Winnabow DUI Lawyer

Winnabow DUI Attorney

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is illegal in North Carolina, and anyone charged and convicted of DUI can face a wide range of penalties, along with additional consequences that can complicate their life in many ways. If you are charged with DUI, you need to consult an experienced Winnabow DUI lawyer right away. The right defense attorney can help you approach this difficult situation with confidence.

Experienced Criminal Defense Counsel for DUI in Winnabow, NC

Drivers on US Route 17, NC-130, and other local roads in Winnabow face many hazards on the road, including intoxicated drivers. North Carolina police take DUI very seriously and have implemented various ways to catch intoxicated drivers and prevent them from causing accidents. However, some people are wrongly charged or face injustices in their criminal court proceedings. Everyone has the right to defense counsel when they are charged with a crime.

Christina Rivenbark & Associates can provide responsive criminal defense counsel when you need it most after you have been charged with DUI in Winnabow. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, there were a total of 2,253 crashes throughout the state involving blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) levels over .08% to .14%, and 3,011 crashes involving BAC levels over .15%, which qualify as extreme DUI offenses.

Every American citizen has the right to legal representation when they are charged with a crime, and if you have been charged with DUI, it is crucial to consult an experienced defense attorney at your earliest convenience. Your Winnabow DUI lawyer can ensure your rights are respected and that your case unfolds properly. You have a better chance of avoiding conviction or at least minimizing your penalties with a criminal defense lawyer representing you.

Building a Defense Against a DUI Charge in Winnabow

In North Carolina, it’s possible for a driver to be charged with DUI if they are caught operating a motor vehicle with a BAC over the legal limit of .08%. This BAC limit only applies to drivers over the age of 21, however. Any driver under 21 caught driving with any detectable BAC can also be charged with DUI. It is also possible for a driver to be charged with DUI for operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs.

Police may arrest a driver for DUI after observing them commit a moving violation, driving erratically, or causing a car accident. Police also often set up DUI checkpoints to look for signs of intoxicated driving. Police must have reasonable suspicion to conduct a traffic stop, and they must establish probable cause to conduct an arrest for DUI, such as seeing clear signs of intoxication. Police may also attempt to conduct preliminary alcohol screenings.

If you have been charged with DUI, the prosecution has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, meaning their evidence must be convincing enough that no reasonable person could doubt whether you are guilty. It is your defense attorney’s job to prevent the prosecution from accomplishing this. Building your defense can be challenging, so it’s vital to hire a DUI lawyer right away after your arrest.

Christina Rivenbark & Associates has successfully defended many past clients from DUI charges. You can rely on us to prove your innocence if you have been wrongly charged for an offense you did not commit, and if you did break the law, our team will do everything we can to minimize your penalties. You have limited time to respond to your charges, so reach out to us today and learn how we can help with your case.

FAQs

What Are My Rights After an Arrest for DUI in Winnabow?

After an arrest for DUI in Winnabow, you have two very important constitutional rights that come into play. First, you have the right to remain silent. You are not required to answer questions or provide any statements. Second, you have the right to legal counsel. You should comply with instructions from arresting officers until you are able to speak with a criminal defense attorney.

What Are the Penalties for DUI in North Carolina?

The penalties for DUI in North Carolina can include fines, jail time, driver’s license suspension, and mandatory completion of substance abuse treatment. Penalties can be adjusted at the sentencing judge’s discretion, and some first offenders may be able to avoid jail time. However, penalties for DUI in North Carolina increase with repeat convictions and/or if a defendant has caused a motorcycle accident, truck accident, or other crash resulting in bodily harm or death.

How Can I Avoid Jail for a DUI in Winnabow?

It’s possible to avoid jail for a DUI in Winnabow based on the details of your situation. For example, if this is your first offense, you did not cause an accident, you did not have an extreme BAC, and you complied with arresting officers, a sentencing judge would be more inclined to consider alternatives to jail time. However, it is vital to understand that this is never guaranteed, even if you did not cause an accident and never broke the law before this offense.

Why Should I Hire a DUI Lawyer?

You should hire a DUI lawyer because you have the right to legal representation when you have been charged with any crime, and it is crucial that you fully exercise that right if you want to reach the optimal results in your case. Your Winnabow DUI lawyer can help you avoid a conviction if possible or potentially negotiate for lighter penalties for you if necessary.

What Does It Cost to Hire a Winnabow DUI Lawyer?

The cost to hire a Winnabow DUI lawyer usually depends on how much time the attorney must spend working on the case. Most criminal defense lawyers in North Carolina charge their clients an hourly rate and track the time spent working on their cases. The more time the attorney spends representing you, the more you pay in legal fees, so make sure you understand your chosen attorney’s billing policy at the outset so there are no surprises.

The team at Christina Rivenbark & Associates can provide comprehensive criminal defense counsel when you have been charged with DUI in Winnabow. Whether this is your first arrest or you have a record of past DUI convictions, our team will do everything we can to guide you to a positive outcome in your case. Contact us today and schedule your free consultation with an experienced Winnabow DUI lawyer you trust to defend you.