
North Carolina takes underage DWIs seriously. Because there is zero tolerance for underage drinking, the penalties are often harsh and can have serious long-term effects on a young person’s life. If you or your child is charged with underage DUI, the first thing you should do is consult with a Black Mountain underage DUI lawyer.
In the past 10 years, Edwards Law, PLLC, has gotten to know the families of many people facing legal trouble. Many of these defendants were charged with DUI, Underage DWI, or were involved in cases stemming from an Illegal DUI Stop. We understand the delicate nature of these cases; the age of these defendants makes them adventurous but impressionable. Redirection is the key in underage DUI cases, and we are equally prepared to represent individuals charged with more serious offenses, such as Felony DUI or Multiple DWI. Our firm provides outstanding legal support for families and individuals navigating these complex and often life-altering charges.
Many of our clients ask us why NC and Black Mountain underage drinking laws are so harsh. The state enforces strict penalties because more than 4,000 of all alcohol-related deaths are young people under 21. Furthermore, around 20 teen fatalities in North Carolina were the result of drinking and driving. The state wants to do everything it can to prevent even just one more fatality related to underage DWI.
Underage drinking is a problem statewide. A North Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that one in five high school students admitted to drinking, which equates to about 108,000 NC students. In addition, among those, one in two admitted to binge-drinking, which is about 55,000 NC high school students.
As part of the state’s war on underage DWIs, the state, as per DUI Laws, has attempted to go after the source of underage drinking in NC. This has led to a focus on those supplying the alcohol to minors. Some of the laws targeted at these efforts are listed below.
To get your driver’s license back in North Carolina following revocation for DWI, you must complete an assessment for substance abuse. If the assessment recommends treatment, you must complete the treatment. In no way can a license be reinstated without completing these mandatory conditions first. There are six state-approved assessment providers that are eligible to perform assessments in Buncombe County:
There are, however, opportunities to lessen charges. North Carolina provides certain defendants with opportunities for alternative sentencing, such as treatment programs, probation, an ignition lock device, constant alcohol monitoring, and other non-traditional penalties that promote therapeutic improvement rather than confinement. The specifics of your case will provide more insight into the possibility of a reduced charge and alternative sentencing options.
Whether your case requires influential communication skills to mitigate penalties, a deep investigation of the validity of your charges, or negotiation tactics for reduced or alternative sentencing, Edwards Law, PLLC, is well-equipped to handle it. Contact us to discuss the details of your underage DWI case.