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Coastal South Law

19-Year-Old College Student Faces DWI Charges After Fatal Collision in North Carolina

A DWI can easily ruin a college student’s life in North Carolina. Those with bright futures may suddenly encounter the end of their educational journeys. Not only that, but a DWI may also make it difficult for a student to seek job opportunities in the future. For serious DWIs, the defendant may also face incarceration. Whether your student is dealing with these charges or you are facing them yourself, it makes sense to approach this situation alongside a qualified DWI defense lawyer in North Carolina


Teen Student Athlete Charged with Fatal DWI


On February 19, 2024, it was reported that a teen student-athlete had been charged with impaired driving and failure to reduce speed. New charges may be added, however, and an investigation could lead to a felony count of death by motor vehicle. The defendant is a 19-year-old student-athlete at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. 


According to police, the teen approached a man and his family on Route 40 at an unsafe speed. The family was examining a detached trailer, and some passengers had exited their vehicles. Due to the allegedly unsafe speed, the teen impacted the trailer and subsequently struck the truck that was towing it. A man was standing outside the truck, and he was struck and killed in the collision. 


Assumedly, police arrived and eventually determined that the teen was intoxicated. This led to the two initial charges, although the State Highway Patrol was quick to point out that further charges were possible. One representative stated: “The defendant has been charged and served by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol with driving while impaired and failure to reduce speed. The NCSHP has remained in contact with my office and is actively investigating the death as to other possible charges.”


How Might a DWI Affect a Student?


Many colleges have clear policies that mandate suspension or expulsion for certain crimes, including DWI. Many post-secondary institutions throughout North Carolina can and will expel students for these crimes. Even if students remain at colleges after DWI convictions, it may be very difficult to seek meaningful employment after graduation. This is because a DWI remains on your criminal record, and a potential employer can see these records relatively easily. This highlights the need for effective legal defense when facing DWI charges as a college student. 


Find a DWI Defense Lawyer in North Carolina


If you have been searching for an experienced DWI defense lawyer in North Carolina, look no further than Coastal South Law. Over the years, we have helped numerous DWI defendants in the Tar Heel State – and we know how life-altering these incidents can be. If you are a college student, you face particularly serious consequences that could end your educational journey. Fortunately, you are not alone in this battle. Reach out today, book a consultation, and get started with an effective action plan. 



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