Limited Driving Privileges And DWI - North Carolina
DWI convictions are common in North Carolina and many people lose their ability to drive for at least one year. Some people are forced to walk, take a bus, ride a moped or scooter, or worse, break the law by driving in order to get to work or to do things they once took for granted like going to the grocery store. If you have been arrested for DWI you could be heavily fined, lose your driver's license, and even go to jail or prison. Losing your license can have devastating effects on your life, your family, and your career and it can cause a lot of unnecessary stress and frustration. If you have been arrested for DWI in Forsyth, Davidson, or Davie County in North Carolina, you may be able to get limited driving privileges that will help you keep your job, attend school, or care for your family, even if a judge finds you guilty of DWI. An experienced DWI defense attorney like John E. Fitzgerald can help you both with your DWI case and with your petition for driving privileges.
What Are Limited Driving Privileges?
If you are convicted of DWI in North Carolina, your privilege to drive will be suspended for at least 1 year. A judge can grant you a limited driving privilege after your conviction if you qualify, but the days and hours you are allowed to drive are in the judge's discretion. You must provide necessary paperwork to the judge when you petition for the privilege. The privilege may allow you to drive to and from work, to and from court-ordered community service or substance abuse classes, and for household maintenance. The privileges are strict and could be taken away from you with no chance of getting them back if you are caught violating the terms the judge ordered you to follow.
What If I Refused The Breathalyzer or Blood Test?
If you refuse a breath or blood test, you should IMMEDIATELY call an experienced DWI defense attorney to help you. Your license will be suspended for one year if you do not properly request a DMV hearing within 10 days of the DMV receiving notice of your refusal. You may qualify for driving privileges 6 months after such a suspension, but that is not guaranteed. A qualified DWI defense attorney can work on your behalf to try to fight the breathalyzer or blood test refusal suspension at the DMV. Again, time is of the essence in this situation and you MUST act within 10 days of your arrest. Your attorney will fight to try to save your privilege to drive in North Carolina.
Should I Try To Fight A DWI Charge?
Yes, if you should definitely try to fight your case in court if you believe you have been falsely accused of a DWI, that the investigation was not done properly, that your rights were violated, or that the State does not have enough evidence to convict you. It is extremely difficult for someone who is not a lawyer to fight their DWI charge in court. It is better to have a skilled and experienced DWI attorney in court to fight your battle with you. Your attorney will use a variety of resources and tactics to defend you from the charges, fight for your best interests, and to get you a limited driving privilege if you are convicted of DWI and you qualify for one.
If you have been arrested for a DWI in Forsyth, Davidson, and Davie Counties in North Carolina and want to fight the charges or even just to plead guilty and you are concerned about your driving privileges, call attorney John E. Fitzgerald for help. You don't have to accept the charges or fight your case by yourself. Call attorney John E. Fitzgerald at (336) 804-8058 today.
