Charlotte DWI Lawyer
Getting arrested for DWI is likely to be stressful, upsetting, and downright scary, especially for people who haven’t had much contact with the court system in the past. You may not know what to expect, where to turn, or how to handle the DWI charges that you are facing, which can have serious consequences in the state of North Carolina. Fortunately, the Charlotte DWI lawyers at Powers Law Firm are here to answer your questions and help you and your family through every stage of the court process.
Arrested for DWI in Charlotte? Here’s what you need to know:
It’s a good idea to have a DWI lawyer in Charlotte NC standing by your side in court. In fact, we think it’s a really, really good idea at that.
The DWI laws in North Carolina have become increasingly complex. It’s not just a matter of the science of breath or blood testing, or the legal standards involved with the reasonable suspicion to stop or probable cause to arrest. It’s all that and more.
“During my legal career, I’ve handled a lot of different types of cases. From complex civil litigation, including car wrecks, accident cases, contract disputes, and even family law/domestic violence charges, I personally believe DWI charges in NC remain one of the most complex areas of law out there.”
– Bill Powers, Charlotte DWI Lawyer
Frankly, the level of complexity and the unique nature of each case is what makes impaired driving charges interesting to lawyers. We enjoy the challenge. In fact, as courtroom lawyers, we thrive on the challenge of competition. That also brings up an important point. There are a lot of criminal lawyers out there. Selecting a DWI lawyer is an important aspect of defending your DWI charges. As the knight in the Indiana Jones movie said, “Choose wisely.”
Defending Against DWI Charges in CharlotteYou may think that if you were pulled over, failed a breath test, and were charged with DWI, that you might as well plead guilty and get it over with. However, the consequences of a DWI charge are serious, particularly if you have had another DWI conviction in the past. What you need to know is that there are many potential defenses available to individuals who have been charged with DWI, whether the charges stem from being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. For instance, police officers have to follow certain rules when they make a traffic stop and arrest a person for DWI, protocols which are designed to protect that person’s constitutional rights. All too often, police officers fail to follow these rules, missteps which can allow our Charlotte DWI attorneys to develop an effective defense on your behalf. By working closely with our legal team to develop a strong defense in your case, you will place yourself in an optimal position to minimize the North Carolina DWI penalties that you are facing.
The state of North Carolina, like most states, has cracked down hard on DWI offenders over the past several years. A DWI conviction in North Carolina can cause you to face serious penalties, which may include substantial fines, probation, community service requirements, driver’s license suspension, mandatory counseling, and even jail time. However, a strong defense in a DWI case can result in lighter penalties, fewer consequences, or even the dismissal of the DWI charges altogether. It is these potential penalties that make it so important to enlist the assistance of a skilled DWI lawyer in Charlotte to provide you with a forceful defense. Don’t hesitate when you or a loved one is charged with DWI; take immediate action to contact our office and set up a consultation with one of our experienced DWI attorneys.
Is DWI Different in Charlotte?The NC DWI laws are the same, whether you’re sitting in court in Elizabeth City or Murphy or Raleigh for that matter. Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt is the same everywhere in North Carolina.
You may have heard of Due Process and Equal Protection under the law. As citizens of North Carolina, we’re all supposed to be treated the same. We’re all subject to the DWI laws and how they’re applied. Guidebook to Navigating DWI DUI Legal System in NC
It’s intended to be consistent, even, equal, and above all, fair. That’s not to say there is any nefarious intent by prosecutors, judges, or law enforcement in the enforcement of the criminal laws. Quite the contrary, everyone within the system is dedicated to justice.
At the same time, the processes of how the laws are applied are clearly different. The legal system in Charlotte-Mecklenburg is massive. The 26th judicial district is a behemoth in North Carolina.
Everything about the criminal courts in Charlotte is bigger. That isn't intended as a bragging point. “Bigger” is not necessarily better. Indeed, it can be quite a hinderance at times.
As it relates to DWI charges, bigger translates to more complicated. How we as Charlotte DWI lawyers navigate the system is different. How things role in smaller jurisdictions like Iredell County, Gastonia, and even Union County NC, where we also practice law, is not the same.
“I’ve been incredibly lucky to have traveled throughout North Carolina, handling DWI charges. How we do it in Charlotte is different. You can find yourself in quite a pickle if you do not know and understand the local rules, policies, and procedures in Mecklenburg County.”
– Bill Powers, Charlotte DWI attorney
Similarly, how defense lawyers handle and approach criminal charges Statesville or Salisbury is not necessarily better or worse. It’s just different. Bill Powers has more than 26 years of practical courtroom experience and that’s not limited to just Charlotte NC. His book, the NC DWI Quick Reference Guide is circulated widely and regularly reference by lawyers throughout North Carolina.
What are the First Steps of Hiring a DWI Lawyer in Charlotte NC?Checking out lawyers online is a decent place to start. As we’ve made it clear, doing a Google search may or may not be all that helpful. It shouldn’t take very long to compare experience, training, and credentials. Take your time. Consider your options. Ask questions and then call us.
We offer a free consultation for DWI charges in Charlotte. What you tell our defense attorneys is confidential. We keep secrets and offer a lending hand.
Additional Information / Answers to Your DWI Questions Helpful Information About Criminal Charges