DUI/DWI

How Do DWI Breath Tests Work?

Published on: February 15, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Do DWI Breath Tests Work?

Driving while impaired (DWI) is a serious offense. DWI generally refers to driving while under the influence of alcohol, but it can also pertain to drugs. If you are stopped by law enforcement, they will want to assess you for impairment and determine whether you are over the legal drinking limit. The legal limit in North Carolina is 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The police will utilize field sobriety tests to evaluate impairment. They will also use breath tests to measure your BAC level.

What is BAC?

Types of Sobriety Tests

Published on: February 1, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Types of Sobriety Tests

Law enforcement takes drunk driving very seriously. North Carolina law restricts driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. When police officers pull a vehicle over for a traffic stop, they may think that the driver is intoxicated. Field sobriety tests are the method that officers use to try to determine whether a driver is over the legal drinking limit. Tests are done with a driver to assess their level of impairment. Many people wonder what types of sobriety tests are used and whether they must comply with a request to complete them.

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests

Habitual Impaired Driving in North Carolina

Published on: November 30, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Habitual Impaired Driving in North Carolina

Driving while impaired or intoxicated is an offense that law enforcement officers take seriously. The laws and penalties are designed to deter people from driving while intoxicated. A DWI conviction could result in a sentence that includes jail time, fines, community service, alcohol education classes, probation, and suspension of your driving privileges.

The penalties for DWI increase substantially for repeat offenses. Habitual impaired driving will result in the revocation of your driver’s license, among other penalties. If you were charged with a repeat offense of DWI, it is important to actively fight the charges with help from an experienced DWI attorney in North Carolina.

How Can I Get My Driving Privileges Back After a DWI?

Published on: October 12, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Do I have to perform the field sobriety tests when I’m pulled over for DWI in NC?”

Driving while impaired, DWI, is a serious charge. If you are convicted, you will have some penalties, including the loss of your driving privileges for a period of time. If you are unable to drive, you will likely face many hardships in your life. You will have trouble getting to and from work, so your livelihood might be impacted. It will be difficult to get to doctor’s appointments and driving to stores. You will not be able to drive your children to school. There are some instances that might allow you limited driving privileges.

NTSB Proposes Blood Alcohol Measurement Devices in All New Vehicles

Published on: September 27, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Is there more than one way for police to charge a person with DWI?”

NTSB Proposes Blood Alcohol Measurement Devices in All New Vehicles

DWI in North Carolina: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Published on: August 3, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers callers’ questions during a 30-minute radio interview with the Legal Forum. Recorded in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

Driving while impaired, DWI is a severe offense in North Carolina and elsewhere. If you are found guilty of DWI charges, you could face severe penalties, including jail time, fines, education, community service, and more. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a new campaign targeting the end of summer. The new initiative is called “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and aims to educate drivers about the negative impact of driving while impaired.

DWI Sentencing Factors in North Carolina

Published on: June 15, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What happens if I am convicted of a DUI or DWI in Charlotte North Carolina?”

DWI, driving while impaired, is a serious charge. When a driver is stopped for DWI, they can expect to perform some roadside field sobriety tests and breathe into a breathalyzer device. If police officers believe that you are demonstrating signs of impairment, you will likely be arrested for DWI. If you are charged with DWI you will be facing a wide range of penalties if you are convicted. A knowledgeable DWI attorney will help protect your rights and will craft a defense to charges through the legal process.

What’s The Difference Between a Misdemeanor DWI And a Felony DWI?

Published on: May 4, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What steps should I be taking outside legal guidance to help my DWI case?”

Driving while impaired, DWI, is also known as drunk driving. Driving while impaired simply means operating a motor vehicle while you have a diminished or loss of capacity. Impairment is most often due to alcohol intoxication, but it may also include impairment due to illegal drugs or prescription medications. DWI is a serious offense and if found guilty, you could face numerous penalties that may harm you and your family for many years to come. If you were charged with DWI you will want to fight the charges with help from a qualified DWI attorney in North Carolina.

Breathalyzer Tests – FAQ

Published on: April 6, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Are breath test results always accurate?”

Police commonly use breathalyzer tests to determine whether a driver is impaired. In North Carolina, the legal alcohol limit is 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC). If you are found to have a BAC higher than 0.08% you could be arrested and charged with driving while impaired (DWI). It is helpful to understand breathalyzer tests so you know your rights if you get stopped by law enforcement.

Can I Fight DWI Charges in North Carolina?

Published on: March 2, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “How can an attorney help me with my DWI?”

It can happen to almost anyone. You are on your way home when you are stopped by police. A typical traffic stop can turn into DWI charges rather quickly. Suddenly, you find yourself in a difficult and terrifying situation. DWI, driving while impaired, is a serious charge. If convicted, you could face serious penalties that might impact every aspect of your life for years to come. When faced with this situation you may wonder what options are available to you and whether you can fight DWI charges. A skilled DWI attorney in North Carolina will assist you in defending these serious charges and help you resolve the matter as favorably as possible.