North Carolina DWI Lawyers
We stand by our experience. In 2019, Attorney Aaron Lee won 30 out of 35 DWI cases he took forward in North Carolina!
First Priority – Getting Your License Back After a DWI arrest,
Your most immediate concern is how to get your license back. Because you have to get to work, that is our first priority as well. When arrested, the police take your license and say you can’t drive for thirty (30) days. Try not to worry. In most situations, we can get you back on the road quickly. Under North Carolina law, you actually have two (2) options.
DMV Suspension Challenge
The first and best option is to request a DMV challenge hearing. This is an expedited procedure in which the State of North Carolina must be given up to three (3) days notice to be heard. After that period, or if the State elects to waive this notice, we will appear in front of a District Court judge on your behalf. You do not have to be present. If approved, your license is restored in full. No restrictions or limitations (other than any that may have already existed). Clients naturally prefer this option because it is much faster and does not have the additional costs associated with a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP). We will explain further below.
Limited Driving Privilege (LDP)
If the DMV challenge hearing is rejected, we can then petition for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP) after ten (10) days from the date arrested. This process requires two items from our client. First, they will have to have a substance abuse assessment (just the assessment, not the treatment) which costs $100 paid to the facility. Next, the client will need to have their insurance company send confirmation to our firm of existing coverage on a Form DL-123. We will prepare the necessary documents and submit to a District Court judge for approval. After the judge signs, we file the executed LDP along with your $100 fee to the State of North Carolina.
These documents then become your “license” for the next twenty (20) days. However, you are restricted to driving only to and from work during certain time periods. While the “standard” LDP allows you to drive Monday through Friday, 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, we can ask for “non-standard” hours. In addition, you are allowed to attend church and/or Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Then, thirty (30) days after arrest, you pay another $100 fee to the State of North Carolina to fully restore your license.
What You Are Facing
If found guilty of DWI, you lose your license for one (1) year and have a permanent criminal record. No expungement. In addition, you have to complete a substance abuse assessment and all recommended treatment. Also, you must perform community service (24-72 hours) and pay court costs and fines. If you refuse breath testing or your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.15 or greater, ignition interlock is required. And there are additional restrictions on getting a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP). For refusal, there is a 6 month delay for a LDP. If BAC 0.15 or higher, a 45 day delay for LDP. In the most serious cases, you can face possible mandatory time in jail or even prison.
How We Defend Cases
First, we interview arresting officers and read their final written reports. We look for inconsistencies. Next, we examine test results and check for mistakes. Then, we watch all video evidence (both car and the new body cameras). Initially, we look for legal errors. But we also consider how you actually appear to potential jurors. In our experience, this aspect is critical. Regardless of the reported BAC, how you look and sound can make a real difference. Finally, after evaluating the State’s evidence, we sit down with you and go over your case in full.
At our meeting, we explain the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence. And we make our recommendations on possible options. After considering our advice, you decide what is best for you. If you want a trial, we prepare for court. However, if you decide a plea is better, we get your case ready for the judge. In the end, it is always your choice. You know what is best for you and your family. Our Charlotte DWI lawyers always remember that we work for you.
What It is Going to Cost
For a first time Charlotte DWI arrest, our firm charges a flat rate attorney fee of $4,500.00. But if there is an accident or injury, the attorney fee can increase. So what do you get for your money? Well, we represent you from start to finish in District Court. Trial, motion, or plea, the fee stays the same. Of course, any court costs or fines is separate from our fee. And we offer a payment plan for those individuals who need time to pay. Finally, we accept personal checks and credit cards. Whatever is easiest for you.
Personally Available to Clients
Both Mr. & Mrs. Lee are personally available to you even after regular business hours. Consequently, every client has our mobile phone number and direct email address. We know facing a Charlotte DUI charge is stressful. But we also know a few minutes on the phone will help calm your anxiety. And frankly, we expect the same courtesy when we hire people. With smartphones and email, there is no excuse. If your lawyer won’t return your call, you should call another attorney.
License Revocation Options
When arrested, the officer takes your driver’s license. And your driving privileges are suspended for 30 days. Consequently, one of your immediate concerns is getting back on the road. Although there are several options, the most popular is filing a civil revocation challenge. Rather than a LDP, your license is restored in full within a few days. More importantly, there are no restrictions and no additional costs by the State. Alternatively, a LDP is available after 10 days. But, you must get a substance abuse assessment, Form DL-123, and pay $100.
Don’t Give Up Before We Begin
Many people who get a DWI often feel “all is lost” even before the process begins. They fear nothing can be done to help. Don’t despair. First, we review your case from top to bottom looking for legal error. If we find it, we make motions with the court. But even if you plead guilty, we prepare your case to mitigate any final penalty you face. In most situations, there are ways to improve your overall position. And how we present your case in front of a judge can make a real difference. Call us now.
Why You Should Fight a DWI
Is the legal fee worth the cost? Absolutely. If convicted, you pay fines, court costs, and for substance abuse treatment. In addition, you can expect substantial increases in your automobile liability insurance premiums. Depending on your age and driving history, some clients have reported rate increases of over 300%. Others tell us their carriers dropped them altogether. Furthermore, a DWI conviction or plea is a permanent criminal record. This record makes it difficult, in not impossible, to secure certain types of jobs.
