DWI Drivers Face Serious Consequences for Having Kids in Their Cars

Although a “simple DUI” might not lead to overly severe penalties, your consequences may be much higher with certain “aggravating circumstances.” One of these factors includes the presence of children, and a “child endangerment” DUI in North Carolina can become a very serious criminal matter. Two recent cases highlight how serious these incidents can become, and you might want to speak with a DWI defense attorney in North Carolina if you experience something similar. 

North Carolina Censured for Driving Drunk With Daughter

Anyone can face consequences for driving drunk with children, whether you’re an average blue-collar worker or a judge. This became clear in May of 2025, when the News & Observer reported that a Harnett County judge had been censured for this offense. The North Carolina Supreme Court found that this was an appropriate punishment for the man, who had been caught with a BAC level of 0.23 with his 13-year-old daughter in the vehicle. 

In the legal world, a “censure” is a public form of discipline that a judge might receive for doing something wrong. Although censures are serious, they do not remove judges from their positions. Instead, they merely represent a blemish on that judge’s career and reputation. The Supreme Court had the power to remove or suspend this judge, but it chose not to take these actions. 

After his DWI offense, the judge in question pleaded guilty to reckless driving to endanger, misdemeanor child abuse, and speeding. He was then sentenced to two years in the misdemeanant confinement program, an alternative sentencing program that involves “halfway houses.” He also went through rehab and self-reported his criminal charges to the Judicial Standards Commission. 

North Carolina Woman Arrested for Drunken Police Chase With Children in Vehicle

In June of 2025, WMBF News reported that a woman had been arrested for sparking a drunken police chase with her children in the vehicle. Police initially tried to pull her over for speeding, but the 32-year-old refused to stop and increased her speed to 95 miles per hour. The chase continued through the 55-mph zone, eventually reaching Highway 211.

The woman finally stopped at a Mini Mart, and officers moved in to make the arrest. They then discovered two children in the back of the vehicle – an 8-month-old infant and a 4-year-old. A breath test determined that the mother’s BAC level was two times the legal limit, and she was arrested for felony fleeing, DWI, and misdemeanor child abuse. 

Can a DWI Defense Attorney in North Carolina Help Me?

A DWI defense attorney in North Carolina may be able to help you pursue positive outcomes. You should take your situation very seriously if you were arrested for DWI with children in your vehicle. As previously noted, the penalties for this offense can be much higher than the consequences you might face for a simple DWI. Fortunately, you are not alone on the path toward justice. Contact Coastal South Law today to get started with a defense strategy.