Driving under the influence of alcohol can get you into big legal trouble. In most cases, the charge will be a misdemeanor, which gives you a chance to be more careful in the future to avoid more serious felony charges.
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety explains there are five levels of misdemeanor charges. The one you will face depends on your situation and circumstances.
Level III, IV, and V
The three lower-level DUI misdemeanors are for offenses that do not include accidents or high levels of alcohol. They also are for first-time offenders. Each level’s punishment includes a fine and jail sentence, with the lowest at level V of a $200 maximum fine and up to 60 days in jail and the highest at level III being a $1,000 maximum fine and up to six months in jail.
These levels also give the judge an option to suspend jail time or to swap it for community service or a license suspension.
Level I and II
Levels I and II are the more severe levels. They are for offenses that include accidents with injuries, DUI charges with a child in the car, and a DUI while under suspension. Repeat offenders will face charges at these levels as well. The fines can be up to $4,000, and the jail sentence is up to two years. There is no option for the judge to suspend or alter the jail sentence.