*For additional information regarding the criterion for inclusion or membership for lawyer associations, awards, & certifications click image for link.

The Guidebook to Navigating the DWI DUI Legal System in North Carolina

A Guidebook to Navigating the DWI DUI Legal System in North Carolina

By Bill Powers, NC DWI Lawyer and Co-Author of the NC Criminal Law Book: The North Carolina DWI Quick Reference Guide

Do you have questions about DWI charges in North Carolina? greensboro court

It’s OK if you have questions or don’t know what to do. Allegations of a NC DWI are serious criminal charges.

Everyone seems to have opinions about DWI levels in North Carolina and the chances of dismissal of DWI. No one expects to get arrested for “drunk driving” or “drunken driving” or “DUI.”


“To some extent those pre-conceived notions are one of the first things DWI defense attorneys address right off the bat. Clients in need of legal representation rarely fully understand the difference between civil and criminal law, let alone the difference between DUI and DWI.” Bill Powers

jury and flag

And that’s OK.

That’s what we do as criminal defense attorneys. We explain things. We answer questions. We dispel common misconceptions about what is a DWI arrest, the chances of jail time for first offense DUI, and the DUI consequences North Carolina.

Have questions about your NC DWI? Don’t understand how the North Carolina Criminal Justice System works? lawyers of the year

That’s why we created The Guidebook to Navigating the DWI DUI Legal System in North Carolina. We know you have questions.

Inside you will find answers to these questions, and many other answers about NC DWI laws. It is written in a straight-forward manner and is a good place to start if you’re facing allegations of criminal charges.

The NC DWI Guidebook also sets forth our perspective as DWI defense attorneys, and what we do to help people. Part of that involves helping you start thinking about what you want and your goals.

Good decisions concerning what to do about your DWI charges begin with gathering information and fully understanding your legal rights and options. So, we encourage you to start fresh. Forget what you think you know about DWI charges and begin getting the facts.

“We put together The Guidebook as a reference source. We understand an arrest for impaired driving (N.C.G.S. 20-138.1) is traumatic for most people. According to NHTSA statistics, the vast majority of people charged with impaired driving have little to no prior experience with law enforcement, let alone serious DWI charges.” Bill Powers

police following car

The purpose of the NC DWI Guidebook is to explain things like DUI and insurance rates, the North Carolina criminal justice system, and the different types of evidence in a criminal case.

Inside you will find:

  • Sample DL-123 (Proof of Insurance for DWI charges)
  • Information about a Limited Driving Privilege and Driving After an Arrest for NC DWI
  • Requirements for a Pre-Trial Limited Driving Privilege and Limited Privilege Conditions (“Hardship License” or “ Work Privileges”)
  • NC DWI Assessment Providers – What is an Alcohol Assessment?
  • Legal Standards in NC Criminal Charges
  • The Difference between Civil and Criminal Cases in NC
  • How to get a DWI dismissed in NC and preparation of a Defense Strategy
  • What is First Offence DWI and is a DWI a Felony?
How Important is Good Legal Advice? What Do DWI Attorneys Do? How Do I Find a DWI Lawyer Near Me? questions and answers

Good news, you’re looking in the right place! We have a ton of information available for your review about the NC DWI laws on our website, YouTube videos, and NC DWI law blog.

Check us out. Review our credentials, our awards and certifications, our client reviews, and what past clients have said about our level of customer service, dedication to detail, and compassion for clients.

Then call our Carolina DWI attorneys for legal help. 704-342-4357

“Our law firm and DWI lawyers provide answers. We explain the system, which can be incredibly complex and confusing. We help people seeking legal representation for criminal charges navigate District Court and Superior Court in North Carolina.” Bill Powers, NBTA Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist

Client Reviews
★★★★★
I am so fortunate to have had Bill Powers on my case. Upon our first meeting, Bill insisted that through the emotions of anger, sadness, confusion, and betrayal that I remain resilient. He was available to answer questions with researched, logical, truthful answers throughout our two year stretch together... J.R.
★★★★★
Bill Powers and his firm were a true blessing. If anyone is contacting an attorney, it's more than likely not from a positive life experience. If there was a rating for "bedside manner" for lawyers he'd get a 10/10 for that as well. The entire staff were helpful... K.C.
★★★★★
Bill Powers’ staff has handled several traffic citations for me over the years, and they exceeded my expectations each and every time. Would highly recommend anyone faced with a traffic citation or court case contact his office and they will handle it from there. M.C.
★★★★★
Bill and his staff are flat out great. I (unfortunately) was a repeat customer after a string of tickets. These guys not only took care of the initial ticket for me, but went the extra mile and reduced my problems from 3 to just 1 (very minor one) on the same day I called back! I would recommend them to anyone. A.R.