Charlotte DWI Defense Attorney

Charlotte DWI Defense Lawyer

North Carolina has some of the harshest penalties for driving while impaired (DWI). In recent years, DWI laws have grown stricter, and they’ll likely continue to move toward even tighter restrictions. As public opinion campaigns increasingly incite strong stances against drinking and driving, prosecutors have also begun to take DWI cases more and more seriously. Fortunately, you can hire a Charlotte DWI defense attorney to protect your rights if you face these charges.

Hire a DWI Defense Attorney to Protect Your Livelihood

With the team from The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett on your side, you can trust that you’ll have dedicated legal advocates by your side who can share their insight and knowledge of DWI laws. Backed by more than 34 years of experience and a proven track record of success, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands. Connect with our team to learn more about our background and how we can fight for you against DWI charges in Charlotte.

What Is a DWI in North Carolina?

DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated or Driving While Impaired. In North Carolina, you can be arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication, as it is an illegal offense.

It’s important to note that because many other states use the term “DUI” to describe driving while intoxicated, you may see local law enforcement use the terms DUI and DWI interchangeably. However, North Carolina only legally recognizes DWIs. An experienced attorney who is knowledgeable about the state’s unique laws can help you properly navigate a DWI in Charlotte.

DWI Penalties and Consequences for a Conviction

A conviction for DWI can lead to a broad range of penalties. Depending on the level of offense — and any priors you may have — you could face jail time, hefty fines, and the installation of an ignition interlock device. On top of the criminal penalties, your driving privileges may also be impacted by a DWI arrest.

Depending upon any aggravating factors like having a high BAC, prior offenses, or driving with a child in the car, you could face the potential suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. Additionally, there are long-term consequences like increased insurance rates, employment issues, and criminal record implications.

An attorney from our firm can help you beat a DWI conviction and fight to mitigate the consequences you face. At The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett, we know how upsetting it is to not be able to drive in your day-to-day life, and we work tirelessly to help Charlotte residents get their licenses restored. To better understand the potential consequences you are facing, do not wait to consult an experienced DWI lawyer.

Steps to Take Following a DWI in Charlotte

If you’ve been charged with a DWI in Charlotte, the steps you take next can help protect your legal rights. It’s important to:

• Stay calm and respectful.
• Avoid self-incrimination.
• Take the time to document details of the stop and any tests given. Write down everything you can remember about what happened before your arrest. This information is often critical for your lawyer.
• Request to speak with an attorney before answering questions. They can help protect your driving privileges.
• Once you speak to an attorney, you can discuss your next steps, including relevant local court timelines and DMV hearing deadlines in Charlotte/Mecklenburg County.

In 2024 alone, North Carolina recorded 24,694 convictions for DWIs. Jury trials accounted for less than 1% of convictions statewide, which likely means that attorneys were able to negotiate these cases to avoid convictions and guilty pleas. As you can see, the right attorney can make all the difference when negotiating a DWI charge. Reach out to The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett to discuss your DWI charge today.

DWI Defenses – The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett Can Fight for You

A DWI charge in North Carolina can lead to significant consequences, but a strong attorney can build a powerful defense that can help you avoid the severe penalties. In our state, available legal defenses include:

• Challenging the Constitutionality of the Traffic Stop. Your lawyer may be able to identify potential violations, including a stop without a valid reason or conducting an illegal search. They can determine if their client’s right to remain silent was violated. If successful, it could result in charges being either dismissed or reduced.
• Disputing Blood or Breath Test Results. DWI charges remain a serious offense in the state. About 40% of the total crash-related fatalities in North Carolina involve impaired drivers. Your attorney can determine whether your DWI involves faulty pre-arrest testing. Your attorney can also consider whether poor lighting, an uneven roadway, or even nervousness led to a false intoxication indicator.
• Identifying Procedural Errors. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers must follow the department’s procedures, even during a DWI arrest. If they failed to follow all police protocols, then the evidence they collected might be inadmissible in court. Any evidence that was gathered as a result of improper police procedural errors may be challenged and could result in your charges being dropped.
• Medical Conditions That Affect Test Results. Many North Carolina drivers have conditions that can lead to false positives during DWI testing. Diabetes, hypoglycemia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and other conditions can make test results unreliable, which can help raise doubts about DWI test results.

