The Consequences Of A DWI Charge In Gastonia, North Carolina

By Lakota R. Denton





After receiving a DWI charge, most people are unaware of the consequences of a DWI charge in North Carolina. Generally, DWI charges not only carry potential criminal punishments, but also hefty financial costs and revocation of driving privileges.



Losing your license can be a major consequence of a DWI charge. Once the automatic thirty day revocation period has been instated, it may be possible to receive a limited driving privilege after only 10 days, that would allow one to commute only to work or school for the remainder of the thirty day revocation period. After that thirty day civil revocation period, your license active until the DWI charged has been resolved by the court, either by a conviction or dismissal. If a conviction is handed down, your license will be revoked for a period of 1 year, effective immediately following the conviction. Again it is possible to obtain a limited driving privilege for purposes like school, work etc.. for the remainder of the year.



The cost burden of a DWI is substantial, and there are a variety of financial implications to the individual convicted. The initial fine for being convicted can range from a couple hundred dollars to upwards of ten thousand dollars (if for example it is a repeat offense, or if the incident involved a death or serious injury). The person convicted will also be burdened with court costs, which can vary by location and state, but generally speaking can add another few hundred dollars. Sometimes there are additional required costs if the judge orders treatment programs or an alcohol assessment. If a limited driving privilege or reinstatement of your drivers license is pursued, that cost will fall on your shoulders as well.



If a person is convicted of a DWI in North Carolina, their car insurance provider is legally allowed to raise that person's insurance by up to 400%. The insurance company does this not only to protect its own business interests (people with DWI are more of a financial risk), but also due to the fact that a DWI conviction puts 12 insurance points on a person's record. Because earning one insurance point on a driving record through a speeding ticket increases insurance rates, twelve points makes insurance rates skyrocket. Additionally, these points will remain on the person's driving record for a three-year period (as long as no additional points are levied during that time period).



If you or someone you know have been charged with a DWI, it is important to consult with an experienced DWI criminal defense attorney that can help zealously defend your case. Contact Us at Minick Law, P.C. for a free consultation on your case.













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