North Carolina DUI Laws, Penalties, and License SuspensionNorth Carolina drunk driving laws have become more and more complicated and the penalties are more harsh that ever. The amount of alcohol a person can consume is becoming less and the effort to crack down on DUI's is rising. Most people arrested for drunk driving  have never been in trouble with the law before, this will be the first time they were handcuffed, put into the back of a police car, and tried by the state in court.
The DMV and court process is confusing and there is no room for even the slightest error. Knowing the laws, penalties, fees and process is extremely important. The biggest mistake you can make is assuming that you don't need to speak to a lawyer. DUIs are very complex and a lot is at stake. If you plead guilty to a DUI, your guilty. No reducing, no plea bargaining, just guilty. Give your case a change, talk to a lawyer. You can schedule a free, no obligation consultation with an attorney today by calling (877) 678-5640.
North Carolina Laws
The following driving actions are illegal in the State of North Carolina:
- All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
- Under 21 - Zero Tolerance
- Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.
North Carolina Penalties
First Drunk Driving Conviction
The first drunk driving conviction you receive in the State of North Carolina could cost you up to $2,000 in fines and up to 24 months imprisonment. Your drivers license will also be suspended for a mandatory period of 1 year. The court may also order you to perform 24 hours of community service and not allow a limited drivers license for 30 days.
Second Drunk Driving Conviction
If your second drunk driving conviction is within 3 years of your first, your drivers license will be revoked for a mandatory period of 4 years. You will also face up to $2,000 in fines and up to 24 months imprisonment. A limited drivers license will not be allowed if the conviction occurs within 7 years of the first conviction.
Third Drunk Driving Conviction
If either one of the prior drunk driving convictions occurred within the previous 5 years you will face a permanent revocation of your drivers license. You will also face up to $2,000 in fines and up to 24 months imprisonment.
Fourth Drunk Driving Conviction
If the 3 previous DUI's occurred within the past 7 years your drivers license will be permanently revoked. The conviction will be considered a felony if the 3 previous convictions occurred within the past 7 years. You will also face a minimum punishment of 1 year imprisonment up to 3 years imprisonment and a fine.
North Carolina Drivers License Issues
The implied consent law in North Carolina means that you agree to submit to a chemical test of your blood, breath or urine if an officer of the laws suspects that you are driving while intoxicated. If you refuse such a test your drivers license will be immediately suspended for 30 days followed by a hearing in which the court could suspend your drivers license for an additional 12 months.
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has some very strenuous drunk driving laws. A DUI can cost you your drivers license, it caries heavy fines and penalties, and can even put you in jail. Follow the link to find out more information:
