Mooresville DWI Lawyer

Mooresville DWI Defense Attorney

Whatever you do after a DWI arrest, do not simply plead guilty before speaking to us. No DWI arrest automatically leads to a conviction, and there may be defense options for getting a DWI charge reduced or dismissed. Consult with a Mooresville DWI Lawyer who is ready to represent you in court and guide you through every step of the difficult legal process.

At The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C., we are here to help you minimize the negative consequences of a drunk driving arrest. We have extensive experience in DWI defense and traffic law, and we can investigate your case for any flaws in police procedure or other factors that could lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges.

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

There is no difference between a DUI and a DWI charge in North Carolina. Both acronyms refer to the same crime- driving while intoxicated, whether from alcohol or illegal/prescribed drugs. Sometimes, states call the same unlawful offense by different terms. Driving while under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) are no different.

Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer if Arrested for DWI in NC?

No, you do not legally need to hire a criminal defense attorney after being charged with a DWI, but it is one of the smartest approaches for your chances of avoiding a conviction or facing less severe penalties if you are found guilty. Lawyers have a deep understanding of the law and how criminal trials are likely to play out, including what the prosecution may say. They also have more access to legal research and important evidence like police reports.

It doesn’t help your case to choose self-representation when you have just been arrested and accused of a dangerous traffic violation. Even if your innocence seems obvious to you, there’s a higher chance of making a mistake or forgetting some technicality that increases your likelihood of losing your case.

You should also refrain from automatically admitting guilt and taking the plea bargain without a lawyer present, even if that’s what you end up doing. A quality defense attorney can potentially reduce your penalties, whether you plead guilty or are found guilty. It’s important to get the opinion and help of a legal professional because if you are convicted of a DWI in NC, there is no process to expunge it from your criminal record or any background checks.

The Stakes Are High, So Bring Your Strongest Possible DWI Defense

In North Carolina, the penalties for a drunk driving conviction are very serious. Depending on the facts of your case, you could face heavy fines, loss of your driver’s license, mandatory alcohol education programs, ignition interlock, and possible jail time. The penalties increase significantly if you have been arrested for DWI multiple times.

Whether this is your first DWI arrest or you are facing a felony DWI charge, don’t let these problems derail your life. Let us help you mount the strongest possible defense against the charges. We thoroughly investigate DWI cases for any of the following:

• Flaws in police procedure, including the initial traffic stop
• Lack of reasonable suspicion or probable cause
• Flaws in the breath test or field sobriety testing
• Mishandling of evidence
• Unreliability of witnesses

If you are facing a DWI charge of any kind, you need to take swift action to protect your driving privileges. We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible after a drunk driving arrest.

Can a DWI Charge Be Reduced in North Carolina?

Unfortunately, a DWI charge itself cannot be reduced in the state of North Carolina. Some states have different specific offenses for a first DWI violation or the lesser “wet reckless” charge, but North Carolina does not recognize these. There is no lesser crime to reduce a DWI to, and DWI charges also cannot be reduced to a reckless driving offense; NC law does not consider reckless driving to be an element of DWI, although the two charges may be given in one event.

While a DWI charge cannot be reduced if you are convicted, it is still possible to get the penalties lessened with the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. If you don’t have a history of prior DWI charges or convictions, you may be able to receive less severe punishment.

How Much Does a DWI Lawyer Cost in NC?

On average, a DWI lawyer in NC costs around $2,500. This price doesn’t include court fees or the expenses of potential penalties if you are convicted of the DWI charge. Some additional costs can include paying fines, substance education classes in order to get your license back, reinstating your driving privileges, probation, community service, civil damages if you injured another party or their property, and increased car insurance rates.

How Long Will a DWI Affect My Car Insurance in NC?

How long a DWI remains on your insurance will depend on your specific insurance provider. It’s very likely to take years for the charge to stop affecting your insurance premium. In some cases, it can take up to 10 years for the DWI to completely come off. In other cases, you might notice the insurance starting to decrease within three to five years of the conviction.

The Possible Penalties of a DWI Conviction

In addition to the fees you’ll have to pay for time spent in court and increased insurance rates, you will also have to pay fines that may range from $200 to $10,000. Your punishment for a DWI will vary depending on the severity level of your case.

Level Five DWIs are those where the mitigating elements outweigh any aggravating factors; penalties may include up to $200 in fines and between 24 hours and 120 days in jail. Level Four DWIs either have no aggravating/mitigating factors, or they are equal; offenders may face up to a $500 fine and between 48 hours and 120 days in jail.

A Level Three DWI, where any aggravating factors outweigh the mitigating factors, may face up to $1,000 in fines in addition to jail time ranging between 72 hours to six months. If your DWI offense involved no minors in the vehicle and had only one grossly aggravating factor, you may face Level Two penalties—up to $2,000 in fines and between seven days and 12 months in jail.

If convicted of a DWI with a minor child in the car or two grossly aggravating factors were present, it will be deemed a Level 1 and may result in up to $4,000 in fines and between 30 days and 24 months of jail. A DWI will be deemed an Aggravated Level One offense if three or more grossly aggravating factors are present and punishable by up to $10,000 in fines and between 12 and 36 months in jail with no option for parole.

Aggravating and Grossly Aggravating Factors in a DWI

Aggravating factors in a DWI include a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more, especially reckless driving, negligent driving, driving while one’s license is revoked, two or more previous convictions for traffic offenses with no impaired driving, one or more prior convictions of impaired driving within past seven years, found guilty of speeding while evading arrest, traveling at least 30 mph over the limit, and passing a stopped school bus.

Grossly aggravating factors include having a prior impaired driving conviction within the past seven years, driving with a license that was revoked for impaired driving, causing serious bodily injury, and driving with someone:

• Under 18
• With a mental capacity of a child under 18
• With a physical disability that would prevent them from exiting the vehicle without assistance.

Contact Our Mooresville DWI Lawyers Today

Get in touch with a defense attorney who’s prepared to work diligently on your behalf.  The sooner we can get involved in your case, the sooner we can start protecting you and your rights. Please call us in Mooresville at 704-799-7076 or fill out our contact form for a free initial consultation. We represent clients throughout Iredell County and the surrounding areas.