Experienced Charlotte Criminal Defense Lawyer Defending Clients Facing Second and Third Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Offenses
North Carolina has some of the toughest DWI laws in the country. So, if you have been charged with multiple DWI charges in the past, it is crucial to contact a Charlotte criminal defense attorney to get started working on your defense as soon as possible.
The Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, is an established Charlotte DWI defense law firm that represents individuals facing all types of DWI offenses, including second, third and fourth-time DUI charges. Our attorneys fight for the rights of individuals facing DWI crimes and we know that when you are facing a second or subsequent conviction, your freedom is at stake.
North Carolina DUI Laws
A driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher is considered by law to be statutorily impaired. In this case, you can be arrested and charged with a criminal DWI, even if there is no evidence that alcohol affected your driving.
A first-time DWI offender with a safe driving record may receive the lightest sentencing from a judge depending on other conditions of the arrest, including BAC, whether there was an accident, or whether there were any passengers in the vehicle. However, for those with multiple DWI offenses, the penalties increase depending on the number of prior DWIs and the circumstances of the drunk driving incident.
That said, North Carolina’s DUI sentencing laws are extremely complex because there are six classifications of DWI, which are (from least serious to most serious):
Level 5
Level 4,
Level 3,
Level 2,
Level 1, or
Level 1 Aggravated
To determine your offense level, the court will hold a sentencing hearing after you’ve been convicted. At this hearing, the court will consider a number of factors, one of which is whether you have any prior DUIs.
Second Offense DWI
A second offense within seven years of a previous DWI conviction means a mandatory jail sentence. However, inpatient treatment or enrollment in the continuous alcohol monitoring system may be able to keep you out of physical custody. But the consequences of additional DUI convictions only become more severe.
However, even if this is your first DWI charge, it is imperative to hire an experienced Charlotte multiple DWI attorney because each case is very fact specific. Thus, you may have a good defense on your first DWI charge and there is no guarantee that you’ll have such a defense for a second DWI arrest. Thus, rather than enter a guilty plea to your first DWI and accept the harsh consequences that will come along with a subsequent conviction, it’s important to vigorously defend against any DWI case.
Habitual DWIs
The legislature is looking at changing the habitual drunk driving statute to include people with two prior convictions instead of the current law that requires three previous convictions. Habitual drunk driving is a felony and carries significant (years) of jail time. You need a criminal attorney on your side to help fight these charges. While habitual drunk driving is the most severe charge one can get from drinking and driving without an accident or death, there are still significant consequences second, third and DWI convictions leading up to this point.
Were You Recently Arrested for DWI and Have Multiple DWIs on Your Record?
If you are looking at a second, third or fourth-offense DWI, reach out to the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, to discuss your case with an experienced Charlotte DWI defense lawyer. Multiple DWIs can subject you to jail time as well as the revocation of your driver’s license. Our consultations are always free, and we will discuss a strategy and what we can do from the start. We focus on litigation and arguing our cases at trial and hearings; give us a call and let us fight for you. Contact a Charlotte DWI defense lawyer or Concord DWI defense attorney at one of our offices for effective legal defense against multiple DWI criminal charges. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call 704-405-2850, or connect with us through our secure online contact form.
