DUIs are one of the most common reasons Surf City residents end up going to the courthouse. The state’s no-tolerance stance on driving while under the influence means that even a first-time offender could face serious consequences like confinement in jail and the loss of driving privileges. With representation from a Surf City DUI lawyer, you can fight your charges and secure an outcome for your case that protects your freedom and minimizes the penalties you face.
When residents in Surf City end up facing serious defensa penal charges, they know where to turn for trusted legal support and guidance. At Christina Rivenbark y Asociados, we’ve spent more than 30 years defending clients accused of DUI and conducir ebrio accidents across North Carolina. We understand how the state builds its case and know how to challenge breath tests, field sobriety results, and police procedures to protect your rights.
What sets our firm apart is our commitment and experience. While some firms focus on turning out case numbers, we take the time to learn the facts of your case, explain your options clearly, and fight for the most resultado favorable possible. Trust our firm to deliver the exceptional legal services that protect your rights and freedom at this critical point in your life.
Due to the public safety dangers of drunk driving and conducción distraída accidents, local law enforcement in Surf City remains vigilant for intoxicated drivers. In 2022, Pender County reported 77 accidentes relacionados con el alcohol, and in 2023, more than 7,728 people across North Carolina were injured in collisions involving impaired drivers, including accidentes de tráfico, accidentes de camióny accidentes con coches de alquiler.
In July 2025, a Surf City patrol sergeant attempted to stop William Shannon Coston on NC Highway 50 after observing repeated lane violations and erratic driving. The high-speed chase ended in a fatal crash, and open containers of alcohol were discovered in the vehicle. The case is under investigation by the NC State Highway Patrol.
DUIs can lead to jail time, fines, and the loss of driving privileges. Residents in neighborhoods like Dolphin Shores, Oyster Landing, and Surf City Commons face these risks when impaired driving occurs nearby. Defendants arrested in Surf City are typically processed through Pender County Jail, 104 N. Walker Street, Burgaw, NC 28425.
For prosecutors to secure a conviction, they must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you drove while intoxicated. Any DUI strategy that scrutinizes the evidence and finds weaknesses in the state’s case can position you for a favorable outcome that protects your freedom and potentially clears you of any wrongdoing.
One way that an attorney can defend you against a DUI is by investigating why you were pulled over and how you were tested. If police did not have a valid reason to detain you, that could mean that you were unlawfully detained. An unlawful stop could lead to any evidence the police collected being suppressed, meaning the prosecution could not use it in court.
An attorney could also find out when the breathalyzer used in your case was last calibrated. Breathalyzers must be checked and calibrated at regular intervals for their results to be reliable. If you were given a field sobriety test, the results of that test could be inconclusive.
A DUI charge could place your freedom and driving privileges in jeopardy. The decision to hire a DUI lawyer should be seen as an investment in your future. With representation from a Surf City DUI lawyer, you can fight your charges and position yourself for a favorable outcome to your case that shields you from the most serious consequences under the law.
North Carolina’s DUI laws require prosecutors to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Legal representation can play a crucial role in preventing prosecutors from meeting their burden of proof. An attorney with years of experience helping clients navigate DUI laws can find weaknesses in the state’s case that allow you to move on with your life and put the entire ordeal behind you.
North Carolina takes a tough, zero-tolerance approach to prosecuting DUIs. Even a first-time offender could face serious consequences like time in jail if they are convicted. A conviction could also lead to fines, a requirement to install an ignition interlock device, and other consequences. A conviction can also lead to a permanent criminal record.
A DUI arrest in Surf City, NC, can damage your reputation, threaten your driving privileges, and jeopardize your freedom. For many defendants, the decision to hire a defense attorney is well worth it. Legal representation provides you with support from an attorney who understands strategies that can lead to reduced or dismissed charges.
The long-term consequences of a DUI conviction could lead to a spike in your insurance premiums. The hike could potentially last for several years and amount to thousands of additional dollars. A criminal record can also place barriers to future employment opportunities. Employers and landlords often screen tenants for criminal history, and a DUI would be seen as a significant offense
You can find the right criminal defense attorney by asking friends and colleagues for referrals. Online searches can also lead to listings of reputable local defense attorneys. Consider how long the attorney has practiced law and what past clients have to say about the lawyer through reviews. Not all attorneys practice criminal law, and not all criminal lawyers handle DUIs.
A DUI arrest in North Carolina can put your license, your job, and your future on the line. At Christina Rivenbark & Associates, our abogado fundador has more than 30 years of experience defending clients against DUI charges across the state. She knows how to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and use them to your advantage in court.
When you work with our firm, you gain a equipo de defensa that understands how to challenge breath tests, field sobriety results, and police procedures. Our goal is to protect your rights and fight for the most favorable outcome possible, whether that means reduced penalties or avoiding a conviction altogether. Póngase en contacto con nuestra oficina para programar su consulta gratuita.