DWI with Accident Lawyer In Raleigh
A DWI charge involving an accident can be frightening and confusing—leaving individuals worried about court hearings, potential penalties, and what the charges may mean for their license, record, and future. If you are facing a DWI charge in Raleigh or Wake County schedule your FREE consultation today.
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Hire Attorney Christopher Detwiler for Expereinced DWI Representation in Wake County
At The Law Office of Christopher R. Detwiler, our Raleigh defense attorney represents individuals charged with DWI offenses involving accidents throughout Wake County, including Wake Forest, Cary, Rolesville, Knightdale, Holly Springs, Zebulon, Garner, and Fuquay-Varina. Attorney Detwiler helps clients understand the legal process and the evidence against them while providing steady guidance and strategic defense during a difficult and uncertain time.
DWI with Accident Charges In NC
While a collision does not automatically establish impairment from alcohol or drugs, it often affects how the State investigates and prosecutes these charges in criminal court. Impaired driving in North Carolina is governed by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-138.1, and the State must prove each element of a DWI accident offense beyond a reasonable doubt in order to secure a conviction.
Establishing Impairment After an Accident
Officers conduct detailed investigations following a car accident or other traffic violation with DWI, including reviewing physical evidence, speaking with witnesses, and documenting the scene.
They must rely on post-accident observations to suggest impairment, including:
- Statements made by the driver
- Physical signs observed at the scene or hospital
- Field sobriety or chemical test results obtained after the accident
Chemical Testing Following a DWI Accident
The State may attempt to link the alleged impairment to how or why an accident occurred.
Chemical testing in DWI accident cases is often conducted under North Carolina’s implied-consent laws (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-16.2). Blood draws are more common in accident cases, particularly when injuries are involved.
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Contact Attorney Chris Detwiler, an Expereinced Raleigh DWI Lawyer
Potential Consequences of a DWI with Accident Conviction
The penalties for a DWI with accident depend on the facts of the case, the presence of aggravating factors, and the sentencing level assigned by the court.
Possible consequences may include:
License Revocation:
A conviction requires a mandatory period of driver’s license revocation, with limited driving privileges potentially available in certain cases.
Fines and Court Costs:
Financial penalties vary based on sentencing level and may include fines, court costs, and other statutory fees.
Probation or Incarceration:
Some cases allow for probation, while others may involve short periods of jail time.
Substance Abuse Assessment:
Courts commonly require an assessment and completion of any recommended education or treatment.
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Contact Attorney Chris Detwiler, an Expereinced Raleigh DWI Lawyer
Advantages of Working with Attorney Detwiler for DWI Accident Charges
Facing a DWI charge involving an accident can raise difficult questions about what comes next and how the case will be handled. Attorney Detwiler works with clients to help them understand the charges they are facing, the legal issues involved, and how DWI with accident charges typically move through the courts.
By focusing on the facts of each individual case and the applicable law, Chris provides informed guidance throughout a process that can otherwise feel overwhelming.
Careful Review of the Accident Investigation
When working with Chris, he and his team conduct a thorough review of how law enforcement investigated the accident. This includes examining accident reports, scene documentation, and the sequence of events leading to the impaired driving charge.
Analysis of Post-Accident Evidence
In accident cases, officers often rely on observations made after the collision rather than during a traffic stop. Chris evaluates statements, physical observations, and other evidence gathered at the scene or medical facility to assess how impairment is alleged and how timing may affect the State’s claims against you.
Review of Field Sobriety Testing
Field sobriety testing following an accident can be influenced by injury, stress, or environmental conditions. Chris reviews how these tests were administered and whether circumstances surrounding the accident may have affected performance or interpretation.
Examination of Chemical Test Procedures
Chemical testing often plays a central role in DWI accident cases, particularly when blood testing is involved. Chris reviews whether testing procedures complied with statutory and regulatory requirements, including how and when samples were collected.
Assessment of Probable Cause Following an Accident
An arrest for impaired driving must still be supported by probable cause, even when an accident has occurred. Chris analyzes whether the totality of the circumstances cited by law enforcement supports a lawful arrest under North Carolina law, particularly when the officer did not witness the driving itself.
Guidance on Limited Driving Privileges When Applicable
North Carolina law allows some individuals charged with or convicted of a DWI to request limited driving privileges under specific statutory conditions. Chris helps clients understand eligibility requirements, timing considerations, and documentation involved when seeking court approval for a limited driving privilege under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-179(k).
Explanation of Sentencing for Accident-Related DWI
Sentencing in a DWI with accident case is governed by statutory factors, including aggravating, grossly aggravating, and mitigating circumstances. While outcomes cannot be predicted or guaranteed, Chris helps clients understand how sentencing levels are assigned and how accident-related facts may be considered by the court.
Representation Throughout the Court Process
DWI with accident cases often involve multiple hearings, procedural deadlines, and legal decisions. Although no attorney can control the outcome of a case, Chris represents clients throughout the court process, helping them understand what to expect and what options may be available as the case progresses.
Schedule a Free Consultation for a DWI with Accident Charge
A DWI charge involving an accident in Wake County often raises urgent questions about what to do next and how the accident may affect the charges you face. Call (919) 526-7545 or submit our contact form to request a FREE consultation with Attorney Detwiler to discuss the details of the charges against you and better understand how thoughtful legal representation can protect your rights and future.
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I was impressed by this lawyer's expertise. He handled my case with professionalism and achieved an outstanding result."
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