DWI

What is involved and How can Mr. Vonderau help?

The Offense

In North Carolina, it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle after having consumed enough alcohol that you have an alcohol concentration of .08 or higher or while you are under the influence of an impairing substance (i.e. drugs - whether legal or illegal). This alcohol concentration can be determined by breathalyzer test or a blood test, depending on the circumstances.

Most arrests for driving while intoxicated (DWI) result in a conviction. A conviction for a DWI is a misdemeanor and will result in a criminal record as well as an enormous increase in automobile insurance. If arrested, you are strongly encouraged to seek the advice and representation of an attorney. To be convicted, the prosecutor must prove the following things to the judge: (A jury does not become involved unless there is an appeal.)

1. You were driving.
2. You were driving a vehicle as defined in the statutes.
3. You were driving on a highway or public vehicular area.
4. The officer had a reason (probable cause) to stop the motor vehicle you were driving.
5. There is evidence that you were appreciably impaired either by alcohol or drugs at the time of the arrest.

The Punishment

Once you have been convicted of a DWI, there are five levels of punishment. Level one is the most serious level. This level is for people who have had one or more convictions in the past seven years, or who are driving with a license that has been revoked due to a prior DWI, or who are driving with a child less than 16 in the car, or who have caused serious personal injury to another because of their driving while impaired. Level five is the least serious punishment that you can receive and usually is given to first time offenders. This level is for a person who has no prior convictions for a DWI and has no aggravating factors with this DWI.

Aggravating factors are especially negative factors. Some aggravating factors include a very high breathalyzer reading of .16 or more, especially reckless driving, a bad traffic record that consists of at least two tickets in the past 5 years that resulted in 3 points or more on your DMV record, alluding arrest, property damage, speeding in excess of 30 mph or being uncooperative with the police officer, etc. When you blow .16 or higher on the Breathalyzer, then you will be required to have a ignition interlock system installed in your vehicle at a cost of several hundred dollars and a monthly monitoring fee.