Attorney Offices by Municipality
- Ashville
- Carrboro
- Kevin Kennedy:
Because of the serious consequences of a conviction of driving while impaired in North Carolina, it is strongly recommended that you retain the services of an experienced attorney to represent your case in court. DWI is a complicated area of the law. There are many facts and circumstances present in every case that may be issues to challenge in court.
A drunk driving conviction affects your license points and insurance status. A single conviction of driving while impaired will result in a minimum of a 1-year suspension of your driver's license and a suspended jail sentence. Depending on the circumstances, your driver's license could be revoked permanently and you could be sentenced to serve two years active time in a state penitentiary. Students at the University of North Carolina (UNC) and North Carolina (NC) State University may also face the schools' honor courts. This can result in suspension. Whether or not you are a college student, you simply cannot afford to be convicted on a DWI or DUI charge without a fight.
- Cary
- Carthage
- Chapel Hill
- Charlestion
- Alston Law Firm:
In today’€™s society, a vehicle is a necessity. Our goal is to protect
your right to own and operate a vehicle. The first line of defense is
to challenge the reason that you were stopped. There are bad stops!
There are many things that you need to do before appearing in front of
a judge. We know what these things are and we strongly urge you to move
quickly and contact my firm if you have been arrested or cited for a
traffic offense. If it is your first arrest, the goal is make sure that
you can continue driving. For second offenses, the goal is often to
keep you out of jail and able to continue providing for your family.
- Charlotte
- Douglas Simmons:
In 2001, more than 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under
the influence of alcohol or narcotics. Police and highway patrol
officers are cracking down on drunk drivers with increasing frequency
as a result of influence from groups like MADD and public outcries in
general. If you find yourself at the center of this crackdown, you need
an experienced drunk driving attorney to represent your interests and
work toward the least restrictive outcome possible.
- Charlotte
- Clayton
- Kenneth
Barnes: Traffic violations in North Carolina can be quite costly, or
quite simple and painless. Often, it depends solely on whether you are
represented or not.
- Durham
- Elizabeth
- Teague &
Glover:
D.W.I. stands for "driving while impaired," a misdemeanor that carries
with it a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison and a $4,000 fine.
There is also a mandatory loss of license ranging from 1 year to
permanent, depending upon your record. In addition, it is possible that
your personal automobile insurance rates could increase up to 800% for
3 years following a D.W.I. conviction.
- Elizabethtown
- Johnson Law Firm:
If I have a license in another state. Or, if I have a license in
another state and get a North Carolina ticket, must I worry about the
North Carolina ticket? Answer: Maybe. It depends on whether the state
has joined the Non-Resident Violator Compact. North Carolina and most
other states and parts of Canada have joined this pact. A license
suspension or serious ticket in any member state is the same as a
ticket or loss of license in ALL 44 member states. Nonmembers as of
January 1996 are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Michigan,
Montana, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington, and Wisconsin. If your
license is suspended in North Carolina, you cannot obtain a license in
any of the member states until your North Carolina license is restored.
If you fail to pay a ticket in North Carolina, your driver’€™s license
in North Carolina will be suspended. It is unlikely that you will be
able obtain or renew your license in your home state until you have
resolved the ticket in North Carolina and had your driving privileges
restored here. Most states also exchange information under the National
Driver License Compact for serious violations such as DWI’€™s and
suspended license due to unpaid tickets in North Carolina. This means
that these violations will be charged against your license in your home
state. In some states, even less serious out-of-state traffic
violations are charged against your license.
- Fayetteville
- Gastonia
- Garner
- Greensboro
- Graham
- Hemric, Hemric & Champion:
The law does not discriminate. If you are drinking and driving, you are subject to arrest. It does not matter if you are rich or poor, young or oldÑif you are driving while intoxicated, you will be arrested. Besides spending a night in the local jail, the future consequences of an arrest are serious and can be far reaching. If you have been arrested for a DWI in the Burlington, North Carolina, area it is important to contact an experienced attorney who will help make sure your future is protected.
- David
Remington: Traffic violations such as speeding, illegal lane usage,
reckless driving, failure to yield, and following too closely can
result in license suspensions and higher insurance rates. Depending on
the violation and how it is resolved, you may be fined, referred to a
special program, or sent to jail.
