Fairview, NC DUI Lawyer

Fairview, NC DUI Attorney

If you have been accused of driving under the influence in North Carolina, it’s likely you’re experiencing tremendous stress thinking about the legal process to come. A Fairview, NC, DUI lawyer from the highly reputable firm of Edwards Law, PLLC, can help take the weight off your shoulders. By applying our mastery of effective defense strategies to our peerless knowledge of the North Carolina courts, we can help clients through even the most serious and hard-to-beat DWI cases.

The prospect of navigating the legal system as an untrained layperson is always a daunting one, and this only becomes more true when the proceedings are focused on serious criminal charges like DWI (driving while intoxicated).

Edwards Law, PLLC, is here to make sure the people of Fairview, NC, don’t have to face these challenges alone. Our team understands the worry and uncertainty that hangs over those awaiting trial for a DWI, and we aim to alleviate it through the focused application of high-quality legal guidance.

Types of DWI/DUI Cases

We can offer highly effective representation for even the most complex and unusual DWI cases, including:

• Felony DWI – In North Carolina, DWIs can be prosecuted at the felony level when a variety of aggravated circumstances are present, such as when a driver has multiple prior DWIs, is pulled over without a valid license, or causes a serious injury. Felony DWI cases call for a smart and strategic defense, as penalties can include serious prison sentences.
• 2nd DUI/Multiple DWIs – Facing a second (or more) DWI charge can significantly escalate the severity of your potential criminal penalties. Repeat DWI offenders who are convicted face harsh penalties like long license suspensions, mandatory drug and alcohol counseling, and increased fines.
• DWI Death/Vehicular Homicide – DWI-related accidents that result in death carry devastating consequences for everyone involved. Our compassionate yet tenacious criminal defense team is committed to providing unwavering support to our clients, even in these extremely sensitive, high-profile cases.
• Underage DWI – Like many states, North Carolina has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving, meaning that anyone under the age of 21 who drives with any trace of alcohol in their system can be charged with a DWI. These convictions can have far-reaching consequences for a young person’s future and must be met with quality legal counsel who understands this complicated intersection of criminal, juvenile, and traffic law concepts.

Identifying a Path to Beating DUI/DWI Charges in Fairview, NC

As a trusted Fairview law firm, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive defense representation tailored to the unique circumstances of each client’s case. “Beating” a DWI case can mean very different things from client to client, and we have a well-earned reputation for focusing on our clients’ desired outcomes.

Wrongfully arrested defendants may want to fight to have charges dismissed entirely, while others will simply want to take accountability for a mistake and work with the court to negotiate the optimal plea deal.

Some of the potential strategies on the table for dealing with DWI charges in Fairview, NC, include:

• High-Value Plea Bargains – We are prepared to explore all strategies when resolving a case. In certain situations, the most likely path to a positive outcome will be to negotiate a great plea deal rather than attempt to fight DWI charges. If we are able to collaborate with court officials to put together a plea deal that works in your favor, our attorney can take the time to explain it to you in detail before asking you to make a decision.
• Probable Cause – The circumstances that lead to a DWI stop are sometimes just as important as what happens afterward. If the officer who pulled you over and arrested you for DWI did not have a legitimate reason to do so, it could effectively undermine the prosecution’s entire case, even leading to charges being dismissed altogether.
• Breathalyzer and Field Sobriety Tests – North Carolina law enforcement officials use a variety of instant tests, including breathalyzer devices, field agility exercises, and demonstrations of mental acuity in order to establish a driver’s intoxicated state for an arrest. All of these methods can potentially be called into question as part of a comprehensive defense strategy.
• Constitutional Issues – If the police or other state officials violated any part of your constitutionally endowed rights during a DWI stop or subsequent proceedings, it could lead to a case being thrown out of court or key pieces of the prosecution’s evidence being deemed inadmissible at trial.

FAQs About Fairview, NC DUI Law

Do You Lose Your License for a First DUI in NC?

You could lose your license temporarily for a first DUI in NC, but every case is different, and each sentence handed down is particular to the circumstances of that unique conviction. A first-time DWI conviction might result in a longer suspension or forfeiture of a driver’s license if aggravating factors are present, such as injury/death, excessive intoxication, or extreme reckless driving.

How Long Do You Lose Your License for a DUI in NC?

You can lose your license for a substantial amount of time for DUI in NC. Every sentence will be a unique product of that individual case’s circumstances, such as the level of intoxication, the extent of damages done, and prior criminal/traffic history. Multiple DWI offenses can lead to a total forfeiture of driving privileges, whereas a first-time misdemeanor-level DWI might result in no license suspension at all.

What Is the Ideal Defense Against a DUI?

The ideal defense against a DUI will be informed by the unique circumstances and details of that particular case. Some common angles to take when dealing with a DWI charge include identifying constitutional rights violations or lack of probable cause during the arrest, presenting evidence to suggest faulty sobriety test results, or negotiating for the optimal plea deal.

Can a DUI Be Reduced in NC?

A DUI might be reduced in NC in certain circumstances. Judges have broad authority to change or lessen charges in most NC criminal cases. In the case of a DWI proceeding, this might involve charges being reduced to a minor traffic violation if the judge decides there is not sufficient evidence to prove that the driver was actually intoxicated.

Edwards Law, PLLC – A Steadfast Ally for Fairview, NC, DWI Defendants

The dedicated DWI/DUI defense team at Edwards Law, PLLC, understands the unique challenges associated with various types of DWI charges. Please contact us today to set up a confidential, no-pressure evaluation of your case and learn more about how we can help you navigate this challenging time.