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Who is the Best DUI Lawyer in Charlotte?
Getting arrested for DWI in Charlotte often involves more than doing field sobriety tests, blowing into the “breathalyzer,” and a long night at the Mecklenburg County Intake Center (jail).
The fallout from an arrest can extend beyond the court system and NCDMV. There is a social stigma associated with allegations of impaired driving.
The presumption of innocence doesn’t always apply in the court of public opinion or change what friends and family think after an arrest.
It can be embarrassing for an employer to see your mugshot online. A lot of people don’t understand DWI is not the same thing as “drunk driving.”
Indeed, there are a lot of misconceptions about impaired driving in North Carolina. People are concerned about consequences of a conviction and want to make sure they get reliable legal advice.
As such, it’s not unexpected that the search phrase, “Who is the best DUI lawyer in Charlotte?” is popular.
Navigating the DUI DWI Legal System in NC
While the defense attorneys at Powers Law Firm PA have an opinion on the subject, we think it’s important to first provide some context.
Will My License be Revoked?It’s extremely important to understand no two cases are exactly alike. Whether your license has or will be revoked for an allegation of DWI in NC depends on a series of different factors including things like:
- Was the BAC a .08 or higher?
- Did you Willfully Refuse?
- Do you have a Commercial Driver’s License?
Your driver’s license and ability to legally operate a motor vehicle is extremely important.
There may be legal options available to challenge the civil, administrative revocation in Charlotte. Certain drivers may be eligible for a Pre-Trial Limited Driving Privilege or what some people call a “hardship license.”
Some people arrested can have additional headaches involving their NCDMV license (or a driver’s license issued in another state) if they refused to give a breath or blood sample and DMV receives notice of a Willful Refusal.
"It tends to be complicated. Not every person charged with DWI in Charlotte immediately loses their license or is subject to a 30-day revocation. That is especially true in cases involving blood draws."
- Bill Powers, Charlotte DWI Lawyers
That’s one reason we believe it imperative to immediately speak with legal counsel to determine what NC DWI laws apply (or may not apply) in your individual matter, particularly as it relates to your driver’s license.
The NC DWI Quick Reference Guide
There are time-limitations for challenging a civil revocation and requesting a hearing. It’s also important to consider eligibility for a pretrial limited privilege and what needs to be done to challenge a willful refusal, if that’s appropriate.
We think it’s best not to wait to talk to an experienced DWI lawyer in Charlotte. Even if court is months away, license issues often take priority after an arrest for DWI. We believe it’s crucial to act immediately to prepare a defense, gather important materials and/or evidence, and to answer legal questions.
Can I Get a Hardship License?There are a lot of conditions precedent associated with the issuance of a “hardship license” or “work privilege” or “paper license.” We understand what people are generally talking about when they use those terms.
"We’re more than willing to discuss eligibility for a Pre-Trial Limited Privilege and what’s necessary to file with the Court."
- Bill Powers, Charlotte DUI Lawyer
At the same time, sometimes a Limited Driving Privilege isn’t the best or most appropriate legal option. There are some circumstances when the civil revocation itself may be challenged.
If the revocation is set aside on legal grounds, NCDMV is Ordered may amend its records, remove the 30-day Civil Revocation from the driving record and immediately reinstate the driver’s license without further restriction.
Again, each case is different. Facts matter.
If you have questions about your driver’s license in North Carolina and want to know whether you can drive after a DWI arrest in Charlotte (or elsewhere in North Carolina), we think it’s a really good idea to immediately consult with legal counsel.
Time may be of the essence.
For DWI charges in Charlotte (and for impaired driving allegations in North Carolina), our law firm does not charge a consultation fee. It costs nothing to call our DWI defense lawyers and ask some questions.
To be clear, while eligible to help people throughout the entire Pine State, sometimes we think it best to refer inquiries to other lawyers or law firms.
The Powers Law Firm is not a lawyer referral service. We never charge a referral fee.
We want to help people; sometimes helping involves recommending another lawyer or law firm if we can.
Is There Such a Thing as a “Best DUI Lawyer in Charlotte?”
We think there are a lot of excellent DWI defense lawyers in North Carolina.
Given the all-too-common aftermath of an arrest for DWI and the possible consequences of a conviction for impaired driving, clients want reliable legal advice.
We do not think there is a “best lawyer” or “best attorney.” Lawyers have strengths and weaknesses, like anyone else. At the same time, we understand why people may start their Google search using those terms.
Is there a best flavor of ice cream? What’s the best type of barbecue? What’s the best church in Charlotte? Who is the best NASCAR driver? What’s best school in North Carolina? NC State? Carolina? ECU? Davidson?
Who decides what is best? Would your answers to any of those questions be the same for your best friend? Individual preferences and tastes affect what you and others think. Put simply, what’s “best” is subjective.
We think finding a lawyer involves (or at least it should) looking at more than Google reviews and relying on what complete strangers think.
Reviews on Google or YELP for legal services may or may not apply to the type of case or legal matter you have.
Google may be a good starting point; but, we think selecting legal representation deserves careful consideration of the training, experience, professional reputation, and demeanor of attorneys.
It’s just too important to proceed otherwise.
Your Case is Unique – What is Best for You and Your Needs?"I think it’s a good idea to give it the same level of care and attention you would in selecting a surgeon for an important medical procedure."
- Bill Powers, Charlotte DWI Lawyer
Here are some questions you might want to ask yourself about potential legal representation:
- What is important to me?
- What are my goals in hiring a lawyer?
- What do I hope to achieve in retaining legal counsel?
- Will my questions be fully answered?
- Will my lawyer take the time to explain things to me?
- What’s the best case and worst-case scenario?
- Will I be treated in a kind, friendly manner?
- Does experience matter?
We encourage you to research defense lawyers and their professional accomplishments.
Go beyond Google or Yelp. Look for a longstanding positive reputation in the legal community.
Has your lawyer held leadership positions in professional organizations like the North Carolina Advocates for Justice or the DUIDLA? Do they have any certifications or special training?
Bill Powers - Distinguished Service Award
Have they been recognized or won professional awards or been included in legal publications?
Do they regularly appear in court, arguing cases at trial? Do they teach Continuing Legal Education or assist law enforcement in training?
Do they publish legal materials?
We’re experienced DWI lawyers in Charlotte and regularly help people throughout North Carolina with complex DWI charges (both felony and misdemeanor allegations).
Attorney Bill Powers is a respected member of the legal community.
Check out our credentials. Do your homework.
And then call us for a free legal consultation. We’d love to hear from you.
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