DUI vs DWI Is There A Difference In North Carolina?

A question that always seems to pop up here at our office in Chapel Hill, NC is what’s the difference between a DUI and DWI? The short answer is, it depends on your state but here in North Carolina they are the same offense and the legal system in NC uses DWI as the official name.

What Is The Difference  Between DWI and DUI?

The classical definition is DWI means Driving While Impaired while DUI means Driving Under The Influence. To many people, these sound incredibly similar and in fact they are but in some states they make an important distinction. DWI is used in reference as a more severe charge of a driver being over the legal limit for alcohol in their bloodstream whereas DUI means a person was driving under the influence of drugs or an unidentifiable intoxicant. North Carolina however does not have a distinction between the two and all charges are filed as a DWI. That means that all instances where an officer feels a driver is under the influence of an intoxicant, whether it be drugs, alcohol or even both, the charge will always be a DWI in North Carolina.

Charged With A DWI In Chapel Hill or Durham, NC.  Do You Need A Lawyer?

Being charged with a DWI in Durham or Chapel Hill, NC is a serious offense and hiring a lawyer is an incredibly important decision. Given today’s political environment, if you are accused of DWI it is imperative that you find an attorney with the experience to test the State’s case and ensure an acceptable outcome is reached. No other charge in NC is as heavily scrutinized as a DWI in NC and having this on your record can cause serious harm to your official reputation. All charges such as a DWI are public record in NC unless expunged by the courts. This can cause extreme harm to your current and future employment and being represented by experienced DWI attorneys like the Law Office of Matthew Charles Suczynski can make a significant difference in your outcome with the state.

Do I Have The Right To Speak To A Lawyer Before Providing A Blood Or Urine Sample In North Carolina?

Yes, In North Carolina you have the right to contact a lawyer before providing a blood or urine sample to the police. However, you only have 30 minutes to contact and speak with a lawyer before you are required to provide this sample. The 30 minute time limit is necessary because the longer the wait the less accurate the tests can be in regards to alcohol related DWI charges. If you need a lawyer in Chapel Hill or Durham NC, the Law Office of Matthew Charles Suczynski is here to defend you.

I’m A Commercial Driver In North Carolina, Are The Laws Different?

There is no difference in the distinction between being a private or commercial driver in regards to being issued a DUI or a DWI. However, In areas like Chapel Hill and Durham, NC the legal limit for alcohol consumption is only .04% BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) for commercial drivers. This is the standard limit for commercial drivers throughout most of the United States. This a relatively common misconception that commercial drivers have the same BAC limits as private drivers in NC. If you are a commercial driver in NC and have been charged with a DWI, contacting a lawyer who can help mitigate your professional consequences is imperative.

Why Should I Choose the Law Office of Matthew Charles Suczynski

Over the years Matthew has defended hundreds of Driving While Impaired cases both in District and Superior Courts throughout the state. As such, Matthew has the skill set and experience necessary to handle your DWI case. Give the Law Office of Matthew Charles Suczynski, PLLC a call today to discuss your case at (919) 619-3242 or visit our DWI page for more information