Articles Posted in DWI

Chapel Hill EXIT

What is Reasonable Suspicion to Stop a Vehicle in North Carolina?

Powers Law Firm PA - Contact Us - 704-342-4357

The North Carolina Supreme Court recently penned an opinion regarding the legal basis for “stopping” a vehicle suspected of impaired driving.  It is an interesting opinion more for the legal issue(s) not addressed, than those cited as a basis for reversing the case. . .which had previously been held in favor of the accused.  The case is formally entitled North Carolina vs. Dorothy Hoogland Verkerk or State v. Verkerk

The Factual Background – Reasonable Suspicion Factors to Consider

North Carolina lawyers tipped their caps to Bill Powers as one of the state’s 2013 “Legal Elite” in the Criminal Defense category. Considered among the best by his peers in voting tabulated by Business North Carolina magazine, Mr. Powers is one of the founding partners of Powers Law Firm PA.

Legal Elite Methodology:

Since 2002, Business North Carolina magazine has honored Tar Heel lawyers by publishing Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite, a listing of the state’s top lawyers in business-related categories. Winners are chosen not by BNC editors but by the state’s lawyers. Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite has become the model for other awards and lists, but it remains unique as the only award that gives every active lawyer in the state the opportunity to participate. Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite includes the top lawyers chosen using this statewide ballot.

Are checkpoints legal?License Checking Stations in North Carolina are popular with law enforcement, especially DWI Task Force units and Drug Recognition Experts.  DUI checkpoints have for decades been a valuable federal funding source through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Incentive Grant Program.

Whether in a large city such as Charlotte or Greensboro, or smaller towns like Cornelius, Mooresville, and Monroe NC, it’s important to know your rights regarding checkpoints and the legality of stopping vehicles.

DWI Checkpoints purportedly serve several purposes.  Law enforcement actively seeks visible enforcement efforts.  They want ordinary citizens to see stopped cars, drivers performing roadside dexterity tests, and arrests.

Contact Information