DWI Defense Attorneys

A criminal conviction in North Carolina brings consequences that extend well beyond the sentence imposed by the court. Whether the offense is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony, the effects are not limited to fines, probation, or incarceration. A conviction can create long-term barriers that may affect your ability to find housing, secure employment, continue your education, or avoid harsher penalties if you’re ever charged again.

These long-term consequences are sometimes referred to as “collateral consequences,” but that term can understate how directly they affect everyday life. The legal process may end with a sentence, but the consequences of a conviction often continue well beyond the courtroom. Understanding those effects is important for anyone facing criminal charges, whether that involves a DUI charge in Mecklenburg or allegations of a crime like theft, such as larceny.

At Powers Law Firm, we provide thoughtful and compassionate legal representation to clients facing impaired driving charges and serious felony allegations in the Charlotte metro area, including Mecklenburg, Iredell, Union, Gaston, Lincoln, and Rowan counties. To find out if we’re available to assist with your case, call 704-342-4357 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Witnesses with specialized knowledge beyond that of a jury may in appropriate circumstances provide “expert testimony” in North Carolina. DWI (Driving While Impaired) charges in North Carolina regularly include evidence like breathalyzer results, blood tests, and standardized field sobriety tests.

Given the scientific, forensic, and at times highly technical aspects of impaired driving cases, testimony may include qualification in court of expert witnesses and consideration of NC Rule of Evidence 702 (the rule governing experts and expert testimony). In some circumstances, the formal process of qualification is not required if the police officer is certified by the State of North Carolina as a DRE – Drug Recognition Expert. It can, frankly, prove to be a complicated area of law.

At Powers Law Firm, our attorneys understand the impact that credible experts can have in DWI trials and how critical it is to get reliable evidence before the finder of fact. That may entail both challenging the State’s attempts to tender a police officer as an “expert” and introducing a defense expert to counter the conclusion of the State’s witness and their expert testimony.

Articles Tagged with DWI Defense Attorneys

The Real Cost of a Criminal Conviction in North Carolina

The Role of Expert Testimony in North Carolina DWI Cases