Carolina Law BlogFinding the right lawyer for your DWI charges
If you have been charged with driving while impaired (DWI), it is important to know that there are many possible consequences. You may be facing jail time, fines and fees, license suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, community service hours, and more.
Our experienced DWI lawyers can help guide you through the process. We will fight hard to protect your rights and explain your legal options. With
DWI charges, we think it’s important to pay careful attention to detail.
At the Powers Law Firm P.A., we understand how stressful these charges can be on our clients’ lives – which is why we work hard to make sure you feel comfortable as possible throughout the entire legal process. We want to answer your questions and provide reliable legal advice.
Let us put our experience to work for you today by calling 704-342-4357 now!
What does a DWI lawyer do?
A DWI lawyer will review all of the facts in your case and provide knowledgeable legal guidance. That may include reviewing Field Sobriety Test results, lab reports, breath test readings, and the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).
Deciding whether to plead guilty or not guilty is a big deal. DWI cases deserve the attention of lawyers with substantial, real-world courtroom experience – Bill Powers, Charlotte DWI Lawyer
The DWI laws in North Carolina have become pretty complicated. It helps to understand what you face and whether your license will be revoked.
We also answer questions like:
- What’s the difference between DUI and DWI?
- Is Driving While Impaired the same thing as “drunk driving?”
- Can I get my case dismissed if I have a clean record?
- Can I get my charges reduced to reckless driving?
- Will the State negotiate a plea deal?
- Is DWI a misdemeanor or felony in North Carolina?
Your DUI DWI lawyer helps prepare you for your best-case, worst-case scenarios.
We will make sure you fully understand the consequences of your charges and how we can help.
Will my case go to trial?
DWI lawyers prepare for trial by thoroughly reviewing all aspects of their client’s case in order to determine whether any errors were made during the stop and arrest process.
If there was an error made with regard to probable cause, it is possible that the charges could be dismissed entirely. Obviously, each impaired driving fact pattern is unique. That’s why it’s important to review things like the charging officer affidavit, the Driving While Impaired Report (DWIR), arrest reports and narratives, and summaries of the DWI charges.
We carefully consider whether filing a Motion to Suppress or Motion to Dismiss is appropriate given the allegations mae by the charging officer. Facts matter and can be the key to an effective defense against the charges – Bill Powers, DWI Defense Attorney
What should I look for when hiring an attorney?
When deciding which DWI lawyer in Charlotte, North Carolina, to hire, it is important that you choose someone who has experience handling cases similar to yours. The more detail the criminal defense attorney can provide about their previous legal history with these types of charges, the better.
It is important to understand not all lawyers defend DWI charges. Indeed, some lawyers specialize in criminal defense, while others may focus their practice in different areas of law like divorce or car accidents or wills and estates.
When looking for a DWI lawyer, it is more than appropriate to ask things like:
- When was the last time to took DWI charges in Charlotte to trial?
- What experience do you have handling impaired driving cases in Mecklenburg County?
- How long have you been practicing law?
- When was the last time you filed a Motion to Suppress?
- When was the last time you filed a Motion to Dismiss?
- What is your familiarity with Standardized Field Sobriety Tests?
Defending DWI charges – How much does it cost?
The first thing you’ll want to think about when hiring a DWI lawyer is what sort of fee agreement will be worked out between both parties involved. You should discuss this in-depth during your initial consultation so there are no surprises after receiving an estimate from the attorney’s office before proceeding further with any work done on your behalf.
What questions do I need answered by my DWI Lawyer?
It may be helpful to have a list of questions prepared for your DWI Lawyer. During the initial consultation, you will get an opportunity to ask questions about the charges and arrest, along with what sort of outcome can be expected if you are found guilty or plead guilty in court.
What happens after I make my first appointment?
After discussing all aspects of your case and having them explained thoroughly by one our experienced attorneys, it’s important to schedule regular check-ups on how things are progressing throughout each stage involved before arriving at a final verdict from the judge presiding over your case.
Even if you plan to plead guilty, there are important steps to take. That may include things like obtaining an Alcohol Assessment and following the recommended treatment, preparing a Limited Driving Privilege (if eligible), and having proof of the right insurance forms, like a DL-123.
When should I hire a lawyer?
If you have been charged with a DWI in Charlotte, North Carolina, it is important to know that there are many possible consequences. We think it makes sense to hire a lawyer right away.
There can be timing and filing requirements involved with DWI charges. It’s important to request the arrest video or BWC – Body Worn Camera, if one exists. If there is a possibility of challenging the Civil Revocation, that must be done within a certain number of days of being charged.
The sooner we get to work on preparing your defense, the better.
Your first consultation with our DWI lawyers in Charlotte, North Carolina will be free of charge! At this initial meeting, we can explain how things work and what you can expect from us as your defense attorneys.
What happens if I am convicted of DWI?
When you are facing misdemeanor charges in Charlotte, North Carolina of driving while impaired or Driving While Impaired (DWI), there is a chance that the courts could find evidence of Grossly Aggravating Factors or Aggravating Factors.
If this is the case, you may be facing jail time and fines.
Our DWI lawyers can help explain your options – including helping with sentencing negotiations if possible or taking your case before a jury at trial.
Can I go to jail?
Of course, jail time is a possible penalty for convictions of driving while impaired or Driving While Impaired (DWI). If convicted and evidence of Grossly Aggravating Factors exists, you may be facing the maximum sentencing guidelines allowed by law.
The court can also order fines and fees – which could add up to thousands of dollars in fines, court costs, and more.
Our DWI attorneys can help explain your possible penalties so you know what to expect ahead of time – including the possibility for jail time if convicted.
Will I be able to drive?
If you are convicted of driving while impaired or Driving While Impaired (DWI), it is likely that your license will be suspended for a period. This could last anywhere from 30 days to several years depending on the circumstances and severity of your case – which our DWI lawyers can explain in detail during free consultations, so we urge you to call us at the number listed above.
What is DWI?
In North Carolina, Driving While Impaired (DWI) is defined as operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an impairing substance.
When you are pulled over and suspected of driving while impaired or Driving While Impaired (DWI), it’s likely that you’ll be asked to complete some tasks such as standing on one foot or reciting the alphabet.
If you are unable to successfully complete these tasks, this can be used as evidence in court that you were under the influence of an impairing substance when driving your car – which is why hiring a DWI lawyer in Charlotte, North Carolina is so important if facing charges of Driving While Impaired (DWI).
What is a Limited Driving Privilege?
If your license is suspended due to a DWI conviction, you may be eligible for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP) – which means that the court could allow you to drive under certain conditions.
The state can limit or restrict this privilege if necessary and it will only last while your suspension remains in effect. The terms of your LDP will depend on the circumstances of your case and whether you are eligible for a hardship license.
Your DWI lawyers in Charlotte, North Carolina can help explain what to expect if you have been charged with Driving While Impaired (DWI) or other offenses related to operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol – including DUI, drugged driving, or DWI.
If you’d like to learn more about your options and how we can help with a Driving While Impaired (DWI) charge in Charlotte, North Carolina, please contact us at the number listed above for a free consultation!
What is a DUI?
A Driving Under the Influence (DUI), or Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUIA), is defined as operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an impairing substance. In most cases involving alcohol-related charges such as this one – it’s likely that police officers will conduct field sobriety tests during which they may ask you to stand on one foot or recite the alphabet among other tasks.
We’d like to help with your DWI charge in Charlotte, North Carolina!
Thank you for reading our blog! If you have questions about what to expect if charged with Driving While Impaired or Driving Under the Influence, please contact us at (704)-342-4357!