North Carolina DWI Child Endangerment

Did you know that if you are arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in the state of North Carolina and are traveling with a passenger under the age of 16, you can be charged with child endangerment? Indeed, under state law, you will most likely be charged with not one, but two separate criminal offenses—one for drunk driving and one for North Carolina DWI child endangerment.

Because auto accidents are the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 14, state lawmakers have begun focusing their efforts on preventing such tragedies before they occur. As a result, the laws regarding drunk driving continue to get tougher and tougher each year, especially when it comes to endangering the lives of underage passengers.

Numerous studies indicate that drivers who are under the influence of alcohol often fail to take certain safety precautions when they get behind the wheel. For example, although seatbelts are required by law, impaired drivers often fail to ensure passengers are buckled up properly before venturing onto the highway. This can be particularly dangerous for children who are unable to secure themselves without help from an adult.

Although the penalties for DWI child endangerment vary based on a variety of factors, such as the driver’s prior driving record, extent of his or her impairment, and age of the passenger, a conviction will almost always lead to serious criminal consequences.

If the passenger is under the age of 16, the judge may sentence you to anywhere from seven days to a year behind bars, order you to pay up to $2,000 in fines, and revoke your driving privileges for 30 days or more. If you were involved in an accident or are a habitual DWI offender (meaning you have one or more prior convictions on your record), you can expect to face even harsher penalties as a result—up to a two-year jail sentence, $4,000 fine, and an even longer license suspension.

If you were recently arrested for DWI child endangerment in the state of North Carolina, it is important to seek legal representation immediately. In many cases, a skilled DWI defense attorney can challenge the evidence against you and help you avoid a life-altering DWI conviction. Complete a free online case evaluation today to locate a firm that specializes in drunk driving defense.