Charged With DWI/DUI in Union County, NC? What Happens Next?

A DWI arrest in Union County can leave you with questions about your driver's license, your court date, and whether you have any options for fighting the charge. If you were arrested for DWI in Monroe, Waxhaw, Weddington, Marvin, Stallings, Indian Trail, or elsewhere in Union County, understanding what happens next can help you avoid mistakes early in your case.

At Jetton & Meredith, our criminal defense attorneys represent drivers charged with impaired driving throughout Union County.

What Is DWI in North Carolina?

Under North Carolina law, a person can be charged with impaired driving for operating a vehicle on a highway, street, or public vehicular area while under the influence of an impairing substance, with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher at a relevant time after driving, or under certain circumstances involving Schedule I controlled substances.

A DWI case is not limited to alcohol. Allegations involving prescription medications, illegal drugs, or combinations of substances can also lead to impaired-driving charges.

What Happens After a DWI Arrest in Union County?

A DWI case can involve two major concerns almost immediately:

Your criminal case and your ability to drive.

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the arrest and chemical testing, your driver's license may be subject to revocation before your criminal case is ultimately resolved.

That is one reason it is important to speak with an attorney early rather than simply waiting for the first court date.

Can You Fight a DWI Charge?

Being charged with DWI does not mean you have been convicted.

A defense attorney may review several parts of the investigation, including:

Why the officer stopped your vehicle
The officer's observations before and after the stop
Statements you allegedly made
Field sobriety testing
Body-camera and dash-camera footage
Breath or blood testing
Whether testing procedures were properly followed
The timeline between driving, the stop, and chemical testing
Whether law enforcement had sufficient evidence to arrest you

Every DWI case is different. Small factual details can become important when determining whether evidence was lawfully obtained and whether the State can prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

What Happens to My License After a DWI Arrest?

Driver's license consequences can begin before the criminal case is over.

Depending on the circumstances, a driver may face a civil license revocation related to an alleged alcohol concentration or a refusal to submit to chemical testing. A DWI conviction can also result in driver's license consequences.

Some drivers may qualify for a limited driving privilege that allows driving for approved purposes under specific conditions.

Because eligibility depends on the circumstances of the individual case, you should have an attorney review your situation rather than assuming you either can or cannot drive.

What If I Refused the Breath Test?

Refusing chemical testing can create consequences separate from the underlying DWI charge.

A refusal does not necessarily make the criminal DWI case disappear. It can instead create additional driver's license issues while the criminal charge continues.

An attorney can review what happened before the alleged refusal, what information you were provided, and what options may be available regarding your driving privileges and criminal case.

Where Do Union County DWI Cases Go to Court?

DWI charges arising throughout Union County are handled through the Union County court system in Monroe.

That includes cases originating in and around:

Monroe • Waxhaw • Weddington • Marvin • Stallings • Indian Trail • Wesley Chapel • Wingate and surrounding Union County communities

Your citation or release paperwork should identify your scheduled court date and location.

Do I Need a Local Union County DWI Attorney?

DWI law is governed by North Carolina law, but having an attorney who regularly handles matters in the county where your case is pending can be valuable.

Your attorney should understand not only North Carolina impaired-driving law but also how to evaluate the traffic stop, officer observations, chemical testing, video evidence, and other facts specific to your arrest.

DWI Defense in Union County, North Carolina

Attorney Michael Fanous was born and raised in Weddington, North Carolina, and now represents criminal defense clients throughout Union County.

Before becoming a criminal defense attorney, Michael served as a prosecutor, giving him experience evaluating criminal cases from both sides of the courtroom.

Today, Michael and the criminal defense team at Jetton & Meredith represent individuals charged with DWI, traffic offenses, domestic violence, drug-related crimes, and other criminal offenses throughout Union County.

If you have been charged with DWI in Monroe, Waxhaw, Weddington, Marvin, Stallings, Indian Trail, or elsewhere in Union County, contact Jetton & Meredith to discuss your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal alcohol limit for DWI in North Carolina?
North Carolina's impaired-driving statute includes an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher at a relevant time after driving as one way the State can establish impaired driving.

Will I lose my license after a DWI in Union County?
Potentially. License consequences depend on factors including chemical testing, alleged refusal, the status of your case, and ultimately whether there is a conviction.

Can a Union County DWI be dismissed?
The outcome depends on the evidence and circumstances of the individual case. An attorney can evaluate whether there are legal or factual issues involving the stop, arrest, testing, or other evidence.

Where are DWI cases heard in Union County, NC?
Union County DWI cases are handled through the Union County court system in Monroe.