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North Carolina DUI / DWI Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: Is there any kind of break for someone if they get a DUI, but they need to drive to make any kind of income?
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answered on Oct 31, 2018

Yes, it is called a limited driving privilege. However, you need to meet certain requirements to be eligible for it.

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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: RECEIVED dui 2 IN 2011 WAS IN MILITARY, GOT RESTATIONED , WHAT IS STATUE OF LIMITATIONS ON THIS FOR NC?
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answered on Oct 11, 2018

If by 'received' you mean you were charged, then there is no statute of limitations. If you have not or do not take care of the charge eventually you are likely to be arrested - and usually at the worst possible time.

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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: If I get charged with a DUI, will my license be suspended immediately or only after a conviction?
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answered on Oct 6, 2018

In North Carolina it is DWI. Your license to drive or at least your privilege to drive in North Carolina (if you are licensed out of state) will be suspended at the time you are charged - generally speaking for 30 days. This is called a civil revocation. If you are processed properly, you will... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: Is there a statute of limitations on dwi in NC?

It has been more than two years since I was charged

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answered on Sep 10, 2018

Statutes of limitations typically apply to you being charged. Since you have already been charged, you likely need to consult with an attorney in the area you were charged in.

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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: can I contact the court

In 2001 I received a DWI while driving through Pasquotank county, NC. I hired a lawyer at the time to represent me because I was overseas still have a copy of the power of attorney, I never heard anything and assumes case was handled. I recently retired and live in Texas and found out the case was... View More

Amanda Bowden Johnson
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answered on Aug 24, 2018

if the case was never handled you likely have an outstanding Order for Arrest. Obviously your first step in resolving this is calling your former attorney and finding out whats what. If that fails you are going to have to retain new counsel.

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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: MIC laws in North Carolina

My friend and me were at a concert and were given a MIC. Two of us were NOT asked to blow. Two of my others were told to blow, and they did. We were not explained ANYTHING and we are not from North Carolina we don’t know how anything works in NC. We are from SC. AND I’am a half of week from... View More

Amanda Bowden Johnson
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answered on Aug 18, 2018

What part of if you are under 21 you can't drink alcohol needs to be explained to you? Hire an attorney.

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: I got a DUI this week in North Carolina. Are 2 previous DUIs 26 and 31 years ago going to be held against me?
Bill Powers
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Bill Powers
answered on Jul 21, 2018

GREAT QUESTION

Prior convictions of Driving While Impaired (DWI) or what would otherwise be deemed a prior conviction under the NC DWI laws MAY be considered by the Court in sentencing. Convictions entered more than seven (7) years from the current offense date may be deemed Aggravating...
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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: Do you have to go to residential rehab for a DUI?
Bill Powers
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Bill Powers
answered on Jul 17, 2018

GREAT QUESTION

Residential rehabilitation may or may not be required as part of a DWI judgment in North Carolina. It can be recommended by an Assessing Agency and thereafter made part of the Court Order.

It MAY also be a way to avoid some, if not all, active jail time for Driving...
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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: How does a first DUI affect auto insurance?
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answered on Jul 9, 2018

In North Carolina, it is a DWI and generally will not affect your insurance at all unless you are convicted. If convicted, your insurance will skyrocket in price possibly to the point of simply being unaffordable for some people. If so, one option is to purchase a used beater type car outright so... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: Can I fight a case in court for reasonable suspicion? (changing lanes without a turning signal in NC (3-4 car lengths))

Officer said I was swerving a little bit, but I simply switching lanes without a turning signal. The law says I can do that if I’m 3 to 4 car lengths from other drivers. Plus, I got a DWI based off of odor of alcohol coming from my car and one breath test.

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answered on Jun 25, 2018

The law does not say anything about being any amount of car lengths away - you are not required to signal a lane change, period. It is nice if you do so and courteous - but it is not required that you signal a lane change. However, if the officer stopped you for what they interpreted as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: I had a dwi in 2009, was told to this date I still have to install an interlock. Is there a loophole, no other charges.
Bill Powers
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Bill Powers
answered on Jun 14, 2018

GREAT QUESTION!

If that's part of a "conditional restoration," DMV isn't going to budge on that. There is no loophole.

See: https://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/statutes/statutelookup.pl?statute=20-19

(e1) Notwithstanding subsection (e) of this...
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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: What are the consequences of refusing a breath test?
Bill Powers
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Bill Powers
answered on Jun 14, 2018

GREAT QUESTION. The long-term consequences for a "Willful Refusal" can be substantial under the NC DWI laws.

Refusing breath or blood tests as part of a DWI investigation may result in the loss or suspension of your license, without any form of "hardship" or...
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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: Is having a prescription a defense for a medication related DUI?
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answered on May 25, 2018

In North Carolina it is DWI and no, having a prescription is not a defense to driving while impaired. Not being impaired or not driving are the only defenses.

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: I'm currently 22 years old, and I got a level 5 DWI misdemeanor 2 years ago. How soon can I get this expunged?

I got the least amount of punishment possible. I had a level 5 dwi (No aggravators), and it was only a misdemeanor. I got pulled over for speeding, but I did not crash or injure anyone or cause any damage. I was unfortunately under 21 at the time so any alcohol in my system would get me in trouble.... View More

Kristen Dewar
Kristen Dewar
answered on May 24, 2018

As of July 2015, unfortunately DWI convictions can no longer be expunged.

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: Court records show a dwi offense in 1989. I do not know anything about this. Record shows outstanding warrants in NC.

How do I clear this up?

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answered on May 3, 2018

Go turn yourself in, be arrested and go thru the court process or hire an attorney in the county where the DWI allegedly took place. Unless you are indigent, the latter is the better option.

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: What are the cost for fines and expenses for a dui in New Hanover County
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answered on Apr 21, 2018

First get the terminology straight - in NC its DWI and what county you are in is pretty much irrelevant. Court cost are $188 through out the state. The fine will vary (often dramatically) by Judge and depending on the circumstances of the case. In terms of expenses, the big one - your attorney,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: I had a DWI in 2001 and have not taken the ADSAP CLASSES . Do I still have to take the classes.

I take a marcotic pain med ,will they let me graduate the class.It is prescribed by a Dr.

Kristen Dewar
Kristen Dewar
answered on Apr 6, 2018

If you want your NC driving privileges reinstated, you will need to obtain a substance abuse assessment from an authorized provider and you will need to complete all recommended treatment (AKA the classes). The passage of 17 years has not changed that.

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: I received a drinking citation ($35 fine/$180 court costs.(G.S.18B-300b) I am over 21. Pros/Cons of waiving my trial?
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answered on Mar 6, 2018

None if you are representing yourself. Your best bet is to bite the bullet and shop around for the least expensive attorney you can find.

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: 4th dui in 1996. Would I be permitted to have my license reinstated after 22 years.

I quit drinking over 20 years ago and my father needs my help in his older years As a caretaker.

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answered on Mar 3, 2018

Talk to a local traffic / DWI attorney. You likely can petition to be reinstated.

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: What is the time frame for Habitual DWI? ie. Is it 3 DWI's in 7 years or 10 years?
Kristen Dewar
Kristen Dewar
answered on Feb 28, 2018

As per N.C. General Statutes §20-138.5, the time frame is 3 or more prior DWIs within 10 years of the date of a new DWI charge.

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