There is no arguing that a DWI conviction can be life-altering. Being convicted of a DWI can impact everything from your housing options to your career prospects. It is completely understandable that someone who aspires to work in the legal profession would be concerned about the impact that a DWI could have. It is likely one of the worst fields to receive any kind of criminal charge or conviction in. However, all hope is not lost. Of course, the best way to deal with a DWI when applying for law school admission or bar exam admittance is to avoid getting one in the first place. While this may seem glib, it is only meant to emphasize the importance of fighting your DWI when you have the chance. The worst thing you can do is assume that just because you have been charged with a DWI, you will be convicted. This is not the case, and hiring an experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorney is your best chance at avoiding conviction.
Avoiding a DWI Conviction
An attorney will be able to assess the facts and circumstances of your case to determine whether any bases for dismissal exist and what the best path forward is in your case. If you were pulled over illegally or your constitutional rights were violated, you have a basis to challenge the charges against you, and an attorney may be able to help you get them dismissed. Additionally, if there are problems with the evidence, testing, or chain of custody, you may also have a basis for having your charges dismissed. An attorney can analyze the chain of custody and consider any possible bases for dismissal, as well as the strongest possible defenses.
Applying to College, Law School, and the Bar Exam With a DWI
A DWI is not necessarily an end to university ambitions. In fact, thousands of people are still accepted to college and graduate school with DWIs. However, you do have to disclose them when asked. Read the disclosure question carefully and know that you only need to respond to exactly what is asked. For instance, if an application asks if you have ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime you must disclose the arrest even if you were not convicted. However, if the application only asks if you have ever been convicted of a crime then you do not have to disclose an arrest that did not culminate in a conviction. Honesty is the best policy. You can be admitted to take the bar exam and practice law with a DWI charge or conviction on your record, but you will be best served to be as honest about it as possible and work to demonstrate a commitment to getting better and being an upstanding citizen. For the bar exam you will have to complete a character and fitness assessment, just as above, it’s critical to be as honest as possible. Think of it more as a test to tell the truth as opposed to a test intended to impress them.
Talk to a North Carolina DWI Lawyer
If you are facing DWI charges in North Carolina, the experienced DWI attorneys at Coastal South Law are ready to help. We will assess the facts and circumstances of your case and fight for the best possible outcome. Contact us today and schedule a consultation.