- Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Law enforcement in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County take DUI cases extremely seriously. If the police arrest you on suspicion of driving while impaired (DWI), it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your rights. Otherwise, you could face jail time, heavy fines, the loss of your driving privileges, and other severe consequences.
If you face DUI charges in Winston-Salem or Forsyth County, contact Greenwood Law immediately. Our DUI defense attorneys understand the North Carolina laws that apply to these cases and know how to fight for your rights. We work hard to protect your future and minimize the impact of an impaired driving charge. Trust us to stand by your side and provide the support you need. Contact us today at 336-827-9610 for more information on how we can help you with your charges.
Facing a DWI charge in Forsyth County can be stressful. For one thing, the legal system has many rules and procedures that are hard to understand on your own. Hiring a DWI lawyer ensures you have someone knowledgeable by your side who understands the intricacies of these cases. An experienced attorney can help you understand the charges, the potential penalties, and the best course of action to take.
Working with a skilled lawyer offers many advantages. Your DWI lawyer can scrutinize the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore possible defense strategies. An attorney can also negotiate with prosecutors to potentially reduce your charges or penalties. They can also represent you in court if necessary, protecting your rights throughout your case. Their experience and knowledge are crucial in achieving a favorable outcome, whether it’s a reduced sentence, dismissal, or acquittal.
The risks of not hiring a DWI lawyer are significant. Without a robust legal defense, you might miss critical deadlines, fail to file necessary documents, or fail to consider legal defenses that could help your case. These missteps can lead to harsher penalties, including higher fines, a longer license suspension, or even jail time. Hiring a criminal defense lawyer gives you the best opportunity to defend yourself and move forward with your life.
In North Carolina, the legal term for what most people call “driving under the influence” (DUI) is “driving while impaired” (DWI). The North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) says it is unlawful for anyone “noticeably impaired” by alcohol or drugs to drive a vehicle. That definition means the police can stop and potentially arrest any driver who shows signs of impaired driving. Common signs of impaired driving that the police watch for include:
While any amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is potentially enough to justify a DWI arrest, the police often use chemical blood or breath tests to strengthen their case. If you take a blood or breath test and register a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher, the police can arrest you for DWI, no matter how the alcohol in your system has affected your driving abilities.
It’s worth noting that North Carolina law outlines different BAC limits for different types of drivers. The BAC limit for commercial drivers is 0.04 percent, and the NCDPS says drivers under 21 cannot drive with any amount of drugs or alcohol in their bodies.
In North Carolina, DWI penalties can be severe and vary based on the level of the offense. There are five levels of misdemeanor DWI, with Level I being the most serious and Level V the least serious. Penalties for a Level V misdemeanor DWI include a fine of up to $200 and a jail sentence of 24 hours to 60 days. A judge can suspend the sentence if the driver completes 24 hours in jail, community service, or agrees not to drive for 30 days.
At the upper end, Level I is the most severe level of misdemeanor DWI. Penalties for a Level I misdemeanor DWI include fines up to $4,000 and a jail term of 30 days to two years. The minimum sentence cannot be suspended.
For repeat offenders or those with severe circumstances (like having a revoked license or causing injury), penalties for felony DWI are even harsher. Traffic law states that the penalties for these driving offenses include a mandatory minimum jail term of one year (that a judge cannot suspend) and participation in a substance abuse program.
A Winston-Salem DUI attorney from Greenwood Law can provide crucial support for your case. We will analyze the evidence against you, identify any procedural errors, and develop a compelling defense strategy. Our knowledge of local laws and court systems helps in negotiations with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties. We can also provide in-court representation to make sure the prosecutors respect your rights. By guiding you through every step of the legal process, we will work to minimize the impact of a DWI charge on your life.
The sooner you speak with one of our attorneys, the more we can do to help. Contact Greenwood Law today for a confidential consultation, and let us help you weather this legal storm. Call 336-661-8788 now.
While we can meet you anywhere to discuss your case and speak with you over the phone or online, here’s how to find our offices if you want to talk to an attorney in person:
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