North Carolina cracking down on extremely impaired drivers

April 30, 2013

North Carolina cracking down on extremely impaired drivers

Article provided by Wood, Rabil & Peake, LLP
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Many states have passed laws that hand down very severe punishments for individuals convicted of driving while intoxicated. These laws are often the topic of much debate each year, as legislators try to create tougher penalties that serve as a strong deterrent to motorists who might think about getting behind the wheel after they have had a few drinks.

The North Carolina House of Representatives recently passed two bills that, if they become laws, could have an impact on individuals convicted of drunk driving within the state. These laws would increase the restrictions on those who are habitual DWI offenders, as well as those who were found to have blood-alcohol levels well above the state's 0.08 limit.

Under current laws, a person may be convicted of being a habitually impaired driver if he or she has been convicted for three or more drunk-driving related offenses within a ten-year time period. The new proposals would reduce the number of DWI convictions needed before habitually impaired driving charges will be brought. Additionally, if a person is then convicted, the individual may be charged with habitually impaired driving for any subsequent DWI offenses, even if it is beyond the ten-year time period.

Another bill addresses those individuals who had a blood-alcohol content (BAC) at 0.15 or above when they were stopped. These motorists could be charged with subsequent DWIs if they are stopped and have any alcohol present in their systems, instead of the 0.04 limits currently in place.

Both bills will need to be passed by the senate before the governor can sign them into law. If enacted, these laws could mean significant penalties for those convicted of DWI, especially for repeat offenders as well as those with BACs above 0.15.

If you have been charged with a DWI, speak to a criminal defense attorney about your options. Penalties for a conviction can include jail time, high fines, the installation of an ignition interlock device, as well as the temporary loss of a driver's license. If you work in a field that requires you to drive for work-related reasons, a conviction could jeopardize your employment.

Drunk-driving punishments only increase with subsequent convictions. It is important that you present a strong defense to these accusations. Talking with an experienced attorney can help you protect your rights, and also understand the decisions that you need to make at this time.