public intoxication

What Happens If I Refuse to Take a DWI Test?

Published on: June 26, 2024 | Matthew R. Arnold, Esq.

What Happens If I Refuse to Take a DWI Test?

DWI can happen to almost anyone. You had a few drinks at dinner or have been out with friends and feel that you are not drunk. You get behind the wheel, and suddenly, you are stopped by the police. Although you may have been pulled over for a traffic infraction, the police think you might be impaired and ask you to step out of the car. Now you find that you are being asked to perform field sobriety tests and are asked to take a breathalyzer test.

What is a Breathalyzer Test?

Five Things to Know About DWI in North Carolina

Published on: May 8, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Five Things to Know About DWI in North Carolina

Driving while impaired, DWI, is a serious offense and if you are convicted, you could face serious penalties. A DWI conviction can limit your ability to get a job or find an apartment and can increase your car insurance rates. If you are facing a DWI you will want to vigorously defend the charges with help from an experienced DWI attorney. Here are five important things to know about DWI in North Carolina.

The Legal Limit is 0.08% BAC

How Can I Beat DUI Charges in North Carolina?

Published on: April 17, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Can I Beat DUI Charges in North Carolina?

DUI, driving under the influence, is a serious charge. In North Carolina, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered an impairment for adult drivers of passenger vehicles. The limit for commercial vehicle drivers is 0.04%. If you have been charged with DUI, you will want to take steps to vigorously defend yourself. If found guilty, your sentence could include fines, community service, license suspension, confinement, and more. Many people wonder what strategy they can use to beat DUI charges in North Carolina.

Levels of DWI in North Carolina

Consequences of DUI in North Carolina

Published on: March 20, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Consequences of DUI in North Carolina

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a serious charge and one that can have a negative impact on your future if you are convicted. In North Carolina, drivers aged 21 and over cannot drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher or while they are impaired by drugs. Punishments for DUI convictions are generally based on the severity of the situation and whether the driver has had previous offenses. Sentences can include fines, incarceration, probation, and a requirement to attend drug or alcohol classes. You may also face a period of suspension of your driver’s license.

DUI Charges and Penalties

Do I Need an Attorney for a First DWI Charge?

Published on: March 13, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Do I Need an Attorney for a First DWI Charge?

In North Carolina, the legal limit for a driver age 21 or older is 0.08% BAC. A driver with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more is considered impaired. If you are stopped by police and the officer thinks you might have been drinking, they will ask you to do some field sobriety tests and may ask you to take a breath test. You could face DWI charges. Driving while impaired, DWI is a serious charge and one that will negatively impact your life if you are found guilty. You will want to consult with an experienced DWI attorney as soon as possible.

https://youtu.be/2YsaLKA4NMo?si=9SJ85ZyLVQ9vrvqK

What are the Potential Penalties for DWI in North Carolina?

Published on: January 17, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are the Potential Penalties for DWI in North Carolina?

Driving while impaired (DWI) is a serious offense and one that comes with severe penalties if convicted. According to the North Carolina Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission, DWI sentencing is back to normal, pre-pandemic operations. In 2022, North Carolina courts imposed sentences for 26,333 DWI convictions. Various consequences for someone found guilty of DWI may include jail time, community service, alcohol assessment and treatment, court costs, and the loss of driving privileges. If you are facing DWI charges, you will want to strongly defend the charges with help from an experienced DWI attorney.

DWI Sentences

How Long Does a DWI Case Take in North Carolina?

Published on: December 20, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Long Does a DWI Case Take in North Carolina?

Driving while impaired (DWI) is essentially the same as driving under the influence (DUI). In North Carolina, as in other states, you could be criminally charged with DWI if you are found to be driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. As someone who generally stays out of trouble, this could be the first time you are facing criminal charges in North Carolina. The experience can be daunting, and the process can be somewhat lengthy. Unlike a simple traffic violation, a DWI case will proceed through the criminal court system. It is helpful to understand the DWI process.

Arrest and Arraignment

Law Enforcement Checkpoints: What to Do and What Not to Do

Published on: November 29, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Law Enforcement Checkpoints: What to Do and What Not to Do

The holidays are here, and that means that more people will be traveling on the roads. The police will be out in full force, ensuring traffic safety. In addition, law enforcement may utilize roadside checks to verify sobriety, especially during holiday celebratory times. The goal of checkpoints is to reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road. This, in turn, will reduce the number of accidents and injuries due to collisions.

What are Roadside Checkpoints?

Can I Get Criminal Charges Dismissed in Charlotte?

Published on: July 26, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can I Get Criminal Charges Dismissed in Charlotte?

Criminal charges can be devastating. If you are charged with a criminal infraction, the situation may consume your life. If you are found guilty, you could face some serious penalties that could have a long-term impact on your life. It is often best to vigorously defend yourself against criminal charges. In some cases, it may be possible to get some charges dismissed. A knowledgeable Charlotte criminal defense attorney will help protect your rights and defend against the charges.

Dismissing Evidence

What are the Best Strategies for Defending DWI Charges?

Published on: July 19, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are the Best Strategies for Defending DWI Charges?

Getting charged with DWI, driving while impaired, can be a daunting experience. You were likely driving along when you were stopped by the police. Suddenly, you find yourself at the side of the road, answering questions and performing some field sobriety tests. The next thing you know, you are in handcuffs, headed to the police station. DWI charges are serious, and if you are found guilty, you could face a number of severe penalties. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, there may be options for successfully defending DWI charges.

Was the Traffic Stop Legal?