If you have been arrested for DWI in North Carolina, you may feel like your fate is sealed. That feeling is understandable given that North Carolina takes DWIs more seriously than most states. In most states a DWI (or DUI) can be reduced to a wet reckless or reckless driving charge at the prosecutor’s discretion or under other specified circumstances. However, reduction of DWI charges is not an option in North Carolina courts. North Carolina does not have a “wet reckless” crime or equivalent, and most courts across the states will decline to reduce DWI charges. However, that does not mean that you are out of luck. With the help of an experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorney, there are still a number of things that can be done to reduce the impact of your charges or avoid a conviction.
Reducing Felony DWI Charges in North Carolina
While DWI charges cannot be reduced in North Carolina in most cases, if there are accompanying charges, such as reckless driving, speeding, or any other additional crimes, the additional charges may be reduced. Alternatively, your lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea that allows the non-DWI charges to be dismissed in exchange for a guilty or no-contest plea to just the DWI, which can significantly decrease your sentence and related penalties. These options are unlikely to be available or successful without the assistance of an attorney, so if you are facing multiple charges including a DWI charge, it is a good idea to consult with a criminal defense attorney so that they can review your case and begin advocating for a more positive outcome.
Getting a North Carolina DWI Charge Dismissed
Another alternative to reducing a DWI charge is having it dismissed completely, which is of course the best case scenario as it allows you to avoid a conviction, the creation of a criminal record, and the heavy penalties that can come with DWI charges. There are a number of grounds on which your DWI charges can be dismissed. Your lawyer will conduct a thorough assessment of your case in order to determine whether any of these grounds apply. For instance, if police did not have probable cause to pull you over, or if procedural errors were made in making your arrest or in handling or processing the evidence of your DWI it can constitute a violation of your constitutional rights and result in a dismissal of the charges against you. This can require reviewing extensive records, evidence laws, and police reports, so it is necessary to have a dedicated attorney on your side who is willing to do the leg work and pursue all avenues for dismissal.
Contact Coastal South Law Today
If you are facing DWI charges in North Carolina, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side to work to get your charges dismissed or your overall sentence reduced through a plea bargain. Contact Coastal South Law today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help you.