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DWI / DUI Defense

The Criminal Defense Team of Hatch, Little & Bunn handles all North Carolina alcohol and drug related driving charges. This includes the charge of DWI / DUI.

What is a DWI / DUI?

North Carolina refers to impaired driving as Driving While Impaired. Driving While Impaired, or ‘DWI’, encompasses the same activity that other states label as driving under the influence or ‘DUI’. The crime of Driving While Impaired occurs when an individual:

  1. Drives any vehicle,
  2. Upon any highway, any street, or any public vehicular area,
  3. Within this State,
  4. And subject to any one or more of the following:
    1. While under the influence of an impairing substance; or
    2. After having consumed a sufficient alcohol that he has, at any relevant time after the driving, an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more.
    3. With any amount of a Schedule I controlled substance, or its metabolites, in his blood or urine.

Are there defenses to a DWI charge?

There are many defense to a DWI charge.  – Was there reasonable suspicion for the officer to stop you? Did the officer detain you for too long? Did the officer have probable cause to arrest you? Can the State prove that you were driving? Was the checkpoint constitutional? Were you advised of your rights? Was the ECIR II (breath machine) properly administered? Were you given the opportunity to collect witnesses in your defense? Can the State prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were impaired? The list goes on. Let our criminal defense team guide you through the ins and outs of a DWI. These are complex charges. Call our team for help today.

PJC not allowed – while a PJC may be used for the charge of Driving After Consuming Under the Age of 21 (“Baby DUI”), the North Carolina General Statutes forbid a judge from offering a PJC for the charge of DWI.

Can I be charged with DWI on a moped?

A person who is operating a moped, motorcycle, bicycle, golf cart, and even a riding lawnmower can be charged with DWI. However, there are very technical defenses involved with these particular modes of transportation that may not be present in a traditional DWI case.

Our criminal defense team has extensive, successful experience litigating non-automobile DWIs. We like the technical aspects that can often win a ‘moped DWI.’ If you have been charged with a DWI on any type of vehicle, call us today for a free consultation.

How will a DWI affect my profession?

What if I’m a nurse? What if I’m a veterinarian? What if I’m a pilot?

The short answer is that “it depends.” But when it depends, you need to consult with someone who has the answers. In some cases, it may be necessary to notify a licensing board. In other cases, a conviction may affect a doctor’s DEA licensing. Contact our team today for a free consultation.

Contact our dedicated North Carolina DWI attorneys for a free initial consultation

The Criminal Defense Team of Hatch, Little & Bunn. LLP defends clients in DWI cases and other criminal defense matters throughout North Carolina. Please call 919-714-4306 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation at our Raleigh office.

 

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