Articles Posted in DWI

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.

Monroe Drunk Driving LawyersWhat 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.

Is Breathalyzer on the side of the road reliable??

  • What kind of devices are out there?
  • What is the accuracy of the handheld breath test?

Checking Stations in Mecklenburg County

Checking Stations in Mecklenburg County

DWI Checkpoints are relatively common in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.  Many are established by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department CMPD pursuant to the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program.

It is a complicated area of law, controlled both by North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) 20-16.3A  and appellate court case law.

How-to-prepare-a-Limited-Driving-Privilege-in-North-Carolina

License Suspended?  Need to Drive?  How to prepare a Limited Driving Privilege in North Carolina

Many people don’t realize the true value of a Driver’s License. . .until they lose it –  Bill Powers 

The North Carolina General Assembly gives the North Carolina Department of Transportation / Division of Motor Vehicles the authority to issue, revoke, and suspend Drivers Licenses in North Carolina.

Bill-Powers-NCAJ-Presidents-Column-Winter-2017-Page-1

NC Advocates for Justice – I’m Just Sayin’

In North Carolina, ‘I’m Just Sayin’ means, I am going to speak the truth, even if it is not popular.  It is, was, and always has been the truth – Bill Powers, President NCAJ 

Bill-Powers-NCAJ-Presidents-Column-Winter-2017-Page-2
Bill-Powers-NCAJ-Presidents-Column-Winter-2017-Page-3

NCAJ Bill Powers  President’s Column NCAJ

Can a lawyer or my PO help? Will my probation be terminated? Will I go to jail? If I get in trouble while on probation what happens?

Probation violations can be quite serious. They can result in the revocation of probation and activation of a suspended term in prison or jail time – Bill Powers

Probation Violation

North Carolina Law Talk – Summer 2016

Attorneys Mike Daisley and Bill Powers discuss developing trends and provide legal commentary on North Carolina Law issues.  If you have general questions about how the legal system works in North Carolina, please feel free to contact Mike and Bill at:

Mike Daisley:

Contact Information