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Raleigh DWI Defense

The drunk driving laws in North Carolina are strict, and the fines and penalties are severe. In fact, even a Level 5 DWI arrest can have long-ranging negative effects that can change your life, and the lives and futures of your family and loved ones. In fact, getting convicted of a Level 5 DWI in Raleigh or elsewhere in the state could mean jail time, revocation of your license, a substance abuse assessment, and up to a $200 fine.

Mounting a Raleigh DWI Defense

In North Carolina, it is illegal to drive if your ability has been negatively affected by alcohol or drugs or a combination of both. There are five levels of misdemeanor DWI offenses. The penalties incurred are based on the level you are convicted of, and these levels are decided by the court. Factors that go into deciding your level include –

  • Blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
  • Driving record
  • The specific circumstances of your DWI arrest
  • History of offenses.

A Level 4 Offense carries penalties including:

  • License revocation of 30 days
  • Up to a $500 fine
  • Jail time of 48 hours to 120 days
  • Substance abuse assessment

A Level 3 offense carries penalties of

  • 30-day license suspension
  • Up to a $1,000 fine
  • Jail sentence of 72 hours to 6 months
  • Substance abuse assessment

A Level 2 Offense carries penalties of

  • 30 day license revocation
  • Up to a $2,000 fine
  • Jail sentence of one week to one year
  • Substance abuse assessment

A Level 1 offense is the most serious misdemeanor offense that carries penalties of

  • 30 days license suspension
  • Up to a $4,000 fine
  • Jail sentence of one month to 36 months
  • Substance abuse assessment
  • 4 months of monitored alcohol abstinence

The Raleigh DWI defense attorney at DeMent Askew LLP begins to build your best drunk driving defense. After hearing your case, we investigate every aspect of the stop, evidence collection, and arrest. This includes-

  • The legality of the stop
  • How the field sobriety tests were administered
  • How blood, breath, or chemical tests were administered
  • Whether the test results are reliable

Our defense team works diligently to have your charges reduced or dismissed. We advocate against your vehicle being forfeited and against license revocation. We also attempt to have your vehicle released quickly from the impound, and work to help you have your driving privileges restored. We stand beside you in court and aggressively defend your rights in litigation.

Our goal is to limit all legal punishments and fines, and to help you achieve the best results possible for your specific case. We have more than 40 years of experience advocating for those who stand accused of DWI in Raleigh and across North Carolina.

Contact the Raleigh DWI Defense Team

If you have been charged with a DWI offense, including aggravated DWI, commercial driver DWI,  underage DWI, or DWI of drugs, call the experienced DWI defense attorneys at DeMent Askew LLP now for a case evaluation. We stand ready to defend your rights. Call 919-833-5555 now, so we can begin building your best DWI defense.

Author Bio

Ryan Brown

J. RUSSELL W. DeMENT III
RALEIGH CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

Russell W. “Rusty” DeMent III is a trial lawyer and managing partner at DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall. A former Wake County Assistant District Attorney, he brings decades of courtroom experience to defending serious criminal charges in both state and federal courts, including DWI, violent crimes, and drug offenses.

Regularly recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite, Rusty is a Fellow of the National College for DUI Defense and the Litigation Counsel of America. His legal insight and calm command in high-stakes cases make him a trusted advocate across North Carolina.

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Reviews

My case was a particularly a hard one. Rusty and his team fought hard to receive the best judgment possible. They never told me anything I wanted to hear, actually quite the opposite. They let me know exactly what they could do for me and tried their hardest. I would recommend this law office to anyone who is looking for great counsel.

Curt H.

I HIGHLY recommend DeMent Askew to anyone seeking legal aid. Mr. DeMent helped me through a couple situations and from the first time I met with him until it was over he gave me his utmost attention and always made sure he listened. This is not a chain law firm that is just out to get your money, they really do care about the the

Kimball T.

Mr. Johnson and everyone at DeMent Askew went above and beyond in their handling of our case. They genuinely cared for the well-being of my husband and my family. I have used them for other legal matters as well, and would definitely recommend them to anyone with any type of personal injury case, no matter how serious.

Holly P.

I want to thank Mr. DeMent for helping me out with my DWI case. I was truly not very optimistic in my chances with my case, but on the day of my trial Mr. DeMent vigorously argued in my favor that the officer did not have probable cause for my arrest. I truly appreciate his efforts in saving me from a DWI conviction and

Eric J.

My case was a particularly a hard one. Rusty and his team fought hard to receive the best judgment possible. They never told me anything I wanted to hear, actually quite the opposite. They let me know exactly what they could do for me and tried their hardest. I would recommend this law office to anyone who is looking for great counsel.

Curt H.

I HIGHLY recommend DeMent Askew to anyone seeking legal aid. Mr. DeMent helped me through a couple situations and from the first time I met with him until it was over he gave me his utmost attention and always made sure he listened. This is not a chain law firm that is just out to get your money, they really do care about the the

Kimball T.

Mr. Johnson and everyone at DeMent Askew went above and beyond in their handling of our case. They genuinely cared for the well-being of my husband and my family. I have used them for other legal matters as well, and would definitely recommend them to anyone with any type of personal injury case, no matter how serious.

Holly P.

I want to thank Mr. DeMent for helping me out with my DWI case. I was truly not very optimistic in my chances with my case, but on the day of my trial Mr. DeMent vigorously argued in my favor that the officer did not have probable cause for my arrest. I truly appreciate his efforts in saving me from a DWI conviction and

Eric J.

Areas Served

IN RALEIGH:
333 Fayetteville Street,
Suite 1513
Raleigh, NC 27601 Get Direction
(919) 833-5555
IN MOREHEAD CITY:
810 Arendell Street
Morehead City,
NC 28557 Get Direction
(252) 251-5555
5.0
rating
Based on 250+ Reviews