North Carolina Alderman Gets DWI Dismissed

When facing a DWI in North Carolina, having your charges dismissed is an obvious goal. With this outcome, you won’t have to continue with the trial, and you avoid almost all negative consequences. A North Carolina alderman recently achieved this goal after facing DWI charges. Could you achieve similar outcomes? Contact a defense attorney for further guidance. 

Alderman Successfully Argues That Officers Violated His Rights During DWI Arrest

On May 25, 2026, WECT 6 reported that a judge had allowed a motion to dismiss DWI charges against an alderman in Southport. The alderman’s defense attorney successfully argued that police officers had violated his client’s rights during his DWI arrest. Specifically, the officers in question prevented the defendant from contacting his attorney or a witness before undergoing chemical testing. 

The arrest occurred at around 3:00 AM in 2025. According to arresting officers, they pulled the defendant over for veering out of his lane on the right and left sides. Upon interacting with the defendant, they noticed a “moderate odor of alcohol” along with slurred words and difficulty balancing. Officers also noted that the defendant admitted he had been drinking. 

Chemical tests reportedly produced a BAC level of .21, well over the legal limit of 0.08. However, what happened before the test proved to be problematic for prosecutors. According to the motion to dismiss, the defendant asked the police officer how many people he could contact. The officer said that he had the authority to stop the defendant after a single phone call, but he gave him “an extra one.” 

According to the motion, the officer then prevented the defendant from making any additional calls and compelled him to take the chemical test. According to the defendant’s attorney, this approach prevented them from gathering important evidence after the arrest. 

How Many Phone Calls Do I Get After a DWI Arrest in North Carolina?

You may be under the impression that you only get one phone call after a DWI arrest. However, this is a myth popularized by television shows and movies. In reality, North Carolina does not set a specific limit on how many phone calls you can make after an arrest. The statute simply states that officers should give you reasonable opportunities and time to communicate with defense attorneys. 

That being said, slightly different rules apply to DWIs because of the time-sensitive nature of chemical tests. If officers wait too long before carrying out these tests, the test results may be less accurate, and the defendant may “sober up.” A clever defendant might even spend as much time as possible on the phone in the hopes of causing alcohol to fade from their system. 

Can a North Carolina DWI Defense Attorney Help Me?

A DWI defense attorney in North Carolina may be able to guide you toward a dismissal or acquittal. The recent case involving the Southport alderman shows that it may be relatively easy to have your charges dismissed with appropriate defense strategies. That being said, each case is different. Discuss the unique circumstances of your situation with Coastal South Law today.