For months, your spouse has hinted that you have an alcohol problem. You wave it off until a police officer arrests you on a drunk driving charge. The incident has a dramatic and emotional impact.

Drunk driving can lead to harsh penalties, even if you aren’t far over the limit. What you may also not know is that you don’t have to be over the limit to be charged.

Many motorists may assume that the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) applies in all situations. Like most states, North Carolina observes federal guidelines when setting this figure. Yet, if you’re a commercial driver, underage or have multiple DWIs, you may be subject to different rules.