DWI Defense

North Carolina Lawyers Providing Strong DWI Defense

Finding yourself under arrest for DWI/DUI can be a frightening experience. Many worries may run through your mind. Will you have to spend time in jail? Will you lose your driver's license? Will your job be affected? Will you lose your automobile? It is true, the consequences of a DWI conviction can be severe, including:

DWI/Drunk Driving

• A DWI is another name for a DUI, Driving While Impaired, Driving under the Influence, or Drunk Driving.
• Impact of a DWI may include the following:
  • Job Loss
  • Active Jail Sentence
  • Termination of Insurance
  • Significant increase in insurance rate
  • Mandated Alcohol Treatment
  • Loss of Driver's License
  • Criminal Record
  • Impounded Automobile

FYI

• A DWI conviction costs, on average, more than $10,000 (According to the Wilmington Police Department).
• A DWI conviction can increase your insurance premium by 400%.
• A DWI conviction may result in the loss of your Driver's License.
• You may be eligible for a limited driving privilege. We can help you obtain an LDP.
• Students may face disciplinary action from their academic institutions ranging from academic probation to expunction from school.

North Carolina DWI Levels of Punishment:

• Level 5:
  Punishable by a fine up to $200 and a minimum jail sentence of 24 hours and a maximum of 60 days. A judge can suspend the sentence but upon the condition that the driver spend 24 hours in jail or performs 24 hours of community service
• Level 4:
  Punishable by a fine up to $500 and a minimum jail sentence of 48 hours and a maximum jail sentence of 120 days. A judge can suspend the sentence but upon the condition that the driver spend 48 hours in jail or performs 48 hours of community service
• Level 3:
  Punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and a minimum jail sentence of 72 hours and a maximum jail sentence of 6 months. A judge can suspend the sentence but upon the condition that the driver spend 72 hours in jail or performs 72 hours of community service
• Level 2:
  Punishable by a fine up to $2,000 and a minimum jail sentence of 7 days and a maximum of one year. A judge CANNOT suspend the minimum sentence.
• Level 1:
  Punishable by a fine up to $4,000 and a minimum jail sentence of 30 days and a maximum jail sentence of two years. A judge CANNOT suspend the minimum sentence.
  

Where Can You Turn for Help?

At Rountree, Losee & Baldwin L.L.P., we do not believe a single lapse in judgment should impact the rest of your life. Our DWI representation, like all of our criminal defense representation, is aimed at limiting the negative impact these charges have on your future. We provide experienced, aggressive DWI defense to clients throughout the Wilmington, North Carolina, area.

Having been a part of the Wilmington area for generations, our law firm is known for fiercely protecting the rights of our clients. Our reputation for legal excellence is recognized by law enforcement, prosecution and local judges.

Contact us to arrange a consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Challenging the Evidence

Even with stricter DWI laws, the District Attorney often lacks evidence to prove your guilt or may have evidence to prove your innocence. Having an experienced and knowledgeable professional by your side when charged with a DWI can make all the difference. If you have been charged with a DWI, DUI, or Drunk Driving, help yourself minimize its impact on your life by contacting our office to discuss your options.

When investigating the circumstances surrounding your DWI arrest, a careful evaluation of the following is very important to your defense:

• Did the arresting officer have probable cause to pull you over?
• Were field sobriety and breathalyzer tests administered properly?
• Was equipment used to measure blood alcohol content calibrated correctly?
• Was the chain of evidence broken?
• Was paperwork accurate and correctly filed?

Rapidly securing an attorney is of the utmost when you have been charged with DWI. Your rights may be at stake. Contact Rountree, Losee & Baldwin L.L.P. to protect your future.