Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Blog
Do I Have to Enroll in a Treatment Program After a DWI?
Driving while impaired (DWI) is a serious charge, and if you are convicted, you will face some penalties. When you get pulled over and subsequently charged with DWI, you may feel as though your life will never be the same again. In some ways, a DWI conviction will seriously impact your life. You may have your driving privileges suspended, making it harder to get to and from work. You might face some jail time, and you will likely have to pay some fines. In addition, you may need to attend a treatment program.
What is a Treatment Program?
There are various types of treatment programs for drug or alcohol abuse. These programs may be either in-patient or out-patient. They are often called rehab programs. In-patient programs typically require you to remain at a facility for a period of time, which is usually at least 30 days or longer. Out-patient treatment programs are designed for those who cannot attend an in-patient facility. Some people also transition from an in-patient program into an out-patient program. There are also alcohol or drug education programs that provide you with information. The court may order you to attend a program as a condition of your probation.
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What am I obligated to do if I’ve been pulled for Drinking and Driving?”
Should I Enroll in a Treatment Program Myself?
It may be in your best interest to enroll in a treatment program on your own. When you do so, you are showing the court that you acknowledge the problem and are taking steps to resolve it. This may go a long way in court and might help to resolve your case in a more favorable manner as long as you complete the treatment. It is important to make sure that your treatment program does not interfere with your attendance at required court hearings. It is best to discuss the situation with your attorney to determine the options that are available to you.
What is Deferred Prosecution?
North Carolina has a deferred prosecution program for which some defendants may qualify. The program allows the state to defer prosecution under the condition that you will attend a treatment program. A deferred prosecution agreement takes place before a guilty plea or trial. To qualify, the charges must be misdemeanors or low-level felonies. The defendant must not have any prior convictions and the judge must determine that the person is unlikely to commit additional crimes. The state will drop or reduce the charges upon successful completion of the treatment program.
A DWI conviction can have a long-term negative impact on your life. It could make it more difficult to get an apartment, get accepted into college, or even get a job. If you are charged with DWI, you will want to do everything possible to fight the charges and to try to reduce or eliminate them. A skilled DWI attorney will assist you with your defense and make sure that your rights are protected in the process. To get the legal help you need, do not delay. Contact us today at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 for a free initial consultation.
The criminal defense attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC make it their mission to zealously defend their clients on a wide range of criminal matters at both the state and federal levels. These matters may include any charge from traffic offenses; DWI/DUI; drug charges (from simple possession to possession with intent to distribute and trafficking); gun permit denials; weapons offenses; and property crimes (larceny, breaking and entering, robbery, fraud, embezzlement, white collar offenses); to sexually related offenses (indecent exposure; sexual assault, crimes against nature, removal from sex offender registry); and violent crimes (domestic violence; assault; manslaughter; homicide, murder). Other legal issues that Arnold & Smith, PLLC criminal clients may be facing include restraining orders, restraining order and probation violations, expungements; appeals; and immigration issues related to criminal charges. Our criminal defense attorneys are passionate about ensuring that individuals empower themselves by being informed about their constitutional rights, and stand at the ready to fight in the defense of those facing criminal charges.
Source:
ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_15a/gs_15a-1341.html
Image Credit:
Anti Alcohol and Drugs Free Photo Download | FreeImages
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