- Greenville
- High Point
- Ewing Carter III:
If convicted of Driving While Impaired, you may have to serve time in jail and lose your privilege to drive in North
Carolina for at least a year.
- Bob Davidson:
Driving while impaired and traffic cases can have serious insurance
ramifications if not properly handled. The driver can also lose their
privilege to drive in the State of North Carolina. A driving while
impaired charge is a serious criminal matter and all defendants should
have legal representation.
- Hendersonville
- William Gardo:
Driving privileges can be suspended when the history of a driver
suggests that he is a danger to himself or others. A first suspension
is usually not more than sixty days, the second not more than six
months, and any subsequent suspension not more than one year. A license
can be suspended for convictions of using a driver's or learner's
permit fraudulently, illegally transporting alcoholic beverages, or
driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Highpoint
- Betzmann & Aldridge:
Driving while impaired (DWI) is a very serious offense in all jurisdictions of North Carolina. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you address material concerns regarding fines, license suspensions, or insurance premium increases. A lawyer must know the proper questions to ask and the appropriate ways of challenging a police officer's testimony.
- Hillsborough
- Dickerson, Donald:
The state of North Carolina is getting tough on drunk driving offenders. If convicted of DUI/DWI, you may be faced with driver's license suspension, large fines and jail time. Your insurance rates might increase. You will have a permanent criminal record.
- Coleman, Gledhill &
Hargrave:
We also have access to acknowledged experts in the field of DWI who may
be able to testify on your behalf at time of trial. Of course, this
depends on the facts and circumstances of your case. In some cases,
Breathalyzer test results and police testimony of observations of
intoxication can be challenged through expert testimony.
- Kernersville
- Kitty Hawk
- Merrell & Mauney:
- Until your case is finalized in court, you should not discuss your case with anyone other than your lawyer.
- If you are contacted by the police or anyone else, you should decline discussing the case without the presence of your lawyer.
- You should never attempt to contact witnesses who have been listed
to testify against you. This can sometimes be misinterpreted as an
effort to intimidate or influence such witnesses’ testimony and can
have disastrous consequences.
- If you believe that witnesses may actually be helpful to your case,
make a note of the way in which you think they may help and tell your
lawyer about it. This will protect you from any unfair claims with
respect to such witnesses.
- Lexington
- Lillington
- Manteo
- Mooresville
- Travis Collum:
you need to speak with an experiencedÊlawyer who will handle your legalÊmatter with personal attention and resolve
- William
Willis: Each case is different and the results depend on the specific
facts and circumstances of the case. Remember that you should not make
any incriminating statements to the investigating or arresting officer.
Do not give the prosecutor any more evidence to convict you on the
charge. An attorney can review all of the facts of the case and can
review the investigation procedures used by the officer to determine if
grounds exist to fight the charges. There are many areas of criminal
law and procedure to review before a proper and informed decision can
be made to plead guilty or to plead not guilty and have a trial.
- Morgantown
- New Bern
- Daniel Potter:
Upon being charged with Driving While Impaired (DWI) your license is automatically suspended for 30
days. Penalties for
DWI are getting stricter in North Carolina and throughout the country. It is important to retain an
attorney as soon as possible who will protect your rights and advocate for your interests in court.
- Pinehurst
- VanCamp, Meacham & Newman:
Crimes that are regarded as less serious are referred to as
misdemeanors. A misdemeanor usually is punishable by a fine, or by
incarceration in a local jail for a period of less than one year.
Prosecutors typically do not convene a grand jury to investigate or
issue indictments for misdemeanor charges, although the same conduct
may give rise to both felony and misdemeanor charges. Misdemeanors are
usually charged by a written complaint, or "information." In some
states, poor defendants are not entitled to a court-appointed attorney
when charged only with a misdemeanor. The charges may be considered
minor, but being accused of a misdemeanor--not to mention being
convicted of one--can cause a major disruption in the life of an
accused. As in any criminal case, it is essential that a defendant in a
misdemeanor prosecution have zealous representation backing him or her
up. A person accused of a misdemeanor should seek the help of an
experienced criminal defense attorney.
