Fairview Felony DUI Lawyer

Fairview Felony DUI Attorney

Being accused of a DUI in Fairview, North Carolina, is a severe offense, and the consequences increase significantly when the case is upgraded to a felony. In North Carolina, driving under the influence (DUI), sometimes referred to as driving while intoxicated (DWI), can have serious legal repercussions. When facing these charges, it’s incredibly beneficial to your future to have a Fairview felony DUI lawyer on your side.

Why Choose Edwards Law, PLLC?

Our team is dedicated to delivering a skilled legal defense to protect your future and rights because we recognize the seriousness of a felony DUI arrest. Our group of knowledgeable lawyers has a great deal of history defending clients against DUI accusations, both felonies and misdemeanors. We handle every case individually, ensuring that every element is looked at carefully and every possible defense is considered.

Felony DUI Versus Misdemeanor DUI

DUIs in North Carolina may be punished as felonies or misdemeanors based on specific aggravating circumstances. DUIs classified as misdemeanors are typically less serious and generally pertain to first-time offenders or situations without significant aggravating factors.

When there are aggravating circumstances—like past DUI convictions, driving with a suspended license, inflicting harm or death, or having an abnormally high blood alcohol content (BAC)—felony DUI charges can occur.

It is important to recognize the differences between misdemeanor and felony DUIs because the penalties are very different. Penalties for a misdemeanor DUI could include lesser fines, shorter jail terms, and a temporary license suspension. On the other hand, felony DUI has far harsher penalties, such as prison terms, larger fines, and a longer-term or permanent license suspension.

Aggravating Factors in a Felony DUI

In North Carolina, a DUI arrest may become a felony due to a number of aggravating circumstances. Among the most typical elements are:

• Previous DUI convictions. Repeat DUI offenders in North Carolina are subject to harsher punishments. You may face charges of “habitual impaired driving” if you have been found guilty of three or more DUIs in a ten-year period.
• DUIs result in death or serious injuries. If a DUI results in a collision that results in death or major injuries, the motorist may be charged with a felony, which carries even more severe punishments, such as lengthier prison terms.
• Operating a vehicle while your license is suspended. If you have been convicted of DUI in the past, operating a vehicle while your license is suspended may result in a felony charge. This is punishable by increased fines because the state sees it as a deliberate disobedience of the law.
• Children in the car. It is deemed aggravating to drive under the influence when there are minors in the car. This may result in further charges for endangering the welfare of children in addition to felony penalties.
• High Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). In certain instances, a DUI can automatically be upgraded to a felony if the BAC is abnormally high. An excessively high blood alcohol content (BAC) is an aggravating element that can result in more severe punishments.

North Carolina Felony DUI Penalties

In Fairview, North Carolina, felony DUI convictions carry harsh penalties that may negatively impact your life for an extended period of time. Penalties for felony DUI may consist of:

• Prison time. Felony DUI convictions come with minimum prison sentences. Sentences can be far lengthier in cases involving serious injuries or fatalities.
• Fines. Depending on the seriousness of the violation and the existence of aggravating circumstances, felony DUIs carry heavy fines that can be difficult for a person to pay.
• License suspension or revocation. Your driving privileges will be revoked for a considerable amount of time if you are found guilty of a felony DUI. Your license could be permanently revoked in certain situations.
• Probation. In some circumstances, you could be sentenced to probation instead of or in addition to jail time. Nevertheless, felony probation is typically more stringent than misdemeanor probation and may entail obligations like ongoing drug and alcohol testing, community service, and treatment programs.

How an Attorney Can Help

A felony DUI arrest in Fairview can drastically change your life; therefore, you need a skilled attorney to defend your rights. Our attorneys can walk you through the legal process, providing support and knowledge during the process. We are aware of the nuances of North Carolina’s DUI statutes. We are available to offer an active and proficient defense.

Fairview Felony DUI FAQs

Q: How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Fairview, NC?

A: The case’s intricacy, the lawyer’s background, and the particulars of the DUI charge can all affect how much it costs to hire a DUI lawyer in North Carolina. Fees typically vary depending on the severity of the charges, the nature of the DUI offense, and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Q: What Makes a DUI a Felony in Fairview, NC?

A: In North Carolina, a DUI turns into a felony when there are aggravating factors present. These include getting a DUI more than once, causing major harm or death while driving drunk, or being charged with “habitual impaired driving” after multiple offenses in the last ten years. When these things happen, the consequences are harsher than for misdemeanor DUIs.

Q: How Do You Get a DUI Dismissed in Fairview, NC?

A: In Fairview, a DUI charge can be dropped if the defense can show that the traffic stop was illegal, that the breathalyzer or blood test results were not accurate, or that the police did not follow the right processes. A case could also be thrown out if there wasn’t enough proof or if there were problems with how the evidence was handled.

Q: What Evidence Is Needed for a DUI Conviction in Fairview, NC?

A: In order to prove DUI in Fairview, prosecutors usually need proof such as the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC), which must be higher than the permissible limit, the results of field sobriety tests, officer testimony about the driver’s impaired behavior, or any other indication of impairment, like slurred speech or erratic driving.

Contact Edwards Law, PLLC, Today

If you have been charged with felony DUI, the penalties can be severe if you are convicted. An attorney at Edwards Law, PLLC, can help. Contact us today to get started.