A Driving While Intoxicated(DWI) arrest and charge in North Carolina can have some severe impacts on your life – both short term and long term. Not only to yourself, but to your family and friends.
Van Camp, Meacham & Newman, PLLC, has represented hundreds of DWI cases successfully as well as other traffic-related violations. We are experienced in defending all driving violations and here to help.
One of the most important things to know is that North Carolina is different than many other states with DWI convictions. A conviction is permanent and will stay on your record forever. It will fall off after a certain period of time, but it is extensive. This is one of the reasons we strongly recommend hiring a criminal defense attorney to represent you.
Top DWI Impacts on Your Life
- Insurance Rates
- Family & Housing
- Employment
- Education
- Travel Restrictions
Let’s dig into these areas…
Insurance Rates
Insurance businesses utilize risk models and driving under the influence or DWI convictions both carry a serious risk of death if an accident occurs. Homeowner’s insurance may also raise rates due to a conviction because it shows risky behavior that increases the likelihood of claims.
Family & Housing
DWI convictions can lead to jail time and revoked licenses. These can both negatively impact your life. You’ll miss out on work time, you’ll need to find people to drive you around, or use public transportation. It can be problematic. Some judges may also look at these convictions in relation to custody of children, and would certainly have negative affects to the possibility of adopting in the future.
Employment
Some businesses may terminate a job based on a DUI or DWI. It will be on your record, and some businesses won’t hire with any sort of record. It would scale back your ability to apply for any type of job that requires driving. Even real estate, sales or construction roles may not be in your future.
Education
Some colleges and universities may ask if you have ever been convicted of a crime. Most DWI cases fall within the definition of a misdemeanor; however, some can result in felony convictions. If you are convicted of a felony, you will need to check the “Yes” on these applications and it may have negative impacts.
Travel Restrictions
You may not think a DWI would impact your ability to travel, but some countries will not allow people who have been convicted. In addition, if you are in the U.S. on a Visa or Green Card, you will be in danger of deportation.
As you can see, the impacts of a DWI in North Carolina is extensive. Contact Van Camp, Meacham & Newman, PLLC to seek our professional advice and representation. Call us locally at 910-295-2525, or by reaching us toll-free at (877) 288-6557.