- Raeford
- Christopher Vaught:
The prosecution has the burden of proving all the elements of an
offense with which a defendant is being charged. In accordance with
this burden of proof, a trial court is required to specifically
instruct a jury on all the elements of the offense. A jury instruction
is defective if it fails to set forth all the elements of the offense
- Debbie Baker:
In North Carolina, a traffic ticket or citation can also have a
detrimental effect upon your life. In many cases, your driving record
can also determine if you are hired for a job especially in fields that
require a person to drive on the job. The loss of your driving
privileges can have a financial effect upon your ability to provide
proper support for your family. Convictions for certain traffic
offenses such as DWI and Driving While License Revoked can result in a
loss of driving privileges as well as jail time depending upon your
prior driving record.
- Raleigh
- Sanford
- Harrington, Gilleland & Winstead:
North Carolina is an implied consent state. This means that by
obtaining a North Carolina driver's license, a driver impliedly
consents to submit to a breathalyzer test when requested. Drivers who
refuse to take a breathalyzer automatically loose their driving
privileges for a period of one year whether or not they are convicted
of DWI. We represent drivers who refuse breathalyzer tests and drivers
who registered a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher. Our DWI defense
attorneys have handled hundreds of drunk driving cases and helped to
reduce the impact of DWI charges on Sanford area drivers.
- Shelby
- Teddy & Meekins:
DWI refers to driving while impaired. Alcohol and/or prescription and
illegal drugs can cause this impairment. Under North Carolina law, a
DWI arrest can occur if you register .08 or greater in a blood or
breath test. Persons who are convicted or plead guilty to a DWI offense
must complete a substance abuse assessment and comply with any
recommended treatment as a condition for having his or her operator's
license restored at the end of the revocation period.
A DWI charge or conviction may result in a loss of license or limited
driving privileges. Ordinarily a person who is convicted of driving
while impaired suffers a loss of license following the conviction.
Limited driving privileges are not automatically granted, but if they
are allowed, they function as a restrictive license until the end of
the revocation period or until the time of trial.
- Smithfield
- Antoan M. Whidbee:
If
you have been arrested for DWI, DUI, or drunk driving, it may seem like
there is no hope for your situation. There are serious
consequences for a drunk driving charge. - If you are charged, you automatically lose your license for 30 days.
If convicted, you could lose your license for a year. You could lose a professional license (medical, dental, real estate, etc.). If you have a commercial driver’s license, you could lose it. Your insurance could go up drastically. If convicted, it will affect your professional and family life
- Mast Schulz Mast Mills Johnson & Wells:
Traffic offenses do not only include minor infractions and speeding
tickets; multiple lesser offenses can result in more serious charges
being brought against you, and modern legislative trends indicate that
certain offenses may receive harsher punishments in the future. Common
violations receiving more attention in the legislature include: Driving
while impaired Driving without a license, or with a suspended or
revoked license Violation of rental vehicle agreement Driving without
insurance or without adequate coverage Negligent or reckless driving
Hit-and-run, or leaving the scene of an accident
Most minor violations will not subject you to jail time, but simply
paying the fine is an admission of guilt, resulting often in a severe
increase in your insurance costs.
- South Port
- Gary Lawrence:
An experienced attorney can help keep you out of court and on the road with lower insurance rates.
- Statesville
- Hall, Patrick:
DWI Charges
The outcome of the case usually hinges on what happened when during your arrest. What facts do you recall? What questions did the officer ask you? Did you take a field sobriety test, like walking a straight line or closing your eyes and touching your nose? Did you take an Alco-sensor or breath test on the road? Did the officer ever say why they pulled you over? After your arrest, did you take an intoxilyzer test?
- Crosswhite & Crosswhite:
g pulled over and arrested for driving while impaired (DWI) can be a frightening and intimidating event. You may be confused as to your rights and responsibilities.
- Crosswhite, Edwards & Crosswhite:
Our drunk driving defense law firm is comprised of attorneys who bring
over 85 years of combined experience to our practice. We pride
ourselves on our ability to guide clients through the complex DWI
process efficiently and thoroughly. We readily address issues such as
insurance increases, fines, jail time for repeat offenders, and license
suspension.
If you have been charged with drunk driving, your license may be
suspended or revoked. Many people rely on the ability to drive in order
to earn a living. If your license has been suspended or revoked, we may
be able to help by obtaining a limited driving privilege. Our firm is
experienced and ready to help you with your drunk driving charge and
any other traffic offenses like speeding, reckless driving, and
uninsured driving.
