Being stopped by the police can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if they suspect you of driving while impaired. DWI offenses carry significant penalties, including fines, loss of driving privileges and even jail time. Remember that you have rights during a...
DWI
How are sobriety checkpoints beneficial?
Sobriety checkpoints are law enforcement checkmarks at specific stopping points on a roadway. These stopping points help remove drivers who are driving under the influence from the roads. Many people feel these checkpoints are not effective since officers must...
Do not believe these 3 myths about tricking DUI breath tests
In most cases, officers must have reasonable suspicion to stop a vehicle. Reasonable suspicion, though, is a comparatively low legal threshold. If you are driving with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit, reasonable suspicion may come from swerving,...
Can a DUI impact your career?
Getting charged with a DUI is often a traumatic life event, but some people can actually underestimate the impact it could have. This is especially true for people who have never experienced a DUI charge before. It is important for anyone facing a DUI to understand...
What are the levels of misdemeanor charges for driving while intoxicated?
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...
Factors that may impact breath test accuracy
When a North Carolina law enforcement officer suspects you have been driving while impaired, he or she may have you submit to a breath test to see whether your blood alcohol concentration exceeds the legal limit. If the breath test shows that you are under the...
What are the five levels of DUI?
In North Carolina, there are five levels of DUI charges you may face. It will depend on the situation, including your history and blood alcohol level. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety explains the importance of the levels of DUI is because the level...
How do officers use field sobriety tests?
When an officer pulls you over for a routine traffic stop, they might find reason to run some sobriety tests, too. You are likely to see a standardized field sobriety test before anything like a breath or blood test. But what is the purpose of a field sobriety test?...
A case for compassion regarding DWI/DUI charges
DUI (driving while impaired or DWI in North Carolina) is a serious issue because of the costs it could imply: specifically injuries, property damage and death. The real question, however, is whether the establishment of stricter DUI policies works. Lawmakers have...
3 things you should never do at a DWI stop
You should always set up a sober ride if you plan to sip alcoholic beverages outside of your home. But in case you find yourself in a situation where you might not have waited long enough between drinking and driving, it’s important to think carefully about what you...