Do you know that you can be charged with DWI even if your Breathalyzer results are below .08%? Also, there are times when Driving While Impaired is not associated with drinking at all. You can be found to be under the influence of controlled substances—illegally obtained street or legitimately obtained prescription drugs. (Or, perhaps, a Good Samaritan cop sees that you need some assistance as you are pushing your car off the road. The cop comes over to lend a helping hand, but determines you need a Breathalyzer and you light it up! It's happened.)

The best time to consult with an attorney for a DWI is as soon as possible after it occurs. By law the State of NC must keep your license for 10 days. If you act fast enough, meet the requirements, obtain the assessment, and provide the other necessary reports, paperwork, and fees, you could have your limited driving privileges back as early as the 11th day from being cited for said offense.

For many people who depend on their licenses to get back and forth to work and school, having a valid license is a must to maintain their livelihoods and their households.

If you are not able to remit the fees needed to carry out this process or if you are found to be ineligible to receive your license back on the 11th day, then you are able to pick up your license from the appropriate courthouse on the 31st day after being cited with said offense. You will have to pay a reinstatement fee before your license will be given back to you.

I would highly recommend that you speak with a licensed attorney if you ever find yourself charged with DWI. In addition, if you are a CDL holder, then you know the devastating effects that a DWI or other traffic related convictions pose to your elevated license status.

If you find yourself facing DWI or similar charges, please consider contacting the law firm of Douglas K. Simmons and Associates, PLLC, to assist with your defense. I have addressed criminal charges for nearly 20 years in both Mecklenburg County and Cabarrus County I am experienced with a wide variety of charges that stem from traffic law. Read article entitled, “Criminal Background Reports and Expungement” for a listing of charges. If you have been charged with an offense that is not listed, please contact me to learn if I am able to assist with that charge.

For students or individuals who are not US citizens, but may have the intent to become citizens of the USA, know that although I am not an immigration attorney, I will be cognizant of your immigration status because I recognize the negative consequences that can result if you are convicted of misdemeanors and more serious offenses.

So whether you are a high school student or a student attending UNC Charlotte, Johnson C. Smith, Metropolitan College, Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte School of Law, Davidson College, Belmont Abbey, ECPI College of Technology, Kings College, New Horizons Computer Learning Centers of Charlotte, Kaplan College, Strayer University, University of Phoenix – Charlotte, etc., and you have been charged with an offense in Mecklenburg County or Cabarrus County, please contact my office to discuss your charges and your options.