DUI Category Archives — Page 2 of 4 — Carolina Criminal & DUI Lawyer Blog Published by Carolina Criminal Defense Lawyers

February 3, 2024

The Walk and Turn Sobriety Test: A Comprehensive Guide

When you see those flashing lights in your rearview mirror and an officer signals you to pull over, your heart might skip a beat, especially if they suspect impairment and decide to conduct a sobriety test. Among the various methods employed by law enforcement to assess impairment, the walk and turn test is a very common DWI field sobriety test in North Carolina.

Its purpose? To evaluate an individual’s balance, coordination, and ability to follow directions—all critical faculties that can be compromised under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

This guide aims to delve into the specifics of the walk and turn sobriety test, shedding light on its administration, what law enforcement officers are on the lookout for, its implications in the broader context of DUI/DWI cases, and provide additional insights into how external factors and individual conditions can influence the test’s outcome.

January 1, 2024

The Psychology of Hit and Run

by Carolina Attorneys

The alarming rise in hit-and-run incidents raises pressing questions for criminal defense lawyers about the psychology underlying why certain drivers fail to stop and render aid.

From a fleeting moment of panic to a calculated decision to evade consequences, the decision to flee to elude criminal charges reflects a troubling intersection of personal, societal, and situational factors.

The literature reveals that young males, frequently under the influence of alcohol or drugs, are potentially the predominant group of offenders.

December 9, 2023

Need to drive after a DUI arrest in NC?

by Carolina Attorneys

A primary concern for many who face an arrest for DUI charges in North Carolina involves the ability to drive. Most people want to know, “What happens to your license after a DWI?” and “Can you get a work privilege or hardship license?”

Facing a DWI charge in North Carolina can be a complex and challenging situation to navigate, especially for those with no prior experience in the legal system.

It’s not uncommon for a license revocation to go into effect just for being charged. But that isn’t always the case in every circumstance. Not every DWI charge in North Carolina results in an immediate license suspension.

October 4, 2023

Collateral Consequences of a DWI Conviction in North Carolina

by Carolina Attorneys

The aftermath of a DWI conviction in North Carolina reaches far beyond the courtroom’s walls.

For many, it’s not just about the immediate fines or even the potential for a permanent record; it’s about the ripples it sends through every facet of life.

From employment aspirations to personal relationships, a DWI conviction can cast a long shadow.

March 30, 2023

DUI Sobriety Tests: What You Need to Know

by Carolina Attorneys

If you get pulled over for suspicion of DUI, law enforcement will likely administer a series of field sobriety tests to determine your level of impairment, if any.

The most common sobriety tests police officers administer are divided into three categories: physical coordination tasks, mental acuity assessments, and eye examinations.

Physical coordination tasks may include things like walking heel to toe in a straight line and standing on one leg for a certain period of time.

June 4, 2022

What is DUI in North Carolina?

by Carolina Attorneys

It seems everyone has different ways to describe impaired driving charges. Some people call it “getting arrested for DUI,” while others may refer to the offense simply as “drunk driving.”

The truth is, DWI charges can be a bit complicated if not downright confusing at times.

There is more than one way to be convicted and DUI in NC doesn’t necessarily mean you were “drunk” or “drunk driving.”

April 6, 2022

North Carolina Impaired Driving Law: Essential FAQ

by Carolina Attorneys

If you’re facing charges related to impaired driving in Charlotte or surrounding areas like Monroe, Statesville or Gastonia, you likely have numerous questions. As experienced defense attorneys, we’ve compiled this comprehensive FAQ to address common concerns and provide valuable insights about impaired driving cases in North Carolina.

A Note on Terminology: DUI, DWI, and Impaired Driving

Before we dive into specific questions, it’s important to clarify some terminology. In North Carolina, you may hear the terms DUI (Driving Under the Influence), DWI (Driving While Impaired or Driving While Intoxicated), and Impaired Driving used interchangeably.

March 6, 2022

DWI lawyers in Pineville NC

by Carolina Attorneys

If you have been charged with DWI in Pineville NC, it is important to understand the charges against you and what penalties you may be facing.

A DUI DWI conviction can result in a number of serious consequences, including jail time, hefty fines, and a driver’s license suspension.

That is why it is crucial to retain an experienced DUI lawyer who can help protect your rights, review your legal issues, and work to minimize the impact of these charges on your life.

March 6, 2021

Invading the Province of the Jury

by Carolina Attorneys

Under the rules of evidence in North Carolina, the Trier of Fact is responsible for listening to the testimony presented and deciding what happened.

Determining the truth of a matter is essential to meting out justice.

One would be remiss in failing to acknowledge the import and impact of an independent trier of fact.

September 24, 2019

What’s it like to handle a DMV Hearing

by Carolina Attorneys

Sitting, waiting for an 8:30 a.m. DMV Hearing, at an all-but-empty Huntersville Department of Transportation license and tag office, is a bit unusual.

It’s part of what I do as a defense attorney; but, that doesn’t make it any less surreal or interesting.

The early morning hours, sometime between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., are mostly calm before the storm at NCDMV.