New Bern Multiple DWI Attorney

If you are facing charges for driving while impaired, you should seek the assistance of a New Bern multiple DWI attorney. A conviction for DWI can have serious, life-altering consequences, including loss of driving privileges, increased insurance rates, and increased penalties upon a subsequent conviction. If you are convicted of DWI a second time within ten years, you could face mandatory jail time, even if it is your first DWI offense.

At Chesnutt & Clemmons, our New Bern multiple DWI attorney is dedicated to providing clients with aggressive, effective representation. Our New Bern DWI lawyer has over 25 years of experience practicing law and has handled over 1,000 cases. If you are facing DWI charges, you can count on our firm to do everything we can to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Schedule your initial consultation with our New Bern multiple DWI attorney by calling (252) 300-0133 or filling out our online form.

What Are the Penalties for Multiple DWI in North Carolina?

The penalties for multiple DWI offenses are increased when compared to the penalties for a first DWI offense.

A second DWI offense within 7 years carries more severe penalties. The fine ranges from $500 to $2,000, and there is a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 7 days, which can extend to 1 year. If the previous DWI occurred within the last 7 years, the minimum jail time increases to 30 days. The driver’s license may be suspended for 1 to 4 years, and an ignition interlock device may be required. Completion of a substance abuse assessment and treatment program is also mandated.

For a third DWI offense within 10 years, the penalties become even harsher. Fines range from $1,000 to $4,000, and there is a mandatory minimum jail term of 30 days, which can extend up to 2 years. If the third offense occurs within 7 years of the previous one, the minimum jail term increases to 90 days. The driver’s license may be suspended for 1 to 4 years, or even permanently for habitual offenders. The court will also require an ignition interlock device for at least 1 year upon reinstatement of driving privileges, and the individual must complete a substance abuse assessment and treatment program.

In addition to these legal consequences, repeat DWI offenses can lead to significantly increased insurance rates and can negatively impact employment opportunities, especially for jobs requiring a valid driver’s license.

Understanding the DWI Legal Process in North Carolina

The legal process for a DWI defense case involves several key stages:

• Arrest and Booking: After being stopped and arrested for suspected impairment, the driver undergoes booking, where personal information is recorded and a breath or blood test may be taken.
• Initial Court Appearance: At the arraignment, the defendant is formally charged, advised of their rights, and sets future court dates. A plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest is entered.
• Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery: Both sides exchange evidence and the defense may file motions to challenge the legality of the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, or breathalyzer results.
• Plea Negotiations: The defense and prosecution may negotiate a plea deal to reduce charges or penalties before going to trial.
• Trial: If no plea deal is reached, the case proceeds to trial where both sides present evidence and arguments. The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Sentencing: If convicted, the judge determines the penalties, depending on the offense's severity and the defendant’s record.
• Appeals: The defendant can appeal the conviction or sentence, focusing on legal errors made during the trial rather than re-litigating the case.
• Post-Sentencing: After sentencing, the defendant must address additional requirements such as license reinstatement, probation compliance, or treatment programs.

Throughout this process it is advisable to have an experienced attorney by your side. Our New Bern multiple DWI lawyers can protect rights and work towards the best outcome - Contact us today! 

Common Defenses for Multiple DWI Charges

When facing multiple DWI charges, several common defenses can be used to challenge the evidence and potentially reduce or dismiss the charges. 

Here are some of the most frequently employed defenses:

• Challenging the traffic stop
• Questioning field sobriety tests, including inaccurate testing conditions and the officer's training
• Scrutinizing breathalyzer results
• Disputing blood test results

Each defense strategy depends on the specific facts of the case and the evidence available. A New Bern multiple DWI defense attorney is crucial to identifying the most effective defenses and building a strong case to challenge the charges.

Why Choose Our New Bern Multiple DWI Attorney?

If you are facing DWI charges, you need an experienced, dedicated attorney. Our New Bern multiple DWI attorney has handled hundreds of cases and has the experience and knowledge to effectively represent you.

Our New Bern multiple DWI lawyer will fight to:

• Challenge the evidence against you. We will review the police reports and other evidence against you to determine whether the evidence is legally sufficient to convict you of DWI.
• Negotiate reduced penalties. We will work with the prosecutor to negotiate reduced penalties in your case.
• Represent you in court. We will be present in court to represent you and argue on your behalf.

Our New Bern multiple DWI attorney at Chesnutt & Clemmons is ready to help you.

We are available 24/7 to assist you and can be reached at (252) 300-0133 or on our online contact form. Let our New Bern multiple DWI attorney help you.