Greensboro Felony DWI Lawyer

Greensboro Felony DWI Attorney

The process of being arrested and charged with DWI can be overwhelming. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may be hospitalized or spending time in a jail cell, separated from family and friends. Greensboro residents can rely on the legal guidance and representation provided by a Greensboro felony DWI lawyer, such as from LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC.

The area surrounding Greensboro, North Carolina, features some of the most dangerous roads in the state. The I-40 and I-85 corridor has intense, high-speed highway traffic that’s frequently impacted by cars coming on and off the freeway at various exits. U.S. 29 near the W. Wendover exit is another deadly interchange. When you add impaired driving, it can lead to a felony DWI.

The Economic Impact of Impaired Driving

Impaired driving has a personal cost, and it also impacts the state’s economy by adding costs from injuries, damage to roadways, and fatalities. 2023 data indicate that North Carolina lost $15 billion due to lost productivity from injuries, early death, reduced work performance, and treating fetal alcohol syndrome. Add in the rising state costs for healthcare and criminal justice, and impaired driving becomes an economic force.

North Carolina continues to work on public safety measures and improvements to reduce impaired driving accidents. For the period of 2014 to 2023, 32% of accidents involving impaired driving led to fatalities in 2014, but that number is down to 31% in 2023.

Every day, according to the North Carolina Division of Public Health, there are 16 deaths from alcohol or drug use, 180 alcohol or drug-related emergency visits, and a loss of $41.2 million in costs. The study on alcohol tells us that 1 in 2 North Carolina adults drink alcohol regularly. Of those who drink, 28% binge drink, and 20% drink heavily.

North Carolina Felony DWI Laws

In North Carolina, felony DWI laws define the offense as Felony Habitual Driving While Impaired. This is generally triggered when a person has three or more prior convictions for DWI or other impaired driving charges within a ten year period.

There are additional situations where a DWI becomes a felony, including: 

• Felony Death by Vehicle
• Aggravated Felony Death by Vehicle
• Felony Serious Injury by Vehicle
• Aggravated Felony Serious Injury by Vehicle
• Repeat Felony Death by Vehicle

Felony convictions for DWI include mandatory prison sentences and penalties as follows:

• For Habitual DWI: 12 months active imprisonment with no suspended sentence
• Felony Death by Vehicle: Sentenced as a Class D Felony.
• Aggravated Felony Death by Vehicle: Sentenced as a Class D Felony in the Aggravated Range.

Courts can also impose community service, probation, and mandatory alcohol and drug treatment programs. A felony DWI can cause a permanent loss of driving privileges.

When to Hire a Felony DWI Lawyer

Hire a local felony DWI lawyer from LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, if you are facing a DWI charge. J. Scott Smith is a founding member of the DWI Defense Lawyers Association and regularly instructs other lawyers throughout the state on defending DWI cases.

At LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, you can be represented by a seasoned Greensboro felony DWI attorney and receive personalized service. We can safeguard your rights and keep you informed throughout the process. A typical felony DWI case lasts approximately a few months to around a year, and we can continue to work actively on your case throughout.

If you need to go to court for a Greensboro DWI case, a trial will likely be held at the Guilford County Courthouse at 201 South Eugene Street.

FAQs

How Much Does a DWI Lawyer Cost in North Carolina?

How much a DWI lawyer costs in North Carolina depends on the complexity of the case and the actual charges. If a case can be settled by plea agreement , costs go down. If your case goes to trial, the costs typically increase. DWI charges involving serious injuries or fatalities are more complex, which can increase the costs. There are other expenses besides attorney fees. You will pay court fees, DMV fees, possibly ignition interlock device fees, and likely more for auto insurance coverage.

What Constitutes a Felony DWI in North Carolina?

A felony DWI conviction in North Carolina is a Habitual DWI if you are found driving impaired after having 3 or more convictions for a DWI charge within 10 years. Other felony DWI offenses include:

• Death or serious injury by a vehicle driven by an impaired driver

How Do I Get a DWI Dismissed in North Carolina?

To get a DWI charge dismissed in North Carolina, you must prove that the police lacked reasonable suspicion for pulling you over. Your attorney could also show that the field sobriety tests were conducted incorrectly.

What Is the Maximum Fine for a Felony DWI Conviction in North Carolina?

There is no maximum fine for a Felony DWI conviction in North Carolina. It is left in the Judge’s discretion.

Choose LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC

Felony DWI charges can take over your life. The fear and impact of how a felony conviction changes your life can be daunting. You may find yourself spending time in jail  waiting for a bail hearing that could take several days. Now’s the time to contact a Greensboro felony DWI lawyer from LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC.

When you hire a felony DWI lawyer from LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, you get a dedicated legal team that can hear your case and build a strong defense. We have intricate knowledge and understanding of North Carolina’s DWI laws. Contact us today to find out more about our services.