Do You Need a DWI Lawyer?

Being charged with Driving While Impaired (DWI) in North Carolina can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. However, it’s important to remember that you have rights, and the decisions you make immediately after your arrest can greatly impact the outcome of your case. At Bryon M. Smith, Attorney At Law, we have extensive experience defending clients against DWI charges in Jacksonville and Onslow County. We are here to guide you through this difficult time and build a strong defense on your behalf.

Steps to Take After a DWI Charge

If you’ve been charged with a DWI, it’s crucial to remain calm and take the following steps to protect your rights:

• Stay Silent and Cooperate with the Officer It’s natural to feel stressed and anxious after being pulled over or arrested for DWI, but remember that anything you say can be used against you. Avoid making any statements or admissions that could be incriminating. Be polite and cooperative, but exercise your right to remain silent until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
• Avoid Refusing the Chemical Test Under North Carolina’s Implied Consent Law, refusing a chemical test (such as a breathalyzer or blood test) can result in an automatic license suspension for 12 months, regardless of whether you are convicted of DWI. Although you have the right to refuse these tests, the consequences of doing so can be severe. If you’ve already refused a test, contact an attorney immediately to discuss your options.
• Contact an Experienced DWI Attorney One of the most important things you can do after a DWI charge is to speak with an experienced attorney. Bryon M. Smith, Attorney At Law can help you understand your rights, explain the legal process, and begin crafting a defense tailored to your case. The sooner you seek legal help, the better your chances of building a strong defense.

Understanding the DWI Process in North Carolina

After a DWI arrest, it’s helpful to understand what to expect in the legal process. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved:

• Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: After being arrested, you’ll have an initial appearance before a judge who will set your bond. In most cases, you can be released from custody on bond, and your attorney can work to ensure that the bond amount is reasonable.
• Court Date and Arraignment: You’ll be scheduled to appear in court for your arraignment, where you will formally hear the charges against you and enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Your attorney will guide you through this process and advise you on the best course of action.
• Pre-Trial Motions and Negotiations: Your attorney may file pre-trial motions to challenge the evidence against you or negotiate with the prosecutor to seek reduced charges or alternative sentencing options. At Bryon M. Smith, Attorney At Law, we work diligently to resolve cases before trial whenever possible, but we are always prepared to take your case to court if necessary.
• Trial or Plea Agreement: If your case proceeds to trial, we will aggressively defend you in court, challenging the prosecution’s evidence and presenting a compelling case on your behalf. Alternatively, we may negotiate a plea agreement that minimizes the penalties you face.

Penalties for a DWI Conviction in North Carolina

A DWI conviction in North Carolina can carry serious consequences, including:

• Fines: Depending on the level of the offense, fines can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
• Jail Time: North Carolina DWI laws allow for jail time, especially for repeat offenders or cases involving aggravating factors like high BAC or accidents.
• License Suspension: A DWI conviction can lead to a license suspension, affecting your ability to work, travel, and take care of daily responsibilities.
• Ignition Interlock Device: For certain offenses, such as those involving a high BAC, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
• Increased Insurance Premiums: A DWI conviction can significantly increase your auto insurance rates.

At Bryon M. Smith, Attorney At Law, we fight to reduce these penalties and protect your driving privileges. We understand the impact a DWI conviction can have on your life, and we are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome.

Defending Your Rights After a DWI Charge

There are many potential defenses available in a DWI case. Bryon M. Smith, Attorney At Law will thoroughly review the details of your arrest, including:

• Challenging the Traffic Stop: If the officer did not have probable cause to pull you over, the evidence against you could be dismissed.
• Questioning the Accuracy of BAC Tests: Breathalyzer and blood tests must be conducted according to strict procedures. Any deviation from these procedures could render the results invalid.
• Field Sobriety Test Issues: Field sobriety tests are subjective and can be affected by many factors unrelated to alcohol or drug use, such as medical conditions or road conditions.

We will use every available defense to protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair treatment throughout the legal process.

Contact Bryon M. Smith, Attorney At Law, for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been charged with DWI in Jacksonville or Onslow County, don’t wait to get legal help. Bryon M. Smith, Attorney At Law is here to provide you with the experienced, aggressive defense you need. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.