If you have been arrested and charged with a DWI in Forest City, North Carolina, it is in your best interest to have a highly-qualified DWI defense attorney in your corner. The diligent and skilled DWI attorneys at King Law have a wealth of experience crafting solid defense strategies for their clients in Forest City and the surrounding areas. At King Law, we bring big firm power to small towns and build meaningful relationships with every client. When you partner with us, you can have peace of mind that you have a staunch advocate on your side that will fight relentlessly for your rights.
Will My DWI Be Charged as a Misdemeanor or a Felony in Forest City?
Driving While Impaired (DWI) is a serious criminal charge that bears significant consequences. If you are pulled over and are found to have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more, the officer could arrest you for a DWI. While DWIs are typically charged as a misdemeanor, the charge could be raised to a felony under certain circumstances. If you have been charged with your third DWI within seven years or the DWI resulted in a fatal accident, you might be charged with a felony.
How a DWI Conviction Can Impact Your Life in North Carolina
Both misdemeanor and felony DWI convictions can significantly impact your life. Misdemeanor DWIs are divided into five levels based on severity. The levels are determined by different aggravating and mitigating factors. Aggravating factors may include prior DWI convictions, a high BAC, or causing an accident. On the other hand, mitigation factors may include a clean driving record or a low BAC. Each level of misdemeanor DWI carries different penalties listed below.
- Level 1 DWI: Individuals convicted of the most severe classification of misdemeanor DWI may face up to two years in prison and a fine of $5,000.
- Level 2 DWI: Those convicted of a level 2 DWI could be sentenced to up to one year in prison and a fine of $2,000.
- Level 3 DWI: If you are convicted of a level 3 DWI, you could spend 72 hours in jail and be sentenced to pay a $1,000 fine.
- Level 4 DWI: Individuals convicted of a level 4 DWI may have to spend 48 hours behind bars and pay a $500 fine.
- Level 5 DWI: If you are convicted of the least severe DWI charge, you may face 24 hours in jail and a $200 fine.
Felony DWIs, on the other hand, fall under two categories: habitual DWI and death-by-vehicle. If you were charged with a third DWI in a seven year period, you might face up to 5 years in prison. If someone lost their life due to an accident you caused while impaired, you could be sentenced to over 13 years in prison. Those convicted of felonies also tend to have difficulty finding employment and housing as well as maintaining relationships. It is also important to note that both misdemeanor and felony-level DWI convictions can result in your license being revoked for an extended period of time.
If you are facing DWI charges in North Carolina, it is essential to know where you stand and what your options are. An experienced DWI lawyer can conduct an investigation into your case to shed light on the severity of the charges you face and the best strategies to beat them.
Possible Defenses for a DWI Charge in Forest City, North Carolina
If you are facing DWI charges in North Carolina, it is essential to remember that you have options. At King Law, our attorneys have extensive experience employing various defense strategies to fight DWI charges. Our attorneys will take the time to get to know you and every detail of your case personally to determine which defense strategy is the best fit for your case. Some strategies your lawyer may utilize include:
- You were not stopped legally
- You were not read your Miranda rights
- The field sobriety test was not properly administered
- The officers were guilty of misconduct
- You were not the one driving the vehicle
- The evidence is insufficient
- The breath test was inaccurate
The prosecutor has to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in criminal cases. Your DWI defense lawyer will use every tool in their arsenal to erode the prosecutor’s case and craft the best possible defense on your behalf.
Contact a Highly-Qualified Forest City DWI Attorney Today
If you have been charged with a DWI in North Carolina, there is too much on the line to leave your case up to chance. The experienced DWI defense attorneys at King Law have a proven track record of successfully defending DWI cases across the state. When you choose us, you choose a fierce advocate that will fight tooth and nail for your rights through every stage of your case. To learn more about how King Law can help you, give us a call at (888) 748-5464 (KING) or complete our contact form today.