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

September 12, 2024

Deconstructing Sobriety Test Data: Are DWI Tests Accurate?

In the realm of DUI law enforcement and prosecution, few studies have wielded as much influence as the 1998 San Diego Study and the resulting sobriety test data.

This research, which aimed to validate the accuracy of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) at blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of 0.08% and below, has shaped policies, informed court decisions, and influenced the training of law enforcement officers across the United States.

However, to truly understand the impact and implications of this study, we must look beyond the surface-level conclusions and delve into the statistical framework that underpins its findings.

September 7, 2024

Analyzing the San Diego Study of Sobriety Tests: SFSTs Accuracy and Legal Implications

by Carolina Attorneys

The San Diego Study, conducted in 1998, stands as a cornerstone in the evaluation and validation of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) for detecting drivers with blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) at or above 0.08 grams per deciliter.

As we delve deeper into this influential research, we move beyond the foundational understanding of SFSTs and the study’s methodology to examine its findings, statistical analysis, and far-reaching implications for DUI enforcement and defense strategies.

The impact of the San Diego Study on law enforcement practices and legal proceedings cannot be overstated – Bill Powers, DWI Defense Lawyer

August 31, 2024

A Critical Analysis of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests in North Carolina DUI Cases

by Carolina Attorneys

In the realm of DUI law enforcement and prosecution, few tools have garnered as much attention and controversy as Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs).

These tests, designed to help law enforcement officers assess a driver’s level of impairment, have become a cornerstone of DUI investigations across the United States.

However, their reliability and accuracy have long been the subject of debate among legal professionals, including judges, prosecutors, DUI defense lawyers, expert witnesses, and scientists.

August 11, 2024

Just Take Uber: Addressing DUI Realities in Charlotte’s Growing Metro Areas

by Carolina Attorneys

“Just take Uber” – It‘s a phrase echoed across Charlotte’s vibrant nightlife scene, from Uptown bars to NoDa breweries. On the surface, it seems like a simple, foolproof solution to prevent driving under the influence (DUI). But as the Charlotte metro area rapidly expands towards 3 million residents, stretching from bustling urban centers to sprawling suburban communities like Ballantyne, the reality of DUI prevention is far more nuanced than this common refrain suggests.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the complexities of DUI charges in Charlotte and our growing region. We’ll explore how Charlotte’s and Mecklenburg County’s explosive growth is reshaping our transportation landscape, examine the urban-rural divide in ride-sharing availability, and discuss the challenges that arise during major events when “just take Uber” isn’t always as easy as it sounds.

People refer to the offense of impaired driving in North Carolina as both DUI and DWI, using those terms interchangeably. There is no practical distinction between the two. We understand what folks mean when they call seeking help – Bill Powers, Charlotte Lawyer

July 12, 2024

Big Changes to North Carolina’s DUI Limited Driving Privilege Laws: What You Need to Know

by Carolina Attorneys

Revisions to N.C.G.S. § 20-179.3 represent a significant update to North Carolina’s Limited Driving Privilege laws, with potentially far-reaching implications.

In this post, we’ll discuss eligibility for an Ignition Interlock Limited Driving Privilege for certain Level 2 offenders, reinstatement requirements involving expanded use of ignition interlock devices (IID), mandatory reporting back IID noncompliance to NC DMV, and related consequences for violations.

These changes appear to reflect a nuanced approach to addressing impaired driving, acknowledging the need for both rehabilitation and accountability for those convicted of DUI in NC.

February 3, 2024

The Walk and Turn Sobriety Test: A Comprehensive Guide

by Carolina Attorneys

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.