*Membership in professional organizations shows our commitment to DWI defense. We focus our North Carolina criminal practice on DWI cases. Because each case is different, we make our recommendations only after a thorough review of all evidence
Your most immediate concern is how to get your license back. Because you have to get to work, that is our first priority as well. When arrested, the police take your license and say you can’t drive for thirty (30) days. Try not to worry. In most situations, we can get you back on the road quickly. Under North Carolina law, you actually have two (2) options.
DMV Suspension Challenge
The first and best option is to request a DMV challenge hearing. This is an expedited procedure in which the State of North Carolina must be given up to three (3) days notice to be heard. After that period, or if the State elects to waive this notice, we will appear in front of a District Court judge on your behalf. You do not have to be present. If approved, your license is restored in full. No restrictions or limitations (other than any that may have already existed). Clients naturally prefer this option because it is much faster and does not have the additional costs associated with a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP). We will explain further below.
Limited Driving Privilege (LDP)
If the DMV challenge hearing is rejected, we can then petition for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP) after ten (10) days from the date arrested. This process requires two items from our client. First, they will have to have a substance abuse assessment (just the assessment, not the treatment) which costs $100 paid to the facility. Next, the client will need to have their insurance company send confirmation to our firm of existing coverage on a Form DL-123. We will prepare the necessary documents and submit to a District Court judge for approval. After the judge signs, we file the executed LDP along with your $100 fee to the State of North Carolina.
These documents then become your “license” for the next twenty (20) days. However, you are restricted to driving only to and from work during certain time periods. While the “standard” LDP allows you to drive Monday through Friday, 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, we can ask for “non-standard” hours. In addition, you are allowed to attend church and/or Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Then, thirty (30) days after arrest, you pay another $100 fee to the State of North Carolina to fully restore your license.
What You Are Facing
If found guilty of DWI, you lose your license for one (1) year and have a permanent criminal record. No expungement. In addition, you have to complete a substance abuse assessment and all recommended treatment. Also, you must perform community service (24-72 hours) and pay court costs and fines. If you refuse breath testing or your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.15 or greater, ignition interlock is required. And there are additional restrictions on getting a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP). For refusal, there is a 6 month delay for a LDP. If BAC 0.15 or higher, a 45 day delay for LDP. In the most serious cases, you can face possible mandatory time in jail or even prison.
How We Defend Cases
First, we interview arresting officers and read their final written reports. We look for inconsistencies. Next, we examine test results and check for mistakes. Then, we watch all video evidence (both car and the new body cameras). Initially, we look for legal errors. But we also consider how you actually appear to potential jurors. In our experience, this aspect is critical. Regardless of the reported BAC, how you look and sound can make a real difference. Finally, after evaluating the State’s evidence, we sit down with you and go over your case in full.
At our meeting, we explain the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence. And we make our recommendations on possible options. After considering our advice, you decide what is best for you. If you want a trial, we prepare for court. However, if you decide a plea is better, we get your case ready for the judge. In the end, it is always your choice. You know what is best for you and your family. Our Charlotte DWI lawyers always remember that we work for you.
What It is Going to Cost
For a first time Charlotte DWI arrest, our firm charges a flat rate attorney fee of $4,500.00. But if there is an accident or injury, the attorney fee can increase. So what do you get for your money? Well, we represent you from start to finish in District Court. Trial, motion, or plea, the fee stays the same. Of course, any court costs or fines is separate from our fee. And we offer a payment plan for those individuals who need time to pay. Finally, we accept personal checks and credit cards. Whatever is easiest for you.
Personally Available to Clients
Both Mr. & Mrs. Lee are personally available to you even after regular business hours. Consequently, every client has our mobile phone number and direct email address. We know facing a Charlotte DUI charge is stressful. But we also know a few minutes on the phone will help calm your anxiety. And frankly, we expect the same courtesy when we hire people. With smartphones and email, there is no excuse. If your lawyer won’t return your call, you should call another attorney.
License Revocation Options
When arrested, the officer takes your driver’s license. And your driving privileges are suspended for 30 days. Consequently, one of your immediate concerns is getting back on the road. Although there are several options, the most popular is filing a civil revocation challenge. Rather than a LDP, your license is restored in full within a few days. More importantly, there are no restrictions and no additional costs by the State. Alternatively, a LDP is available after 10 days. But, you must get a substance abuse assessment, Form DL-123, and pay $100.
Don’t Give Up Before We Begin
Many people who get a DWI often feel “all is lost” even before the process begins. They fear nothing can be done to help. Don’t despair. First, we review your case from top to bottom looking for legal error. If we find it, we make motions with the court. But even if you plead guilty, we prepare your case to mitigate any final penalty you face. In most situations, there are ways to improve your overall position. And how we present your case in front of a judge can make a real difference. Call us now.
Why You Should Fight a DWI
Is the legal fee worth the cost? Absolutely. If convicted, you pay fines, court costs, and for substance abuse treatment. In addition, you can expect substantial increases in your automobile liability insurance premiums. Depending on your age and driving history, some clients have reported rate increases of over 300%. Others tell us their carriers dropped them altogether. Furthermore, a DWI conviction or plea is a permanent criminal record. This record makes it difficult, in not impossible, to secure certain types of jobs.
*Membership in professional organizations shows our commitment to DWI defense. We focus our North Carolina criminal practice on DWI cases. Because each case is different, we make our recommendations only after a thorough review of all evidence