Statesville DWI Lawyer

Experienced DWI Attorney in Statesville

No one goes out for a night on the town with the intention of getting arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI), but mistakes happen. Unfortunately, they can be costly, as North Carolina takes driving impaired very seriously. Working with a Statesville DWI lawyer is the most effective way to avoid harsh DWI penalties. A skilled attorney can improve your chances of maintaining your driver’s license and freedom.

Trust The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C.

Here at The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C., we believe that everyone deserves a defense in court. Whether you were arrested outside The Watering Hole or driving down Interstate 40, we can leverage our extensive knowledge of DWI laws to construct an effective defense against your charges. Contact us to discuss your case.

You Need to Hire a DWI Lawyer

In 2024, there were 24,694 convictions for DWI across the Tar Heel State. Over half (58%) of them were for Level 5 DWIs, but you shouldn’t assume that means the charges weren’t serious. Many of those facing Level 5 DWI charges still wind up in jail or on supervised probation. If you’ve been arrested for driving intoxicated, you need to hire a DWI lawyer right away.

Your DWI attorney can provide you with advice, guidance, and representation at every step in your legal journey, from questioning chemical test results and evidence collection procedures to negotiating a favorable plea bargain or representing you in court. A skilled lawyer can use their knowledge of North Carolina’s DWI laws and penalties to seek a positive outcome in your case.

Possible Defenses Against DWIs

You can trust your attorney to choose the right strategy for defending you after evaluating your specific case. Some of the most effective defense strategies include:

• Proving that there was an illegal search and seizure
• Showing that a field sobriety test was improperly administered
• Questioning the accuracy of the breathalyzer test
• Questioning the legality of the initial traffic stop
• Arguing that your BAC increased between when you were driving and when the test was administered

Even if your attorney cannot convince the prosecution to dismiss the charges entirely, they might negotiate a lesser charge or a more lenient sentence.

DWI Sentencing

North Carolina handles DWI sentencing by categorizing these offenses as Level 1 through Level 5 based on the specifics of the crime, including whether there were aggravating or mitigating factors and how serious the offense was. The sentencing for DWIs follows these standards:

• Level 5. There are more mitigating than aggravating factors. You could do 24 hours to 60 days in jail and face fines of up to $200.
• Level 4. There are an equal number of aggravating and mitigating factors. You could face 48 hours to 120 days in jail and fines of up to $500.
• Level 3. There are more aggravating than mitigating factors. You could be in jail for 72 hours to six months and face fines of as much as $1,000.
• Level 2. There is one gross aggravating factor. You could face between seven days and one year in jail. You may also be required to pay fines of up to $2,000.
• Level 1. There are two gross aggravating factors, or a vulnerable person was present in your car. You could face 30 days to two years in jail and pay fines of up to $4,000.
• Aggravated Level 1. There are three or more gross aggravating factors. You could face one to three years in jail and fines of up to $10,000.

An attorney can work hard to get the severity of your charges reduced.

Court Process in Iredell County

If you were arrested in Statesville, you can expect your case to be heard at the Iredell County Hall of Justice. Expect to undergo the following court procedures:

• Arraignment
• Pretrial motions
• Plea negotiations
• Trial or final resolution hearing

You should also be prepared for an administrative hearing regarding your license suspension. Your license must be revoked for 30 days if you refuse the chemical test or register a BAC of 0.08% or higher. You could obtain a limited driving privilege after 10 days.

FAQs

Can a DWI Be Dismissed in North Carolina?

A DWI can be dismissed in North Carolina if the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence. A skilled Statesville DWI attorney can work to get evidence against you, such as breathalyzer or field sobriety test results, thrown out due to procedural errors or Fourth Amendment violations, leaving the prosecution without the proof it needs to proceed with its case.

What Is the Minimum Sentence for DWI in NC?

The minimum sentence for DWI in North Carolina is at least 24 hours in jail, a fine of up to $200, and a license revocation. Your attorney can advocate for you to perform community service instead of doing jail time if the judge suspends the sentence. This sentence would only be applicable to the lowest level of DWI, Level 5.

How Can You Get DWI Charges Dropped?

You could get DWI charges dropped with the help of a DWI attorney. Your lawyer can look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and the evidence against you, seeking out violations of your constitutional rights that could lead to a case dismissal. If it’s not possible for the charges to be dropped, your attorney can instead work toward an acquittal in court.

Your Statesville DWI Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested for driving while intoxicated in North Carolina, you should hire a skilled Statesville DWI lawyer who can defend you, your freedom, and your driver’s license. At The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C., we can persuasively advocate on your behalf.

We defend clients in a wide range of criminal matters, including DWIs. Our founding attorney, William T. Corbett, Jr., has over three decades of experience and has handled more than 200 trials. During his time in practice, he has developed a reputation for getting real results. You can trust our client-focused law firm to keep you informed during every step of the legal process and treat your case with the seriousness it deserves. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.