March 30, 2019

Is Drunk Driving Enforced?

News outlets continue to report a spate of DUI wrecks in the Carolinas. Contrary to the narrative spun by senior law enforcement officials, ride-sharing apps like UBER and Lyft have not eliminated the dangers of alcohol-related wrecks and deaths in Charlotte.

Drunk driving fatalities have increased while the number of arrests and criminal charges have dropped, if not fallen off the cliff.

That’s not something you just “notice” without taking affirmative steps to remedy the problem. Enforcing the NC DWI laws is not a priority to senior leadership at CMPD.

December 1, 2018

DUI lawyers in Monroe NC

by Carolina Attorneys

What is DWI in NC? Is it drunk driving?

There is a fair amount of confusion in North Carolina about DWI charges. The general public may call that type of criminal charge different things like DUI, driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated, and even drunk driving.

Under the NC criminal laws, the offense is simply titled: Impaired Driving. It frankly can be a bit complicated, which adds to the level of confusion. What really matters is how you respond to the charges, not what they’re called.

June 29, 2018

Do I have to get a Ignition Interlock after DWI charges?

by Carolina Attorneys

Most people have heard of the ignition interlock device in NC. It’s also occasionally called the IID by the general public or even the Blow and Go or in-car breathalyzer. The interlock is a breath testing device that’s installed in your car that measures alcohol in your breath and electronically records the BAC reading.

Its purpose is to ensure you’re not drinking and driving. If you have alcohol on your breath, the vehicle won’t start. If you keep trying to start your car after consuming alcohol, eventually that will result in a “lock out” and possible administrative action by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

If you have questions about whether a “blow and go” is required, we recommend you speak to an experienced attorney immediately. Timing is often key in such matters.

January 6, 2018

Is Breathalyzer on the side of the road reliable?

by Carolina Attorneys

Is Breathalyzer on the side of the road reliable??

What kind of devices are out there?
What is the accuracy of the handheld breath test?

January 3, 2018

How Do They Test for Alcohol?

by Carolina Attorneys

How Do They Test for Alcohol?

How does a fuel cell work?
What do they test for?

December 30, 2017

NC DUI Checkpoint Law

by Carolina Attorneys

Checking Stations in Mecklenburg County

DWI Checkpoints are relatively common in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Many are established by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department CMPD pursuant to the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program.

It is a complicated area of law, controlled both by North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) 20-16.3A and appellate court case law.

September 25, 2017

North Carolina DUI Breath Test Intoxilyzer 5000

by Carolina Attorneys

North Carolina has several approved devices for DWI Evidentiary Breath Testing. The most commonly used machine is called the EC/IR II. An additional machine authorized under North Carolina law is the Intoxilyzer 5000.

Occasionally as attorneys we still see cases where the breath sample was collected by the Intoxilyzer; that is normally associated with cases where people may have been charged but failed to appear in court or otherwise abscond.

While it’s a good idea to be well-versed in the current technologies, it certainly does not hurt for your attorney to have a complete understanding of the older machinery and testing protocols – Bill Powers

September 25, 2017

Ignition Interlock

by Carolina Attorneys

Losing your driver’s license may be one of the penalties for a DWI conviction in North Carolina. That’s why it’s so important to hire an experienced DWI defense attorney like Bill Powers of the Law Offices of Powers Law Firm PA. As a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, Bill Powers focuses a substantial amount of time and effort into the defense of this area of law and understands how losing your license can affect your life. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, one option for keeping you on the road may be the installation of an ignition interlock device.

Check Out the NC DWI Quick Reference Guide Below for Approved Vendors and Ignition Interlock Devices in NC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cyJATAYYKc

June 25, 2017

How to prepare a Limited Driving Privilege in North Carolina

by Carolina Attorneys

License Suspended? Need to Drive? How to prepare a Limited Driving Privilege in North Carolina

Many people don’t realize the true value of a Driver’s License. . .until they lose it – Bill Powers

The North Carolina General Assembly gives the North Carolina Department of Transportation / Division of Motor Vehicles the authority to issue, revoke, and suspend Drivers Licenses in North Carolina.

January 9, 2017

NC Advocates for Justice – I’m Just Sayin’

by Carolina Attorneys

NC Advocates for Justice – I’m Just Sayin’

In North Carolina, ‘I’m Just Sayin’ means, I am going to speak the truth, even if it is not popular. It is, was, and always has been the truth – Bill Powers, President NCAJ

NCAJ Bill Powers President’s Column NCAJ