports clients throughout a wide geographical area that includes the following cities:
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We also offer legal guidance to residents of the following counties:
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Our personal injury and criminal defense lawyers offer representation throughout the state of North Carolina. To speak with an experienced Charlotte traffic attorney, fill out this quick contact form or call us at (704) 754-8098 (English) or 704-900-2850 (Spanish). Our attorneys can answer any question you may have about DUI/DWI charges today.
What should you do if arrested for drunk driving?
DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while intoxicated) are very serious charges in North Carolina. If you are arrested, you should inform the officer you wish to remain silent and want to contact a lawyer. The sooner you engage an attorney, the better opportunity your lawyer has to seek time-sensitive actions like case dismissal or reduced charges.
What should you do if arrested or accused of Driving While Impaired?
If stopped for DWI in North Carolina, law enforcement may try to gather evidence from you which may later be used to build a case against you. Both federal and state law protects you from having to:
- Perform physical field sobriety tests (examples include standing on one leg, finger to nose, walk and turn, etc)
- Submit to the Intoxilyzer test at the police station (if you have either had your license revoked for a prior DWI or convicted for DWI in the past, submitting to this test could potentially lead to jail time)
- Submit to an Alcosensor test
How do criminal and administrative penalties differ?
Criminal penalties impose fines and jail or prison time. Administrative penalties include revoking your driving privileges or requiring that an ignition interlock device (IID) be installed.
What are some criminal penalties for DUI/DWI?
Criminal penalties range from probation to jail time and increase based on repeated offenses, blood alcohol conten and other factors the Judge considers. For example, a first DUI offense might result in community service, court fines, loss of drivers license and possibly jail time. However, each DUI offense has its own unique set of facts and issues a DUI attorney must evaluate to determine possible sentences.
What is a DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) hearing?
In North Carolina DMV hearings, a DMV Hearing officer hears cases that contest license revocation or request revoked license restoration after a refusal of the Intoxilizer breath machine at the police station. DMV hearings are also an opportunity for a client to get their license back after it has been suspended or revoked for numerous reasons.
How does a DWI affect my insurance?
After a DWI conviction, insurance rates rise significantly. How much your rates will rise is affected by factors such as previous driving history, number of years driving experience, and the particular insurance company.
What is court procedure after a DUI arrest?
After an arrest, you appear before the magistrate who determines (adjudicates) if you will be jailed or released and schedules your trial date. A law firm with experience in these cases can guide you through the entire court process.
What is the difference between a DUI and DWI?
In North Carolina, a DUI and DWI are the same thing. DUI and DWI may refer to being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
