Driving under the influence

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.

Driving While Intoxicated in North Carolina: What Residents Should Know

Published on: August 4, 2021 | 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?”

Every year, millions of Americans relax and unwind with an alcoholic beverage. Sometimes a person’s inhibitions will be lowered when they consume too much alcohol, to the point that their executive functions lower significantly. When these individuals then attempt to get behind the wheel and drive, the result can be accidents that cause severe injuries to themselves and other drivers, as well as serious criminal charges.

Hit a Pedestrian When Driving? Why You Need to Stay on the Scene

Published on: June 16, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What are the long term effects of being convicted of a crime?”

Driving a car is a fairly enjoyable activity that most of us do to save time and avoid using crowded public transportation. However, nobody has ever promised that being behind the wheel was going to be an easy or safe thing. Like everything in life, it comes with risks.

Can You Reduce a DWI Charge to Reckless Driving in North Carolina?

Published on: June 24, 2020 | 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?”

In North Carolina, as in many other states, being charged with driving while impaired (DWI) is a serious offense that carries harsh penalties, including fines and even a potential jail sentence. Many of those who have been charged with DWI in North Carolina are wondering if it is possible to reduce the charge to a less serious offense, such as reckless driving.

You Need an Attorney to Help Fight a DUI

Published on: April 17, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?”

Getting behind the wheel when you are under the influence of alcohol or other impairing substance is illegal and incredibly dangerous. Those who are caught driving under the influence face some serious penalties. If you have been drinking, the best thing to do is to give your keys to someone else or otherwise get a ride home. However, if you find yourself facing a charge for driving under the influence (DUI), an experienced DUI attorney can help you obtain the best result possible. You might wonder if it is necessary to hire an attorney to fight the DUI charge, the answer is yes. An attorney can be extremely helpful for a variety of reasons.

Can I Get a DWI Without Drinking Alcohol?

Published on: January 30, 2019 | 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?”

We have all heard of a driving under influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI). Additionally, most associate both a DUI and a DWI with drinking too much alcohol and getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. In North Carolina, DUIs and DWIs are often thought of as the same thing and used interchangeably. Did you know that is it not just alcohol that can result in a DUI or DWI charge? Driving under the influence of drugs can also result in a DWI or DUI charge.

Lyft Driver Receives DUI in Fatal Crash

Published on: June 13, 2018 | 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?”

Elizabeth Renter was driving for the rideshare service Lyft in Illinois when she got into an accident that killed her passenger. Renter was charged with a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of a drug. Travis Anderson was the driver of the car that crashed into the Lyft driver, and was also found to be under the influence, according to The Patch.

Depending on how they are used, self-administered breath tests may be valuable

Published on: January 27, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI and Criminal Defense Attorney J. Bradley Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “Are breath test results always accurate?”

New, portable breath-testing machines sold by Breathometer, Inc. and other companies are making waves in the public marketplace, particularly among college-aged and twenty-something adults. Users of the device in North Carolina should beware: it will probably not help you if you are pulled over for drunk driving.

What is it?

In plain terms, the Breathometer and the newer “Breeze” products are portable, handheld devices that people can use to test their own breath-alcohol content. Entrepreneur Charles Michael Yim founded Breathometer, Inc. in 2012 in order “to build the world’s first portable breath analysis platform to help people make smarter decisions, improve healthcare and save lives.”

The original Breathometer machine plugged directly into the audio jack of a smartphone. The latest “Breeze” product works in a similar fashion, using “a next-generation electrochemical fuel cell sensor[.]” It is an “FDA registered, law-enforcement grade product,” according to Breathometer, Inc.