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
- Hickory
- 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
- Sheffron Law Firm:
Reasonable Suspicion:
* Did the officer have a legal reason to stop you? The officer cannot pull you over just because he/she feels like it. The officer must have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to believe you have broken the law.
*Did the officer have probable cause to arrest you? The officer cannot arrest you without probable cause. The odor of alcohol is generally not enough to satisfy the Courts.
The officer may ask you to take various tests such as walking a straight-line, touching your nose, recite the alphabet, etc. The officer may also request you blow into a portable breathalyzer test. You don't have to comply with any of this. The officer will ask you if you have had anything to drink or consumed any illegal substances. You do not have to answer these questions. Based on the officer's opinion, he/she decides if you were probably (probable cause) driving while impaired / under the influence.
*Did the officer follow the rules? The officer is required to follow State law after your arrest. The officer must advise you of your rights prior to requesting you blow into the breathalyzer machine (intoxilyzer 5000). He/she must advise you of your right to not blow. In addition to other rights, the officer must advise you of your right to have a witness present for the test, allow you access to a telephone. If you refuse to blow or refuse to give a blood sample you will lose your license for one year even if you're found not guilty.
Punishment:
* If you are found guilty or plead guilty:
The maximum sentence the Judge may impose is 24 months in prison & a maximum fine of $4,000.00 for a non-habitual DUI.
Habitual DUI (4th DUI in ten years) carries
enhanced punishment in such cases the Judge may impose a maximum sentence of 59 months in prison.
- 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.
- High Point
- Kreager, Alex:
traffic tickets, criminal law, child custody, divorce law, family law, personal injury
- Hillsborough
- Hill, Ralph:
If you have received a traffic ticket or been arrested for DWI or DUI, you want an experienced lawyer to advocate for you. Traffic violations can be costly and can lead to a substantial increase in your insurance premiums, or the loss of driving privileges. If you have been charged with drunk driving, you can face significant fines or even jail time, in addition to the suspension or revocation of your drivers license.
- 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
- Barnes, Grimes, Bunce & Fraley:
You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
- Lillington
- Louisberg
- Thompson, Jeffrey:
If you have been arrested and charged with drunk driving, you may be experiencing fear, anxiety and uncertainty, especially if this is your first offense. You may worry that you will lose your license for a lengthy period of time, that you will face substantial fines, or that you may even end up in jail. You want an experienced and attentive attorney, one who will answer all of your questions, one you can trust to protect your interests and help you make informed decisions.
- Lumberton
- Hunt, Jonathan:
There are many ways of defending a drunk driving charge.
* Illegal police checkpoints
* Lack of probable cause
* Inaccurate field sobriety testing
* Inadmissible breath test results
* Failure to issue Miranda warnings
* Improper police conduct
- Manteo
- Wheles & Wheless:
Drinking and driving can result in very serious penalties.
- Mebane
- Maitland Law Firm:
DWI/DUI
Recent changes to the law in North Carolina have increased the penalties for a DWI/DUI conviction. In addition to the criminal case, there is also an administrative process.
- 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
- North Wilkesboro
- Burke, William:
If you are convicted of a driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated (DUI/DWI) offense, your life will be significantly changed. A conviction may result in large fines and jail time, as well as the social stigma that goes along with drunk or impaired driving. Your insurance rates will increase dramatically and you will lose your driver's license, at least temporarily, making it difficult to get to and from work.
When you have been charged with a DUI/DWI offense, or other traffic violation, you need an experienced law firm to make sure your rights are protected.
- 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.
- Scotland Neck
- Dudley, Janet:
DUI/DWI cases stem from the arrest of an individual for operating a motor vehicle while having a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) over the limit prescribed by law. Penalties can include fines, driver's license suspension or revocation, mandatory attendance at DUI schools, community service, probation, installation of a breath alcohol ignition interlock device, or a term of imprisonment. Additionally, individuals who refuse to submit to blood alcohol or field sobriety tests may also face criminal liability.
- Shallotte
- Chandler Law Firm:
If you have been arrested for a DUI/DWI matter, you have a lot at stake. It could cost you your driver's license, and a conviction could result in a jail sentence, fines, increased insurance rates and a criminal record that can follow you for the rest of your life. Likewise, a traffic violation -- from a speeding ticket or a charge of reckless driving -- can carry significant effects, especially if you have a prior record.
These charges are serious. Having the assistance of an experienced defense attorney on your side can make all the difference.
- 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
- South Port
- Gary Lawrence:
An experienced attorney can help keep you out of court and on the road with lower insurance rates.
- Statesville
- Sylvia
- Melrose, Seago & Lay:
Why should I hire an attorney for my DWI?
The North Carolina Driving While Impaired Statute is becoming increasing complicated. Sorting through potential constitutional, factual and technical defenses is a difficult thing to do. Remember, it is the District AttorneyÕs job to prosecute you to the fullest extent possible. Unless you have an attorney in court fighting for your rights, it is not a level playing fie.
- 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.
- Unknown
- Gast, Jason:
Traffic and Driving Violations
No matter what the driving offense, we can help provide you with low-cost, effective legal representation with the goal of minimizing the impact on your insurance. In some cases, we can appear on your behalf, without you having to attend court at all. Our goal is to take the hassle out of traffic court. We handle all kinds of driving charges, including:
Traffic and Driving Violations ¥ Speeding
¥ Expired Tags and Registration
¥ Driving With a Revoked License
¥ Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
¥ Reckless Driving
¥ Hit and Run
We can help you avoid expensive problems with the DMV and with your insurance company. Contact us for more detailed information.
- 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
- Yanceyville
- Daniel, George:
The penalties for Driving While Intoxicated are severe. If you or a loved one has been arrested, you need an experienced D.W.I. attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
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