What to Do After a DWI Arrest in North Carolina?

Being arrested and charged with a driving while intoxicated violation (DWI) can be a scary experience. You can face major legal and personal penalties, especially if this is not your first related charge. Whether you were pulled over on your way home to Gastonia or on the highways surrounding the Charlotte metro area, knowing what to do after a DWI arrest in North Carolina is important, and a DWI attorney is here to help.

What to Do Following a DWI Arrest in North Carolina

Every day, nearly 32 people are killed in drunk driving accidents. If you have been accused of drunk driving, you have the right to fight these charges. If you find yourself charged with a DWI, there are certain steps you should take as soon as you are capable of doing so. At Steven T. Meier, PLLC, we are here to guide you through these various steps, as we know the state court system inside and out.

Following a DWI arrest, it is imperative that you take the following actions:

• Make note of any court dates: Following your DWI arrest, you will likely be given an official court date. It is crucial that you make note of this date and mark it on a calendar. Missing these required court dates could result in dealing with additional legal fees or being faced with an official arrest warrant.
• Call an attorney: It is in your interest to hire a DWI lawyer as soon as you are able. An attorney can begin to build a strong and solid defense strategy for you. Having an attorney is especially important if this is not your first DWI offense. Nationwide, nearly 30% of individuals arrested for driving while intoxicated are repeat offenders.
• Arrange necessary transportation: When you are arrested for a DWI in North Carolina, your driver’s license will likely be automatically suspended for a set number of days. This suspension is automatic and cannot be appealed or passed by once you have been officially charged. Upon being released, it is important to arrange transportation to get you home and transportation to any required hearings while your license is suspended.
• Obtain any potential driving privileges: After a certain period of time following your arrest, you may be able to gain limited driving privileges, including a restricted license or a license that allows you to work. Your skilled defense attorney can help you obtain this form of driver’s license so that you can continue driving to necessary places in your life, such as work, school, or for court-ordered treatment.
• Record details of your arrest: While the arrest is still fresh in your mind, it is important to record all the details of your arrest. This can include when and where you were pulled over, what reason the police gave you for the traffic stop, whether the police asked you to get out of your vehicle, whether you had to take any field sobriety tests, the details of any breath samples you gave to the police, and whether there were any eyewitnesses to your arrest.
• Stay out of trouble: It is important to obey all laws following your arrest and before any upcoming trials or hearings. If you do not adhere to this advice, you could face additional legal charges.

Trust the Team at Steven T. Meier, PLLC

Since 2001, the team at Steven T. Meier, PLLC, has made it its mission to fight for those being charged with a wide range of criminal charges. No matter how your DWI charges came about, we are here to stand up for you and protect your rights. Following a DWI arrest, you will be given the opportunity to contact a lawyer. We are only a phone call away and are ready to do whatever it takes to secure the most favorable outcome available in your case.

FAQs

What Are the Penalties for a DWI in NC?

You can face several penalties if convicted of a DWI in North Carolina. These penalties include a combination of fines, jail or prison time, probation or parole, and community service. You may also suffer personal penalties like difficulty in securing housing and future employment, especially in cases where you are assigned a criminal record. In fact, around 30% of felons find it difficult to secure employment.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a DWI Lawyer?

It can be difficult to offer an exact amount as to how much a DWI lawyer might cost to hire in North Carolina. This is due to the fact that there are several different factors involved in these cases that can impact the total costs involved. These factors include the duration and complexity of the case, as well as the experience and skill level of your attorney.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me?

When you hire a DWI lawyer, there are several ways in which they can help you. First, they can review your case and help determine what defense strategies may be useful. They can also represent you during any court appearances or negotiations throughout the legal process. Your attorney is there to argue your defense and work toward getting the charges against you either reduced or dropped.

What Are the Common Defense Strategies for a DWI?

There are several different defense strategies that can be used in a DWI case in North Carolina, depending on the exact circumstances of your case and charges. These strategies include calling into question the legality of the traffic stop, questioning the accuracy of any field sobriety or breathalyzer tests, or presenting evidence that proves you were not actually impaired.

Hire a DWI Lawyer Today: Contact Steven T. Meier, PLLC

Have you or a loved one been charged with a DWI in North Carolina? The team at Steven T. Meier, PLLC, is here to help. Whether this is your first DWI-related charge or your fourth, you need an attorney who works to protect your rights. Now is not the time to wait to secure help. Contact our offices to schedule your free consultation and learn more about why you need to hire a DWI lawyer today.