What to expect when you are acussed and arrested for DWI in North Carolina
John E. Fitzgerald, Attorney at Law- DWI Offense
A DWI charge can be the result of a bad decision or even one drink too many and can change your life for years to come. In North Carolina, the penalties for DWI are harsh and something you want to avoid if at all possible. If you have been arrested for DWI, you may be wondering what to expect when you go to court. Attorney John E. Fitzgerald has been practicing DWI law since 1993 and can help guide you through the court process and answer any questions you have along the way. When you are facing intimidating and complicated DWI charges, you want and need an experienced and knowledgeable DWI defense attorney on your side.
Should I Get A DWI Lawyer To Help Me?
You are not required to get a DWI lawyer to help you in court. You can represent yourself or ask the judge to appoint you a public defender if you qualify. DWI’s are very complex cases and can have a lasting impact in your life. Because these are such serious cases, it is a good idea to have an experienced DWI lawyer represent you if you can afford one. You should immediately hire a knowledgeable, experienced DWI defense lawyer to start working on your case if you are able to do so. An experienced DWI lawyer can make a significant difference in court and can possibly make the difference between you being found guilty or not guilty, going to jail or remaining free, or keeping instead of losing your driving privileges. Don’t just hire any attorney; get one with the proper experience and credentials so you can have the best possible chance in court.
Can I Drive After I Get A DWI Ticket?
You may be wondering if you can legally drive after you get your DWI ticket. A DWI arrest usually, but not always, comes with an automatic 30 day suspension. If that is the case, during the first 10 days after your release, you will not be allowed to drive at all. Your attorney can ask a judge to grant you driving privileges for work and for personal reasons from the 10th to the 30the day of your suspension if you qualify. If granted, your pretrial limited driving privilege will last until the initial 30 day suspension is over. At that point, you will be able to go to the courthouse, pay a $100.00 fee, and get your license back, assuming that it was valid at the time of your arrest. You will then be able to drive, in most situations, with no restrictions until your case is resolved in court.
What About The Court Process?
If you do not have a lawyer by your first court date, the judge will require you to state whether you will represent yourself, petition for a public defender, or hire your own attorney. The judge will then set a future court date and you must be prepared to do your case that day, whether you have a lawyer or not. You may have to appear in court several times until your case is handled. There is potentially a lot of paperwork for you to prepare and numerous things you will need to have ready before you go back to court. It is a very bad idea to come to court unprepared. An experienced DWI attorney will keep up with your court dates and appear with you in court, evaluate your case, prepare the necessary paperwork, and tell you exactly what to do to get ready for your hearing. The lawyer will also work on your case between court dates and review police reports, patrol car or headcam videos, 911 tapes, and talk to the arresting officer and any relevant witnesses. Your attorney will share their findings with you. You lawyer will recommend the best course of action and help you get ready for court. Maybe best of all, your experienced DWI attorney will do their best to minimize any “surprises” that sometimes happen in court, especially to people who represent themselves or who have inexperienced lawyers or lawyers who do not regularly practice DWI law.
Should I Fight A DWI?
Yes, if you have been wrongfully charged with a DWI or the State cannot prove your case, you should ABSOLUTELY fight your DWI charges in court. DWI convictions carry lasting and inconvenient consequences and you should not plead guilty to them unless circumstances warrant that you do so. Attorney John E. Fitzgerald will happily fight beside you and act in your best interest throughout the entire DWI court process. If you are facing DWI charges in Forsyth, Davidson, or Davie Counties in North Carolina, call DWI defense attorney John E. Fitzgerald at (336) 804-8058 today.
