North Carolina DWI Misdemeanor

If you are arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in the state of North Carolina, you will most likely be charged with a misdemeanor (unless you were involved in a serious auto accident or have a history of drunk driving). Although less severe than a felony offense, a North Carolina DWI misdemeanor is still a very serious crime and, as a result, carries some pretty hefty penalties if you are convicted in criminal court.

In North Carolina, misdemeanor crimes are divided into multiple categories based on the severity of the crime. Known as “levels,” these categories range from a level 1 offense for severe cases to a level 5 DWI for less serious charges; the penalties, in turn, vary based upon how the offense is classified.

For example, while the maximum sentence for a level 5 DWI includes a 60-day jail sentence, the minimum punishment for a level 1 offense includes mandatory jail time. In addition, whereas judges often allow level 5 offenders to serve community service in lieu of jail time, it will be much harder to avoid time behind bars if you are convicted of a more serious level of DWI.  

If you have a previous record of driving under the influence, the charges against you are likely to be more serious than for a first offense. Under state law, any person who has been arrested three times or more over a 10-year period is considered a habitual offender. As a result, these individuals often face level 1 DWI charges or, in some cases, felony offenses.

Unlike a misdemeanor offense, a felony conviction can also lead to a permanent license revocation and/or forfeiture of your vehicle—which means your driving privileges will be gone forever.

As you can see, the penalties for driving while intoxicated are very severe in the state of North Carolina. As a result, most drivers who are arrested for a DWI offense find it beneficial to have legal representation, as an experienced DWI defense attorney can substantially improve their chances of receiving a positive outcome in court. Indeed, with the right defense strategy, many drivers are able to get their charges reduced or dropped completely.

To learn more about the best defense options for your case, fill in a free case evaluation form today to locate an attorney who specializes in drunk driving defense in your area.