Raleigh DWI & Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys

At the Marcilliat & Mills PLLC, our Raleigh criminal defense attorneys represent individuals who are arrested for DWIs throughout North Carolina.

Here, the charge is technically called, driving while impaired (DWI). And a conviction for a DUI in the Tar Heel State can result in the loss of driving privileges, increased insurance rates, employment consequences, court fines, jail time, and financial uncertainty.

Both aggravating and mitigating factors will be considered during your case and will contribute to or lessen the penalties sought by the North Carolina prosecutor’s office, so not all DWI cases and offenses are as straightforward as they may seem.

While many believe there is little they can do about these charges, but suffer the consequences, they are arrests like all others, which require proof that are you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Our skilled DWI defense attorneys will review the circumstances that led to you being pulled over, how your Blood Alcohol Concentration was obtained, and any additional evidence compiled against you to ensure your rights were not violated during the legal process.

If they were, we will move quickly to have your charges dismissed or pursue a lesser charge as we fight to help you keep your driving privileges, so you learn from the experience and put it behind you.

What are the Penalties for a First Drunk Driving Offense in North Carolina?

Driving while impaired in North Carolina is a serious crime — even for first-time offenders.

Because of an impaired driver’s increased ability to harm other motorists, pedestrians, or bicyclists on our roadways, North Carolina imposes long-term penalties that are designed to deter the behavior.

The legal consequences of a first DWI conviction in North Carolina may include:

  • Loss of a driver’s license for one year
  • Probation
  • Fines
  • Alcohol assessment classes
  • Community service

Personally, the charges can also include increased auto insurance premiums, and job loss in certain professions.

Our DWI defense attorneys in North Carolina know that most first-time offenders are embarrassed by these charges and will do anything they can to make the just go away. Instead of agreeing to a “deal” with the prosecutor’s office, contact our criminal defense lawyers in North Carolina to learn how you can put these charges behind you with the guidance of an attorney who is protecting your best interests.

Call us today to learn more about your legal rights and options, so you can face your North Carolina DWI charges with confidence.

Subsequent North Carolina Drunk Driving Offenses Come With Increased Penalties

Like most criminal charges, a second or subsequent DWI will come with increased legal penalties in North Carolina.

A second or subsequent DWI conviction in North Carolina will result in significant penalties ranging from:

  • License suspension from one to four years
  • Ignition Lock requirement
  • Extensive fines
  • Long-term probation requirements
  • Minimum jail time of four days up to two years

North Carolina has a “lookback period” that is measured by the date of your last DWI conviction to the date of the new DWI arrest that contributes to the level and enforcement of penalties.

If you have a history of DWI arrests and are unsure about what that means to your future, contact our skilled North Carolina driving while impaired defense lawyers today to discuss your case, and learn how we can design the best legal strategy to protect your opportunities now and going forward.

Can I Go to Jail for Habitual Driving While Impaired Charges in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, a third DWI conviction within ten years is a felony called, Habitual Impaired Driving.

Habitual Impaired Driving conviction penalties include:

  • Lifetime loss of a driver’s license, which cannot be reinstated at any time, or appealed for any reason.
  • Minimum prison sentence of one year, which cannot be suspended or shortened for any reason.

The life-changing aspect of a single DWI conviction in North Carolina can and will carry over to other aspects of your life, and can add up quickly, even after deciding to get behind the wheel after having just a couple of drinks.

Whether it is your first DWI or a subsequent DWI arrest that comes with the threat of jail time, do not leave your future to chance. Contact our skilled Raleigh DWI defense lawyers today to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help you pursue the best outcome.

Can a North Carolina DWI Be Expunged From My Record?

The short answer is no. Even first offense DWI convictions cannot be expunged from your record in North Carolina.

This means a conviction — even one that comes with a guilty plea with the prosecutor’s office — will not only come with legal penalties but will also be visible during a criminal history background check going forward.

The key element in North Carolina DWI cases is to avoid a conviction altogether. We can help.

At Marcilliat & Mills PLLC, Our Criminal Defense Attorney In Raleigh, NC Focuses On The Following Practice Areas:

Contact Our Skilled Driving While Impaired Defense Attorneys in North Carolina Today

Contact our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Raleigh at the Marcilliat & Mills PLLC today by calling (919) 838-6643 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can empower you to take a stand and pursue the best outcome for your unique legal circumstances.

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