Summerfield DUI Attorneys

Summerfield DUI Lawyers Serving Guilford County

If Guilford County police arrested you for driving under the influence in Summerfield, North Carolina, it is vital that you understand your rights and the penalties you could face if convicted. Even a minor DUI conviction can have a devastating impact on your freedom, finances, and ability to work.

After an arrest for DUI in Guilford County, contact Greenwood Law to speak with an experienced DUI defense attorney about your case. During your initial meeting, we will go over your rights, explain the charges and penalties you are facing, and answer any questions you have. Our team is dedicated to protecting your rights with precision and power.

What Counts as DUI/DWI in Summerfield, NC?

In North Carolina, you may see the terms driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) used interchangeably. Both refer to a driver who operates a vehicle while under the influence of an alcoholic or other impairing substance.

The amount of alcohol in your system to be charged with a DUI depends on your age and occupation:

Regular Drivers – For the majority of drivers, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher is enough to receive a charge for impaired driving.
Commercial Drivers – For commercial drivers, a BAC of 0.04 percent or higher is enough to receive a charge for impaired driving.
Underage Drivers – For drivers less than 21 years old, any amount of alcohol or controlled substance in the body is enough to receive a charge for impaired driving.

It is important to keep in mind that even if your BAC is below the legal limit, you may still face a DUI charge if Guilford County police officers believe you were visibly impaired. However, it can be challenging for prosecutors to prove that you were impaired without a BAC test confirming it.

DUI Levels and Penalties in Guilford County

Depending on the circumstances of your case, the penalties you could face may differ. In Guilford County, NC, there are five DUI levels, with level 5 being the least serious and level 1 being the most serious. The courts use various factors to determine what level your offense falls under. The penalties for each level are:

Level 5 – The least serious DUI offense may result in between 24 hours and 60 days of imprisonment and a fine of up to $200.
Level 4 – Those charged with a level 4 DUI may face between 48 hours and 120 days of imprisonment and a fine of up to $500.
Level 3 – Those charged with a level 3 DUI may face between 72 hours and six months of imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000.
Level 2 – For a level 2 DUI charge, there must be at least one grossly aggravating factor present. Offenders may face between seven days and 12 months of imprisonment and a fine of up to $2,000.
Level 1 – For a level 1 DUI charge, there must be at least two grossly aggravating factors present. Offenders may face between 30 days and 24 months of imprisonment and a fine of up to $4,000.
Aggravated Level 1 – If three or more grossly aggravating factors are present, offenders may face between 12 and 36 months of imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.

Factors That May Increase DUI Level

Grossly aggravating factors necessary for level 2, level 1, or aggravated level 1 charges include:

A previous conviction within the last seven years
Another conviction that occurs after the date of the current offense but before sentencing
Driving with a revoked license
Seriously injuring another person due to impaired driving
Driving while impaired with a child under 18 in the vehicle

Aggravating factors that could impact the level of DUI charge you face include:

A BAC of 0.15 percent or higher
Especially reckless or dangerous driving
Negligent driving resulting in an accident
Two or more prior motor vehicle offense convictions not involving impaired driving within the last five years
A conviction for speeding while fleeing law enforcement
A conviction for speeding at least 30 miles per hour over the limit
Passing a stopped school bus

Additional Penalties You May Face After a DUI in Summerfield

In addition to imprisonment and fines, you may face additional penalties if convicted of a DUI offense in Summerfield:

License Revocation – You may have your license temporarily revoked after a DUI, especially if you are underage.
Increased Insurance Rates – Your insurance company may increase your rates after learning of your DUI.
Vehicle Seizure – You could lose your vehicle if you were driving with a revoked license at the time of your DUI offense.
Loss of Employment – If you work as a commercial driver, a DUI conviction may result in losing your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and your job.

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

An experienced criminal defense attorney can assist you with your Summerfield DUI case in the following ways:

Your attorney can provide legal advice by telling you what to say and what not to say to police and prosecutors so you do not incriminate yourself.
Your attorney can file motions to suppress evidence on various grounds, such as if the police improperly administered field sobriety tests or if there are questions about the chain of custody of your blood sample for the BAC test.
Your attorney can question the credibility of witnesses who allege that you were driving while impaired.
Your attorney can seek a plea agreement that reduces the charges or penalties you are facing.
Your attorney will represent you in court and seek to have the charges against you dismissed.

Contact Our DUI Defense Attorneys Serving Summerfield, Guilford County

If you are facing a DUI charge in Summerfield, Guilford County, contact Greenwood Law to speak with one of our skilled criminal defense attorneys. During your initial consultation, we will explain the charges and penalties you are facing, help you understand your rights, and discuss how our team will use its years of legal experience to work for you.