Experienced DWI Attorney In Union County
A DWI conviction puts your license and future in jeopardy. A Union County DWI lawyer can explain the charges against you and protect your rights throughout the criminal justice process.
At the Law Offices of Huffman & Kendrick, we help clients navigate DWI charges with knowledgeable legal guidance and a commitment to defending their rights. Having an experienced attorney on your side from the outset can help safeguard your future and ease your way through each stage of the legal process.
Hire a DWI Lawyer
The Law Offices of Huffman & Kendrick has been serving clients throughout North Carolina for decades, continuing a legacy of client-focused legal representation that began in 1961. Attorney Carol Huffman Kendrick has been practicing law in Monroe since 1996 and has personally served thousands of clients in Union and surrounding counties.
Our firm offers experienced legal representation in DWI and other criminal defense matters, protecting clients’ rights at every stage of the legal system.
Understanding DWI Charges in North Carolina
In North Carolina, it is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or another impairing substance. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-138.1, a person may be charged with DWI if they operate a vehicle:
- While under the influence of an impairing substance.
- After consuming enough alcohol to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
- While impaired by certain controlled substances or other impairing substances.
Depending on the circumstances, prosecutors may rely on several types of evidence to support a DWI charge, including:
- Chemical test results from a person’s blood, breath, or urine.
- The arresting officer’s observations.
- Field sobriety test results.
- Witness testimony.
- Other admissible evidence relevant to the alleged impairment.
Penalties for a DWI Conviction
A DWI conviction can result in criminal and administrative penalties. Criminal penalties may include jail, fines, probation, community service, alcohol assessments, treatment, or ignition interlock requirements, depending on the facts of the case.
The North Carolina courts consider grossly aggravating, aggravating, and mitigating factors when they sentence someone for DWI under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-179. In addition to criminal penalties, a conviction or certain administrative actions may cause a suspension or revocation of a driver’s license.
Evidence Commonly Used in DWI Cases
For most DWI charges, the prosecution assembles a range of evidence. Key evidence often presented by prosecutors includes an officer’s observations of behavior, appearance, speech, or motor skills, plus results from field sobriety tests and chemical testing of breath or blood.
Dash camera or body camera video, witness statements, and the driver’s statements may also be presented as evidence, depending on the circumstances of the arrest. Analyzing how the evidence was obtained and whether legal procedures were followed is one important aspect of DWI case review.
Defending Against DWI Charges
A DWI arrest does not mean that a conviction will automatically follow. Depending on the facts of the case, possible defenses may include issues surrounding the legality of the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and chemical testing, as well as whether the police complied with the law during the arrest process.
Your defense might leverage the police report, video evidence, witness statements, and any documented mistakes or violations. Once all the facts and information have been thoroughly reviewed, your attorney can assist with determining your available defenses and the most effective strategy for addressing the charges.
Contact A North Carolina Law Firm You Can Trust
At Law Office of Huffman & Kendrick, PLLC, our firm is dedicated to achieving positive legal outcomes. Our extensive resources and knowledge can work on your behalf. Get the legal resources and fierce advocacy you need. You can schedule your appointment at our Monroe office by calling us directly or by emailing our firm.
Call Us 704-283-1529
FAQs
What Happens if I Refuse a Breath or Chemical Test?
Under North Carolina’s implied consent law, drivers lawfully arrested for suspected impaired driving may face consequences if they refuse a breath or chemical test. This differs from a roadside field sobriety test, which consists of physical exercises during a traffic stop. A chemical test measures alcohol or drugs in a driver’s breath, blood, or urine. Refusing a chemical test may result in the revocation of your driver’s license, regardless of the outcome of the criminal case.
How Common Are DWI Cases in North Carolina?
DWI cases are common in North Carolina, making it important for drivers to understand their legal rights and options if they are accused of impaired driving.
The North Carolina Judicial Branch reported that judges imposed sentences on 24,694 people convicted of DWI in the fiscal year 2024. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released a report that shows that 41,984 people were charged with impaired driving in 2023-2024.
Which Law Enforcement Agencies Make DWI Arrests in Union County?
Multiple law enforcement agencies make DWI arrests in Union County when investigating suspected impaired driving violations. The arresting agency for a DWI offense may include the Union County Sheriff’s Office, the Monroe Police Department, the Indian Trail Police Department, the Waxhaw Police Department, or another law enforcement agency, depending on where the alleged offense occurred.
No matter the arresting agency, this does not alter the requirement that the prosecution must prove the DWI charge under North Carolina law.
Can I Be Charged With DWI if I Was Taking Prescription Medication?
Yes, a person can be charged with DWI if they were taking prescription medication, even if alcohol was not involved. Under North Carolina statutes, it’s illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of any substance that causes impairment, and this can extend to prescribed medications if they hinder safe driving.
The extent to which a prescribed medication contributed to impairment is a factual inquiry, relying on a comprehensive review of medical, toxicology, and law enforcement evidence.
Contact a Union County DWI Lawyer
Facing a DWI charge can have significant legal and personal consequences, including criminal penalties and the suspension of your driver’s license. Understanding how the law may apply to your case can help you make informed decisions following an arrest. At the Law Offices of Huffman & Kendrick, we represent individuals facing impaired driving charges in Union County and surrounding communities.
If you have been arrested for DWI, our Union County DWI lawyer can review the facts of your case, explain your legal options, and provide guidance throughout the criminal justice process. Schedule a consultation today to hire a DWI lawyer.
