A driving while impaired (DWI) charge in North Carolina can raise immediate concerns about your driver's license, your job, and your future.
Here are answers to three common questions about DWI charges and what they may mean for you.
Can you be charged with DWI if your blood alcohol concentration is below 0.08%?
Yes. North Carolina's impaired driving law is not limited to drivers whose blood alcohol concentration reaches 0.08%.
A driver may face a DWI charge when evidence indicates impairment by alcohol or another impairing substance, even if the reported alcohol concentration is below the legal threshold.
The circumstances of the traffic stop, officer observations, and chemical testing evidence may all be important to the case.
Can you lose your license before a DWI conviction?
Yes, under certain circumstances.
North Carolina law allows a civil license revocation in qualifying impaired driving cases before the criminal charge is resolved. The applicable requirements and procedures depend on the circumstances.
Because license restrictions can affect your ability to work and meet daily responsibilities, it is important to understand your options promptly.
Can field sobriety tests be challenged?
Field sobriety tests are used by law enforcement officers to evaluate possible impairment, but the results are not necessarily conclusive.
Medical conditions, physical limitations, environmental factors, and how the tests were administered may affect performance.
An attorney can review the circumstances surrounding the stop, the testing procedures, and other evidence to determine which issues may be relevant to your defense.
What should you do after a DWI arrest?
A DWI charge can affect your driving privileges, finances, and employment. Understanding the legal process and possible consequences can help you make informed decisions.
Gerber, Green & Principe represents individuals facing DWI and other North Carolina criminal charges.
Contact our attorneys to discuss your situation and the next steps.
