DWI Penalties
Fayetteville DWI Attorney Explains North Carolina Penalties
A driving while intoxicated (DWI) arrest is a situation that can be frightening and stressful for anyone involved. Many factors are considered when the court is determining the penalties for an offender's alleged charge. Basic penalties for a DWI in North Carolina can be severe with or without aggravating factors added to the charges. North Carolina carries an implied consent law, which means that refusal to submit to a chemical test will automatically result in a fine and license suspension. If you have been arrested for a DWI in the state of North Carolina, it is important to speak with a Fayetteville DWI attorney from our firm right away.
First-time DWI offenders can face a minimum jail sentence of 24 hours, a $200 fine and driver's license suspension for up to a year. Refusal to submit to a breath test will likely increase the offender's penalties. First-time offenders are not typically required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicles. An IID is a breathalyzer that is connected to the vehicle's dashboard. A DWI offender's vehicle will not start without establishing that the driver has a legal blood alcohol content (BAC) level.
Individuals who are charged with a second offense can face penalties including a minimum jail time of four days and a license suspension of between one and four years. Such penalties can be applied to offenders whose second DWI came within three years of the first. An interlock ignition device may also be required for the vehicle of the arrested driver. DWI penalties for a third offense can include a minimum jail sentence of 14 - 30 days, heavy fines, and driver's license suspension for anywhere from 1 year life. If the offender's license is restored, the offender may be required to install an ignition interlock device onto the dashboard of their vehicle.
DWI Defenses
As your Fayetteville DWI lawyer, we can provide you with a solid defense to help you against the charges you are facing. As your lawyer, we can also help you restore your driver's license if it has been suspended. Since 1993, our firm's lead attorney has been providing legal defense to people accused of drunk driving, and our firm has been helping local residents throughout Fayetteville, North Carolina since 2000. We can use our knowledge, resources and skills to help you obtain the best outcome available. Contact the Plyler Law Firm, P.A. today!
