Drinking and driving is a more significant concern over the holidays because many attend parties and festivities. Some people are not used to drinking large amounts of alcohol and may get into their vehicles to drive home, not realizing they are intoxicated.
People are often invited to work and personal social events with alcohol for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Those tempted to drink and drive should know that a DWI charge has significant legal and non-legal repercussions.
DWI Arrests Increase Over the Holiday SeasonLaw enforcement officers in North Carolina increase their efforts to identify and arrest drunk drivers over the holiday season. North Carolina has worked to follow their booze it and lose it campaign. This campaign instructs local police departments to increase their law enforcement levels over the holidays.
Many people travel during the holidays and drink at social events, increasing the likelihood of drunk driving accidents. Every year, the number of drivers arrested for DWI increases over the holidays. Unfortunately, innocent drivers can be swept up in Holiday DWI checks and face penalties for a crime they did not commit.
What to Do if You are Charged With a DWI During the HolidaysKnowing what steps to take to protect yourself is crucial if you are among the many North Carolina residents arrested for a DWI over the holidays. The outcome of a DWI conviction can be devastating. If convicted, you will face court and post penalties for driving while intoxicated, which can negatively affect your freedom, reputation, and finances. Some penalties can include community service, jail time, court costs, the loss of your driver's license, the loss of a commercial driver's license, and the loss of other professional licenses.
If you are aware that you drank too much and are thinking of pleading guilty, it is still advisable to seek the advice of an experienced DWI lawyer. A lawyer can help you negotiate a better plea deal in your case.
How Much Will a Holiday DWI Charge Cost in North Carolina?DWI charges are among the most expensive criminal charges. In addition to potentially costing you your freedom due to the penalty of jail time, you can also face costly financial consequences. You may be considering pleading guilty instead of hiring an attorney.
However, the cost of hiring an attorney could be significantly lower than the financial consequences you will face because of the DWI charge. For example, because you are facing a criminal charge, you must appear in court even if you plan on pleading guilty. You could be faced with thousands of dollars worth of fees, fines, and judgments. If you do have to spend time in jail, you could lose your job and source of income. Even in the best-case scenario, you will not be able to earn a living while you are in jail.
Even if you face minor penalties, the cost of an attorney could make the difference between the dismissal of your case and acquittal or a significant reduction in the penalties you will face. Hiring an attorney could result in you not being convicted and having a criminal record for future employers.
The consequences can be severe and long-lasting if you are found guilty of a DUI offense. In addition to facing fines, jail time, or community service, you may also lose your driver's license, which could make it challenging to get to work or fulfill other important obligations. To get your license reinstated, you may need to pay substantial fees and costs, and you may also be required to install a breathalyzer device in your vehicle, which can be expensive to maintain. However, hiring a skilled attorney could help you navigate the legal system, potentially saving you a significant amount of money and stress in the long run.
How Can a Charlotte DWI Attorney Help Me?Retaining the services of an experienced DWI attorney will give you the best chance of avoiding a conviction for a DWI. North Carolina is required to follow several procedural processes according to the United States Constitution and North Carolina's laws. For example, the police officer who stopped you must have reasonably suspected that you were violating the law. If they arrested you, they must prove that they had probable cause to believe that you committed a DWI.
If not, the state violated your constitutional rights, and you may be able to have the charges against you dismissed. Additionally, the prosecution must prove every element of a DWI charge beyond a reasonable doubt. If you have been charged with a DWI in North Carolina, do not hesitate to contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC, to schedule a free case evaluation.