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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
News outlets continue to report a spate of DUI wrecks in the Carolinas. Contrary to the narrative spun by senior law enforcement officials, ride-sharing apps like UBER and Lyft have not eliminated the dangers of alcohol-related wrecks and deaths in Charlotte.
Drunk driving fatalities have increased while the number of arrests and criminal charges have dropped, if not fallen off the cliff.
That’s not something you just “notice” without taking affirmative steps to remedy the problem. Enforcing the NC DWI laws is not a priority to senior leadership at CMPD.
What is DWI in NC? Is it drunk driving?There is a fair amount of confusion in North Carolina about DWI charges. The general public may call that type of criminal charge different things like DUI, driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated, and even drunk driving.
Under the NC criminal laws, the offense is simply titled: Impaired Driving. It frankly can be a bit complicated, which adds to the level of confusion. What really matters is how you respond to the charges, not what they’re called.
Most people have heard of the ignition interlock device in NC. It’s also occasionally called the IID by the general public or even the Blow and Go or in-car breathalyzer. The interlock is a breath testing device that’s installed in your car that measures alcohol in your breath and electronically records the BAC reading.
Its purpose is to ensure you’re not drinking and driving. If you have alcohol on your breath, the vehicle won’t start. If you keep trying to start your car after consuming alcohol, eventually that will result in a “lock out” and possible administrative action by the Division of Motor Vehicles.
If you have questions about whether a “blow and go” is required, we recommend you speak to an experienced attorney immediately. Timing is often key in such matters.
HELPFUL INFO ABOUT HOW TO HANDLE YOUR “DRIVING WHILE LICENSE REVOKED IMP REV” TICKET IN CHARLOTTE NC
By: Bill Powers, Carolina Criminal Defense Lawyers in Charlotte North Carolina – Best Lawyers in America “Lawyer of the Year” Criminal Defense – Charlotte NC 2017
Carolina Criminal & DUI Lawyer Blog