2024 North Carolina DUI Laws and Penalties

North Carolina has strict DUI (driving under the influence) laws and penalties that apply to anyone caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or while impaired by drugs or alcohol. This can result in significant penalties, including jail time.

Overall, the level of punishment depends on the severity of the crime, the defendant’s history, and their driving record. Furthermore, if three or more grossly aggravating factors exist in the past seven years, under the Habitual DWI statute, the driver faces fines of up to $4,000 and a mandatory minimum of 12 months in jail, which cannot be suspended.

DUI Criminal Penalties in North Carolina

It is important to stay in the know of the current strict North Carolina DUI laws to protect your rights and understand what your options are. It is critical to note that the criminal penalties for DUI in North Carolina depend on the number of prior offenses, specific evidence and characteristics surrounding the arrest, and other essential factors.

For a first offense in North Carolina, the penalties for a DUI can include a 30-day license suspension, fines of up to $200 plus court costs and fees, probation for up to three years, and jail time of up to 60 days.

In North Carolina, a second DUI conviction carries a one-year license suspension, fines up to $2,000 plus court expenses and fees, probation lasting up to five years, and a prison sentence of seven days to one year.

For a third offense in North Carolina, the penalties for a DUI can include a permanent revocation of your license, fines of up to $4,000 plus court costs and fees, probation for up to five years, and jail time ranging from 30 days to two years.

2024 DUI NC Administrative Penalties

If you are caught driving while intoxicated in North Carolina, you might potentially face administrative consequences in addition to criminal ones. If you deny a breathalyzer test or if your blood alcohol content is above the legal limit, the penalties you might receive can include an assessment of your alcohol and drug use, mandatory alcohol or drug treatment, installation of an ignition interlock device in your car, and a license suspension of up to one year.

Felony DWI in North Carolina

In North Carolina, a DWI (driving while impaired) charge can be considered a felony if certain aggravating factors are present. These factors can include:

• Throughout the last 10 years, the motorist was convicted of DWI three times or more.
• When under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the motorist seriously injured or killed another person.
• Under the influence of alcohol, the driver was operating the car with a child under the age of 18.

It’s important to note that felony DWI charges are taken very seriously in North Carolina and can have long-lasting consequences, including difficulty finding employment, housing, or other opportunities in the future.

Trying to understand the current laws and regulations in North Carolina can be an extremely difficult task without the help of a DUI attorney. Overall, it is crucial to speak with a qualified DUI lawyer if you have been accused of DUI in North Carolina. An attorney can explain your possibilities to you and fight for the best result in your case.

FAQs About North Carolina DUI Laws and Penalties

How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in NC?

Some attorneys may charge a flat fee for handling a DUI case, while others may charge an hourly rate or a combination of both. On average, a DUI lawyer in North Carolina may charge anywhere from a few thousand dollars to upwards of $10,000 or more, depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

How Likely Is Jail Time for the First DUI in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, prison time is often not mandated by law for first-time DUI offenses. Nonetheless, if the driver’s BAC was extremely high or if there were aggravating elements present, a court may in rare circumstances impose a brief prison term of a few days or up to 60 days.

What Can a DUI Be Reduced to in NC?

Some of the lesser offenses that a DUI can be reduced to in North Carolina may include:

• Wet reckless. This is a reckless driving charge involving alcohol. It is a less serious offense than a DUI and typically carries lesser penalties.
• Reckless driving. Reckless driving is less serious than a DUI, but it still carries significant penalties.
• Improper driving. This traffic offense is less severe than a reckless driving charge, and it typically involves some sort of traffic violation.
• Speeding. If the driver was pulled over for speeding and was subsequently found to be driving under the influence, it may be possible to negotiate a plea deal to reduce the charge to just a speeding ticket.

What Happens When You Get a DUI for the First Time in NC?

If you are convicted of a DUI (driving under the influence) for the first time in North Carolina, you may face several penalties, including a fine of up to $200, plus court costs and fees a driver’s license suspension for a period of 30 days, after which you may be eligible for limited driving privileges, and probation for up to three years. During probation time, you must comply with certain conditions, such as attending alcohol education classes or submitting to random drug and alcohol testing. You may also be sentenced to up to 60 days in jail, although jail time is not typically required for a first-time DUI offense.

Hard-Fighting DUI Lawyers in North Carolina

If you are facing DUI charges in North Carolina and urgently need help from a lawyer, get in touch with our experienced and thoughtful North Carolina DUI lawyers at Lassiter & Lassiter today and let them know your story. With our expertise and knowledge, you can get the legal support you need and the justice you deserve. Contact our North Carolina DUI lawyers now to start fighting for your rights.