Monday, 29 September 2014

What Can Happen After Receiving A DWI Charge In Gastonia, North Carolina

By Lakota R. Denton


Most people don't know that receiving a DWI charge in Gastonia, NC can have many lasting effects. Not only can you receive criminal punishments, but it can also include costly fees and and a revocation of your driving privileges.

One of the largest consequences of getting a DWI for an individual is having their license revoked. This revocation comes in two phases. First, after being initially charged with a DWI, an individual is faced with an automatic thirty-day Civil Revocation period. However, ten days after the charge, it is possible for an individual to obtain a limited driving privilege that would allow them to drive for certain purposes (school, work, etc.) for the rest of the thirty-day Civil Revocation period. After the Civil Revocation period expires, the individual's license is in full force and effect until the DWI has been resolved (either with a conviction or a not guilty verdict). The second phase of license revocation occurs after a conviction has been obtained. As such, an individual who has been found guilty of a first time DWI will have their license revoked for a one-year period immediately following their conviction. However, in most cases, a limited driving privilege can yet again be obtained to allow driving for certain purposes (work, school, etc.) during that one-year period.

An individual is going to be faced with a variety of financial burdens after pleading guilty to, or convicted of a DWI. The judge will initially issue a fine for being found guilty, which can range from $200 to $10,000, depending on the severity of the incident (For example: If you are a first time offender, vs. a Felony DWI charge involving a death or repeat offense). Court costs will also be the responsibility of the individual charged. This number can vary due to each court determining their own fee amounts, but generally speaking, it can be several hundred dollars. There may also be additional costs, associated with things like obtaining limited driving privilege, alcohol assessment and treatment, and reinstatement of your drivers license.

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).

An experienced criminal defense lawyer can be in an invaluable asset in receiving the best outcome from a DWI charge. Minick Law's experienced attorneys are ready to help, and are standing by to offer a free consultation on your case. Contact them today.






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