DUI Tag Archives — Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Blog

When Can the Police Seize My Vehicle in North Carolina?

Published on: March 5, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

When Can the Police Seize My Vehicle in North Carolina?

Traffic stops happen on a daily basis and most drivers will get stopped at least once or twice during their lifetimes. While most traffic stops happen without incident, there are times when complications arise. In some cases, the police actually seize a vehicle as the result of criminal activity associated with the driver or owner. Many people wonder under what circumstances can the police take a vehicle?

https://youtu.be/sa5OZfKkLUM?si=fec86zsxDB0ty5RO

Restoring Your Driver’s License in North Carolina

Published on: February 12, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Restoring Your Driver’s License in North Carolina

Driving is an essential part of life. Without a driver’s license it is difficult to get to work, to school, go shopping, and take care of all your typical daily needs. Unfortunately, there are some circumstances that could result in a suspension of your driving privileges. When that happens, you will want to know how to restore your license. There are various reasons why your license was suspended. An experienced Charlotte attorney will help you restore your driver’s license in North Carolina.

Suspension For Failure to Appear

New Legislation Requires In-Vehicle Breathalyzers by 2026

Published on: January 10, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

New Legislation Requires In-Vehicle Breathalyzers by 2026

Impaired driving is an ongoing problem in every state. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately a million drunk driving arrests in the United States every year. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in North Carolina is 0.08%. If the police suspect you are driving while impaired, they may ask you to perform some field sobriety tests as well as take part in a breathalyzer test. If you are over the limit, you will likely be facing DWI charges in North Carolina.

What are Breathalyzer Tests?

Reckless Driving Charges in North Carolina

Published on: September 27, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Reckless Driving Charges in North Carolina

When you get behind the wheel of a vehicle you must follow the rules of the road. If you fail to adhere to the rules you might be pulled over and the officer may give you a traffic ticket. Most times, traffic infractions have penalties that include points against your license and fines. However, sometimes a moving violation is considered much more serious and therefore, it also has criminal penalties as well. If you are charged with reckless driving, you may need to seek legal help from a skilled criminal defense attorney in North Carolina.

What is Reckless Driving?

Do I Have to Enroll in a Treatment Program After a DWI?

Published on: September 6, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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?

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

Do I Need to Stop at a Sobriety Checkpoint?

Published on: November 16, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Do I Need to Stop at a Sobriety Checkpoint?

With the holidays at hand, more people are on the roadways traveling to and from family gatherings and company parties. This time of year, there is an increase in the number of DUI accidents and arrests. Law enforcement may utilize sobriety checkpoints to find drivers who are driving while intoxicated or under the influence. The legal limit in North Carolina is 0.08% BAC (blood alcohol concentration). If you are found to have a BAC at or higher than 0.08%, you could be charged with DWI in North Carolina.

What is a Sobriety Checkpoint?

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.