DWI Charges
A Driving While Impaired (DWI) charge is controlled under N.C.G.S.§ 20-138.1 and essentially has two prongs.
- While under the influence of an impairing substance; or
- After having consumed sufficient alcohol that he/she has, at any relevant time after the driving, an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more.
The State can proceed under either of them so it is important to have a DWI lawyer in Raleigh, NC on your side.
Prong One: While under the influence of an impairing substance
Law enforcement can testify to your appearance, demeanor, the smell of alcohol, problems standing or walking, the orderliness of your appearance, the results of any field sobriety tests, and/or any statements made. They can obtain a conviction if they successfully prove you are appreciably impaired on this evidence alone. If you are looking for representation from a Raleigh DWI lawyer because of incidents reflected under prong one, please, contact us at (919) 832-2280.
Prong Two: After having consumed significant alcohol
The charge of DWI is an offense that has many legal, as well as social, ramifications. It is unlike any other charge in that the District Attorney’s Office does not negotiate pleas to a lesser offense. One reason for this may be the legal and social implications of such a charge. Finding the correct DWI Lawyer in Raleigh is crucial in situations with DWI charges.
Contrary to what most people believe, it is not against the law to drink and drive in North Carolina; it is only against the law when you are driving appreciably impaired. In North Carolina, it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle after having consumed enough alcohol that you have an alcohol concentration of .08 or higher or while you are under the influence of an impairing substance (i.e. drugs – whether legal or illegal). This alcohol concentration can be determined by a breathalyzer test or blood test, depending on the circumstances. Like all criminal charges, the State has the high burden of proving its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Without an effective Raleigh DWI attorney, it is a challenge to defend against the State.
DWI Conviction
Most arrests for Driving While Impaired result in a conviction. A conviction for a DWI is a misdemeanor and will result in a criminal record as well as an increase in automobile insurance. Over the last several years, laws regarding Driving While Impaired have become increasingly severe. If convicted, sentencing can range from unsupervised probation to two years in prison, depending on sentencing factors, and the loss of one’s driver’s license. Many employers have a zero-tolerance policy for any DWI conviction. It is imperative to obtain a lawyer who is experienced at attacking and trying DWI cases at all levels in court in order to get the best result possible, including an acquittal.
DWI Defense
The State of North Carolina has the high burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that an individual is guilty of a DWI.
Raleigh DWI Lawyer, Nick Saparilas, Attacks DWI Cases From a Multitude of Areas Including:
- The Stop: Law enforcement must have a “reasonable, articulable suspicion that a criminal offense is taking place” in order to effectuate a legal stop.
- Probable Cause for Arrest: Even after you have been stopped by law enforcement, they must have a higher degree of certainty for an arrest or probable cause to effectuate a legal arrest. These factors must be examined to determine if law enforcement did indeed have probable cause to place you under arrest.
- Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): Law enforcement must go through many procedural requirements in order to get a .08 or greater reading admitted into evidence at a trial. Some of those requirements would be a sequential breath test, observation period, care and maintenance of the machine, and a number of other important rights that the defendant has. If the State fails to comply with any of these, even a high BAC result can be suppressed from consideration at a trial.
- Miranda Rights: It is important that defendants realize that they do not have to answer any questions or submit to any field sobriety tests at the scene simply because they are asked to by law enforcement. Any and all statements made and tests attempted by the defendant are admissible in trial. Individuals do not normally complete such tasks in their daily lives as are included in the field sobriety tests. Therefore, it is unusual for an individual to perform well on these tests.
Remember if you are arrested for a DWI, it is best to have an expert on your side. Raleigh DWI lawyer Nick Saparilas is an aggressive trial attorney who will investigate every possible avenue for a successful outcome in your case. As an experienced litigator, Nick has a reputation for standing his ground in negotiations with prosecutors and taking cases to trial when negotiations break down. He will stand up for your rights.
Call (919) 832-2280 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation. During the consultation, Raleigh DWI Lawyer Nick Saparilas will explain your charges, review the elements of your case, and answer any questions you have.