Protecting Your Driving Privileges ∙ Protecting Your Rights
The blue lights in your rear-view mirror say it all: you are being pulled over by North Carolina law enforcement. In your worry or concern of the moment, you may not pay attention to your legal rights and focus instead on what your family, your employer or your spouse will think of you. While you're thinking of your future, law enforcement officers may be neglecting or disregarding your rights as they issue a citation or make an arrest.
Attorney Mike Paduchowski and our legal team at The Maitland Law Firm will represent you in two ways:
- Defend you of the criminal charges brought against you in criminal court
- Represent you in the administrative processes at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to protect your driver's license and right to drive
Your Orange County Drunk Driving Lawyer
If you commute to work or drive for a living, a DWI conviction can mean the loss of employment. If you are a college student, a DWI conviction can affect your ability to rent an apartment or damage future employment opportunities. A DWI conviction may result in jail time, large fines and insurance increases up to 400 percent.
Protect yourself from the harsh penalties and consequences of a drunk driving conviction by working with Mike Paduchowski, an experienced Chapel Hill DWI defense attorney, at The Maitland Law Firm. We have experience with the following:
- Examination of the validity and administration of sobriety tests
- Knowledge and ability to challenge arresting procedures
- Negotiation skills to have charges dismissed or reduced in exchange for treatment or other options
- Ability to protect your driving privileges by license reinstatement and other means
Drunk Driving Considerations in North Carolina
Recent changes to the law in North Carolina have increased the penalties for a DWI/DUI conviction. Here is what you need to know about staying under the drunk driving level:
- In North Carolina, a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08 is considered impaired.
- Being under .08 does NOT mean you cannot be charged.
- A drink is about 12 ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1 ounce of 90 proof liquor.
- A "generous" pour of beer, liquor or wine should be counted as two drinks.
- Online calculators and alcohol consumption charts can provide you with BAC estimates.
- If you've been drinking and can't find your BAC on the chart, or can't remember the number of drinks you've had, then you don't need to drive.
Putting Our Clients First — Se Habla Español
Our criminal defense attorneys offer personal legal service to each and every client and offer Spanish language services. To discuss your criminal defense needs, contact our attorneys or call 919-636-7482 or 877-581-3746 to schedule a consultation.
Mike Paduchowski is rated as a Preeminent attorney by Martindale Hubbell Lawyers.com. Click HERE for details.
