DWI on a Scooter in North Carolina

The difference between a DUI and a DWI is slight, but this difference might also be significant depending on the details of your case. “DUI” stands for “driving under the influence,” while “DWI” means “driving while intoxicated or impaired.” Practically speaking, there may be no differences between the two in your given case.

In the state of North Carolina, you may be charged with a DWI even if you’re only riding a scooter. This is because DUI and DWI charges are related to your actions while operating a vehicle. In North Carolina, electric scooters are considered vehicles, so law enforcement may have the right to charge you with a DWI in this particular circumstance.

There are a handful of consequences you may receive if you’re found guilty of driving while impaired in North Carolina. These may include the following:

• Fines
• Time in jail
• Community service
• Vehicle driving privileges suspended

In general, these consequences may be dismissed after the minimum punishments have been fulfilled.

There are a few steps to follow after a DWI, especially if you’re considering taking legal action.

Avoid Discussing Your Case

If you’ve received a DWI charge, you may want to avoid discussing your case with anyone, including friends and family. You may also want to stay off of social media, including making picture or text posts. This is because anything you say might be used against you in your claims, decreasing the likelihood you’ll be able to reduce your consequences or have your charges dismissed.

Contact an Attorney 

You may also want to hire a North Carolina DWI defense attorney, especially one experienced with DUI or DWI cases. This might be necessary if you’re interested in reducing your potential consequences or you want your charges to be dismissed. Your criminal defense attorney may be able to help you in some of the following ways:

• Legal knowledge: Your criminal defense lawyer is likely qualified to represent you in criminal law cases, including those involving DWI charges.
• Negotiation skills: Attorneys are often well-known for their negotiation skills and tactics, and these may be useful in your particular case. Your lawyer’s negotiating power may allow your side of the story to come across more effectively and positively.
• Reducing your potential consequences: Your attorney may also be able to help you reduce your consequences. In some cases, lawyers are even able to get cases completely dismissed.
• Privacy to discuss your case: If you’ve ever heard of attorney-client privilege, you may get this with your attorney. Commonly, your lawyer is unlikely to discuss any details of your case, allowing you to enjoy as much privacy as possible in many cases.

If you’re planning on taking legal action, it’s strongly recommended to avoid representing yourself. Your scooter North Carolina DWI lawyer is likely to better represent your case in a favorable way, and it’s therefore highly encouraged to hire a qualified attorney.