Taylorsville, NC DWI Lawyer

Taylorsville, NC DWI Attorney

Facing a DWI charge can be frightening and overwhelming. A Taylorsville, NC, DWI lawyer can help you in many ways throughout the long and challenging legal process that follows. If you are preparing to fight a DWI charge, do not try to defend yourself alone. The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC, has much experience in building thorough defense cases of all kinds. It is important to act fast to ensure that you have time to build a sustainable defense.

Understanding DWI Charges in North Carolina

When you are faced with any criminal charge, the first thing to do is understand what exactly you are being charged with. While this can be a lengthy and somewhat confusing process, an experienced attorney from a reputable defense law firm can explain your charges and guide you through your response.

In North Carolina, a DWI charge indicates that an individual has been found driving while impaired due to the intake of an impairing substance. It is illegal to operate a vehicle while physically impaired by any substance. The penalties for being convicted of driving while impaired can vary based on one’s prior convictions and other circumstances. No matter the specific circumstances, it is important to understand that a DWI charge can have serious effects on your life.

Potential Consequences of a DWI Charge

If you are convicted of driving while impaired, the consequences you face will vary. There are five different sentencing levels for DWI convictions in North Carolina, and the one that is administered will depend on:

• The severity of any damage caused
• Previous convictions
• The level of impairment or intoxication
• Other relevant details that are specific to the case

In some cases, if you are found guilty, you could face license suspension, fines, and/or jail time, all in addition to being responsible for court fees and expenses arising from the situation.

How a DWI Lawyer Can Help

Each DWI case is different because each set of personal circumstances is different. An experienced lawyer in Taylorsville, North Carolina, can look at all the facts and details pertaining to your case and create a personal defense. Some of the most vital ways in which a lawyer can help include:

• Ensuring the validity of opposing evidence. In any court case, the most important thing is the facts. If any of the details surrounding your charge are shaky or lacking in evidence, a lawyer can bring this up in court. They can make sure that only solid evidence is used to make a decision in your hearing.
• Ensuring that all procedures were performed correctly. When an officer gives a sobriety breathalyzer test, they must do so in a particular way. A DWI lawyer can ensure that all medical information presented in court has been obtained in a legal, proper way. If it was not, then your defense lawyer can use this to your advantage.

When Is a Driver Considered Intoxicated?

Oftentimes, a police officer pulls someone over if they notice that their driving seems to be impaired or improper. Indications of this can include swerving, speeding, crossing the yellow or white lines on the road, and more. In these cases, an officer will typically perform a breathalyzer test on the driver to check for intoxication levels. For alcohol, if the blood alcohol concentration level is above .08%, the driver is considered to be intoxicated.

If an officer has probable cause, they may issue a breathalyzer test or a field sobriety test. Some indications of probable cause, once they have pulled you over, can include, among others:

• The smell of alcohol coming from your car
• Glassy or inflamed eyes
• Drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Inability to sit, stand, or walk straight

Ultimately, the results of the breathalyzer test are heavily relied upon in court.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a DWI Lawyer Cost in North Carolina?

A: The cost of hiring an attorney to defend you in a DWI case in North Carolina will vary, depending on who you choose. Some lawyers charge a flat fee for taking care of your case, while others will charge an hourly rate. Some may even do a combination of both. Depending on the complexity and length of your case, you can plan to spend anywhere from a few thousand dollars to upwards of ten thousand dollars for a DWI lawyer.

Q: Is a Lawyer Necessary for a DWI in North Carolina?

A: While you are permitted to represent yourself in court while facing a DWI charge in North Carolina, it can be helpful in many ways to hire representation. A DWI charge is a serious matter and can impose serious effects on your life if you are convicted. In addition, it is also helpful to have someone to guide you through the intricate legal complexities of your case, which you may not understand if you do not have a legal background.

Q: What Is the Difference Between DUI and DWI in North Carolina?

A: DWI stands for Driving While Impaired, and DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence. In North Carolina, these terms can be used interchangeably because they both refer to the illegal act of operating a vehicle while being impaired or under the influence of an intoxicating substance. These terms may refer to alcohol, opioids, or other substances that can alter one’s ability to operate a vehicle.

Q: How Can I Get My DWI Dismissed in North Carolina?

A: The first step in getting your DWI case dismissed is hiring an experienced, knowledgeable attorney who has handled DWI cases in the past. They can gather evidence for your defense, such as:

• Witness testimonials
• Camera footage
• Test results from breathalyzers or blood tests
• Other medical records that could help your case

Even the smallest piece of evidence can have an important role in dismissing your case.

Contact Us for DWI Defense

Being arrested for a DWI in North Carolina is no small matter. If you are facing these charges, it is important to reach out to an experienced DWI lawyer in a timely manner. The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC, has many years of experience in defending others who have faced DWI charges in Taylorsville and Iredell County. Our firm can fight to defend you in every legal way possible. Contact The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC, today to learn more about how you can get help with your case.