It helps to understand the process and know your rights. Rather than rely on what you may have heard, we think the best thing to do is immediately talk to an experienced DWI lawyer.
We can help explain the severity of impaired driving charges and the potential consequences that could come with a DWI conviction. Punishments for a DUI conviction include fines, license suspension, community service, and jail time in certain circumstances.
As such, it makes sense to retain a lawyer who understands the complexities of DWI cases in North Carolina and who has substantial, real-world trial experience in Iredell County.
There may be options available.
DWI cases are complicated.
Police officers are human and subject to making mistakes like the rest of us. Of course, that is also true about the different breath testing devices used in North Carolina, such as the AlcoSensor and the EC/IR II.
We think the first step to facing your DWI charges in Statesville or Mooresville head-on involves finding the right lawyer to represent you.
Only then will you rest assured, knowing you've made the right decision on how to handle your case.
Finding the Right DUI Lawyer When searching for a DUI lawyer in Iredell County, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Experience: Look for a lawyer with experience in handling DUI cases specifically. They should have a track record of successful outcomes and be very familiar with the court system in Iredell County. Handling pleas is not enough. Your attorney should have substantial jury trial experience.
- Knowledge: Your lawyer should have a strong understanding of North Carolina's DUI laws and be able to provide guidance and advice based on your individual case. Check out their credentials. Have they received professional accolades? Have they authored legal materials? It helps if they are respected in the legal profession for their trial skills and knowledge of the science, laws, and technologies associated with the prosecution and defense of impaired driving in North Carolina and their dedication to the profession.
- Strategy: A good DUI lawyer will work with you to develop a strategy for your case based on the details and circumstances of the arrest. We believe the keys to an effective DWI defense involve preparation, research, and an honest assessment of your possible options.
Are You Required to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?No, you are not required to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Iredell County. However, it is strongly recommended that you do so. A DUI conviction has serious and long-lasting repercussions, including jail time, fines, and license suspensions.
When Can You Drive After DWI Charges?
You will want to make sure your case is handled properly from the outset and that all of your rights are protected. A skilled and experienced DUI lawyer can provide the personalized representation your legal matter deserves.
How Much are Legal Fees? Legal fees vary from case to case and depend on a few different factors, including the complexity of the case, the severity of the charges, and how much time needs to be devoted to your defense. We offer flexible payment plans for representation in Iredell County.
If you have been arrested or charged with a DUI in Iredell County, don't hesitate – contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately! An experienced lawyer will fight hard to ensure your rights
Is Impaired Driving the Same Thing as "Drunk Driving" in NC?Not necessarily.
"Drunk driving is impaired driving, but, you don't have to be 'drunk' to be charged with Driving While Impaired in North Carolina. Impaired driving is a much lower legal standard."
- Bill Powers, Iredell DWI Attorney
Impaired driving can include different types and impairment levels, whether from alcohol or drugs and even lawfully prescribed medications. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is one factor to be considered.
Can You Go to Jail? Yes, you can go to jail even if this is your first DWI charge or what some states refer to as DWI First.
The type of sentence imposed, assuming there is a guilty plea or conviction, depends on a series of competing factors known as:
- Grossly Aggravating Factors
- Aggravating Factors
- Mitigating Factors
Are DUI Charges Handled Differently in Iredell County? Yes, to some extent. For example, there are two courthouses in Iredell County.
One is located in Mooresville and, relative to DWI charges, only operates on Thursdays and Fridays. While not always the case, most, if not all, impaired driving cases that take place in Mooresville are first handled in the District Court in Mooresville.
DUI Dexterity Tests: What You Need to Know About the Eye Test
As such, if you were arrested for DUI in Mooresville, or charged with impaired driving by a Mooresville Police Officer or NC State Trooper in Mooresville, your case will very likely be handled at the Mooresville Court House.
Appeals to Superior Court are thereafter handled in the Iredell County Hall of Justice in Statesville, North Carolina. Legal filings such as Motions to Suppress, Motions to Dismiss, and Driving Privileges (including a Pretrial Limited Driving Privilege) are often filed in Statesville, even if the trial is to be held in Mooresville, with the Clerk of Court in Statesville.
DWI arrests that take place outside of Mooresville, for example, in Troutman or Statesville, are handled in Statesville and the Hall of Justice. Court documents and public records are stored at the Clerk of Court's Office in Statesville.
As such, as it pertains to calendaring of DUI charges, and where DWI trials take place in District Court, Iredell County is a somewhat unique Judicial District.
On the other hand, the NC DWI laws are exactly the same in Iredell County as in Charlotte, Lincolnton, Gastonia, and Monroe. That's true for State Troopers, the Iredell County Sheriff's Office, Mooresville police, and officers in Troutman. They all follow the same laws and legal procedures.
The standard for Probable Cause to Arrest and Reasonable Doubt are the same in Iredell County, as are the training protocols for SFSTs - Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.
Is There Any Difference Between DUI and DWI and "Drunk Driving?" First and foremost, the NC DWI Law (N.C.G.S. 20-138.1) does not mention the terms DUI or DWI or drunk driving. The title of the law is pretty simple: Impaired Driving. It does reference being under the influence of an impairing substance.
To be clear, driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal in North Carolina. So is driving while impaired and drunk driving.
You also need not be appreciably impaired by alcohol to be charged and convicted of impaired driving. The law is written broadly and is intended to cover different types of impaired driving resulting from taking or drinking controlled substances like alcohol and both legal and illegal drugs.
"Drunk driving or 'drunken driving' is anticipated and covered under the DWI law in North Carolina. One way to think of it is that all drunk drivers are impaired, but not all impaired drivers are drunk."
- Bill Powers, Mooresville DUI Lawyer
As such, while many people refer to the common acronyms for impaired driving, such as DWI and DUI, there really isn't much of a difference under the law. If convicted, the limited driving privilege is the same.
What's the Difference Between DUI and DWI?
Don't worry. If you call the office and tell us you've been arrested for DWI or DUI or drunk driving, we'll understand what you mean.
Iredell DWI Defense Lawyers - Powers Law Firm PA Being charged with a DUI in Iredell County can be a scary and overwhelming experience, but remember that you may have options.
Can I Get My DUI Dismissed?
You can navigate the legal system and work towards a positive outcome with the right lawyer.
Keep the above factors in mind when searching for a lawyer.
Check out the credentials of Iredell DUI Defense Attorney Bill Powers.
Call now to schedule a complimentary consultation. We do not charge consultation fees for criminal charges in North Carolina.
Helpful Information About Criminal Charges