- Mattox, Mallory & Associates: Most jurisdictions
in North Carolina do not plea bargain DWI charges at all. However,
there are steps that can be taken to reduce the consequences of
conviction. Taking these steps prior to your court date can save you
time (community service), money (fines imposed), and may make you
eligible for driving priveleges.
- Sylvia
- Ridenour, Lay & Earwood:
We are a full-service law firm dedicated to vigorously representing the
citizens of Western North Carolina and those visiting our area.
Our Primary areas of practice are Driving While Impaired (DWI) and
Criminal Defense; Real Estate and Real Property Litigation; & Local
Government Representation.
- Frank Lay:
Don't settle for a bad plea bargain. You have only one chance to
present your best case! Driving while impaired (DWI) cases are serious
matters which require an experienced and capable trial lawyer.
Under North Carolina law, a conviction of DWI carries major penalties,
including possible jail time, heavy fines, loss of driver's license and
other penalties.
But remember...arrest does not always mean conviction. The serious
penalties of a DWI conviction deserve a serious defense.
- Wilesboro
- Brewer & Brewer
If this is your first DWI in the past seven (7) years, we can usually
keep you driving with a Limited Privilege. If it is your second or
third DWI within 7 years, then you cannot get a Limited Privilege in
North Carolina.
- Wilmington
- Washington
- Sonia Privette:
Drinking and driving offenses are not taken lightly by the public or
the criminal justice system. Laws regarding DUI/DWI offenses are
constantly changing as well as the penalties associated with these
crimes. Therefore, it is imperative that anyone charged with a drunk
driving offense contact an experienced and competent attorney
immediately to ensure the preservation of their legal rights.
- Warsaw
- Reginald Kenan:
A jury is required to render a unanimous verdict in a criminal trial. If the jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict, the jury is considered to be a hung jury. A trial court must declare a mistrial in the event of a hung jury.
- Thompson & Thompson:
Due to the fact that citizen's arrest laws are state specific, few
general rules can be distilled from a survey of such laws. For
instance, while some states allow citizen's arrests where an individual
observes another engaged in a felony, others do not. Further, some
states limit a private citizen's right to make arrests by requiring the
arrest to have taken place at night. States also differ regarding what
level of force may be used against the detained individual. In
addition, some laws require that the citizen's actions be taken for the
purpose of aiding law enforcement.
Despite these differences, most states allow private citizens to place
others under arrest if both of the following elements are present: 1. A
crime was committed in the citizen's presence 2. The citizen has a
reasonable belief that the detained individual has committed a felony,
either in the presence of the citizen or otherwise.
- Washington
- Darrell Cayton:
DUI/DWI ’€“ Drinking and driving offenses are not taken lightly by the
public or the criminal justice system. Laws regarding DUI/DWI
offenses are constantly changing as well as the penalties associated
with these crimes. Therefore, it is imperative that anyone charged
with a drunk driving offense contact an experienced and competent
attorney immediately to ensure the preservation of their legal rights.
- Whispering Pines
- Morris Law Office:
THE NON-RESIDENT VIOLATOR COMPACT Just because you are a resident of
another state, do not make the mistake of thinking that the North
Carolina ticket will not follow you when you leave. North Carolina and
most other states and parts of Canada have joined together under the
Non-Resident Violator Compact. A suspended license or a ticket in one
state is reflected as a ticket or loss of license in every other state.
Also, if you ignore a ticket in North Carolina, you will likely later
find yourself unable to obtain a license in another state, or even
renew your license, until you have resolved the ticket here and had
your driving privileges in North Carolina restored. Most states also
exchange information under the National Driver License Compact to
prevent drivers from receiving multiple tickets in different states
without triggering enforcement action.
North Carolina is a member of the Nonresident Violator Compact and a
license suspension or serious ticket in any member state equals a
ticket or loss of license in ALL 44 member states. Nonmembers as of
January 1996 are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Michigan,
Montana, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington, and Wisconsin. If your
license is suspended in North Carolina, you cannot obtain a license in
any of the member states until your privilege to drive in North
Carolina is restored.
- Willmington
- Wilson
- Thomas and Ferris:
Breathalyzer tests hold more weight with judges if they register at 0.08 or higher in spite of their known shortcomings and errors. The gap between how juvenile DWI's are treated as opposed to adult DWI's is starting to close as well.
- Winston-Salem
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