Fines, court costs, jail time, loss of work, loss of driving privileges―DWI convictions are costly matters, in more ways than one. But with the help of an experienced DWI attorney like William T Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C., drivers facing drunk-driving charges stand a better chance of getting minimized DWI penalties.
The benefit of being represented by William T Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C. as counsel is that DWI we know how to navigate the legal system. For a first-time offender, this can be huge. That’s because a DWI lawyer helps you from the time of your arrest to the end of your hearing or trial, all the while working to make sure you get the best possible outcome. For those who are on their second, third or even fourth DWI and face serious jail time, hiring a DWI attorney could mean less time behind bars.
DWI Explained
DUI, DWI, DWAI―no matter your state’s drunk driving lingo, driving under the influence of alcohol and other intoxicants is both dangerous and illegal.
All states and the District of Columbia use a driver’s BAC (blood alcohol content or concentration) to determine whether the driver is drunk or intoxicated.
If a police officer pulls you over for any reason (speeding, swerving, a busted tail light) and has reason to believe you’re driving while intoxicated, he can issue a test to determine your BAC. Most commonly, these are breath tests with a Breathalyzer, but some states use blood and urine tests, too.
(Of course, you can refuse these tests, but that’s a whole different set of problems.)
Get caught with a BAC beyond the limit and you face some pretty hefty DWI penalties.
DWI Penalties
The basic and “minimum” penalties are provided below. (Note North Carolina refers to the offense as a DWI.) However, North Carolina’s sentencing procedures for impaired drivers is complex (and explained below). There are five levels (with five being the least severe penalties) for each offense and each level has distinctive factors and standards.
1st Offense | 2nd offense | 3rd Offense | |
Minimum Jail | 24 hours (for level 5 offender) (however, if 3 aggravated factors are present — Level 1A — minimum of 12 months) | 4 days jail (If 3 aggravated factors are present — Level 1A — minimum of 12 months.) | 14-30 days jail (up to two years) (If 3 aggravated factors are present — Level 1A — minimum of 12 months.) |
Fines and Penalties | $200 (for level 5 offendor) | Ranges depending on level | Ranges depending on level |
License Suspension | 60 days to 1 year | 1 to 4 years (if previous DWI was within 3 years) | 1 year to permanent (if last previous was within 5 years) |
IID* Required | None required | Required | If license restored, required for 7 years |
Lookback Period: usually 7 years but may vary as shown (Period of time that prior DUIs are relevant for sentencing)
*Interlock Ignition Device
How much do you have to drink (BAC*) for a DUI/DWI in North Carolina?
Under 21 | Zero tolerance |
21 or older | .08 |
Commercial | .04 |
** BAC = blood alcohol content
How many drinks does it take? Check the BAC chart.
You may want to try our BAC Calculator, however, I wouldn’t let any results encourage you to drink and drive.
What if you refuse to take a chemical test in North Carolina?
North Carolina has an implied consent law. That means that if you refuse to submit to a chemical test you will be subject to a fine and automatic license suspension. Learn more about North Carolina’s implied consent law.
1st Offense | 2d offense | 3rd Offense | |
Refusal to take test | 1 year license suspension | No statutory provision | No statutory provision |
Disclaimer: We try to keep the information provided here up to date. However, laws often change, as do their interpretation and application. Different jurisdictions within a state may enforce the laws in different ways. For that reason, we recommended that you seek the advice of a local attorney familiar with DUI cases in your area.