At The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett, we have the knowledge needed to identify the right defense strategy for your unique situation, and we’re prepared to explore all available defenses that may benefit your case. Don’t wait to see how we can defend your case with urgency, skill, and experience. As soon as you call, we can start building your defense.

Why You Need a Dedicated Defense Attorney in Charlotte

In DWI cases throughout North Carolina, the state uses an experienced team of professionals, including prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and investigators, who all work together to build a case against you. From the moment you’re pulled over by police, these individuals begin gathering evidence against you. You need to act quickly to defend your rights, and you deserve a strong advocate who can make sure this happens.

DWI Cases That The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett Handles

The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett has been handling DWI cases in Mecklenburg County for decades, representing clients from all walks of life. We have the knowledge, skills, and passion needed to represent cases such as:

• First-Time DWI Offenses: Being arrested for a first-time DWI can be terrifying and overwhelming, especially if you have no prior criminal convictions. The team at our firm has helped countless first-time offenders successfully fight the charges against them and mitigate their consequences. If you were charged with a first-time DWI, don’t panic. Instead, contact our firm to begin protecting your rights.
• Repeat DWI Offenses: If you have a prior DWI record, you could face more significant penalties. Professional legal help is critical for those charged with a second or subsequent DWI offense.
• Underage Alcohol Offenses: For North Carolina residents under the age of 21, an underage DWI conviction or underage alcohol violation can derail your driving privileges and your future. We can help you navigate the process and mitigate the consequences.

FAQs

Q: Do I Have to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney in North Carolina for a DWI?

A: No, you don’t have to hire a criminal defense attorney for a DWI in North Carolina. However, it is strongly recommended to hire legal counsel when you are facing charges that have serious consequences, like DWIs. A defense attorney has the skills needed to build a strong defense on your behalf. They can look for violations in your arrest, issues with evidence, and fight to mitigate the consequences you receive if they can’t get your case dropped.

Q: When Should I Hire an Attorney for a DWI in North Carolina?

A: Ideally, you should hire a DWI attorney as soon as you are arrested for the charge. In general, quick legal intervention improves case outcomes, as the sooner your lawyer can begin working on your case, the more time they have to build a powerful defense. Additionally, if you believe your rights were violated in any way during or after your arrest, it’s critical that you hire a DWI defense lawyer who can assess your situation.

Q: What Does Attorney-Client Privilege Mean in North Carolina?

A: Attorney-client privilege means that your communications with your attorney are protected and confidential. This privilege gives you the opportunity to speak to your lawyer truthfully and without fear that your words will be relayed to someone else. Being truthful with your defense lawyer gives them the tools they need to build the most powerful defense on your behalf.

Q: How Much Does a Charlotte DWI Defense Attorney Cost?

A: Finding an exact average for the cost of a DWI defense attorney in Charlotte can be difficult, as every lawyer charges a different rate based on unique characteristics. The location of your attorney, the amount of experience they have, the amount of work they have to put into your case, the complexity of your case, and the timeline of your case can all impact the total price you pay for legal counsel. You should discuss rates during your initial consultation with an attorney.

Hire a DWI Defense Attorney Serving Charlotte – Call The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett

To hire a DWI defense lawyer you can count on, call The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett. Our Charlotte DWI defense attorneys have the skills, knowledge, and experience to provide sound legal guidance for clients facing DWI charges in Charlotte and the surrounding areas.

When you call our office, we set up a no-cost initial meeting with an attorney. Contact us to schedule your initial consultation with a trusted and efficient DWI defense lawyer.