Committed to Protecting Your Rights Under The Law

Charlotte DWI Attorneys

Arrested for DWI in Mecklenburg County, NC?

The DWI/DUI laws in North Carolina are tough on offenders, so you should fight these charges aggressively in order to protect your rights and privileges. Did you refuse a breath test? Were you arrested for an underage DUI? Whatever the case may be, we leave no stone unturned in pursuing the best available outcomes* for our clients by employing aggressive strategies that involve a wide variety of defense tactics.

We are experienced with all of the following, and more:

  • Suppressing evidence that was obtained improperly or is demonstrably unreliable
  • Demonstrating that the police violated the defendant's constitutional rights during an arrest
  • Engaging in pretrial motions in order to prepare for trial or seek a case dismissal

Discuss your case with our Charlotte DWI lawyers at Jetton & Meredith, PLLC today by calling (704) 931-5535, and learn how we may be able to help you keep your driving privileges and fight your DWI charges.

How We Can Help with Your Defense

If you were arrested for driving while intoxicated, it may be the most frightening experience you have ever faced. In the blink of an eye, your life can change as you begin to contemplate the potential consequences, such as the loss of your license, fines, jail time, and having a criminal record. After an arrest, it would be in your best interest to reach out to a Charlotte DWI attorney who will fight to protect your rights.

Even if you think you are guilty, it’s important to have a lawyer evaluate your case. There is always something an attorney can do to improve your situation.* For example, if the police made mistakes during the DUI stop or when administering a Breathalyzer test, the evidence may be suppressed and the charges dismissed. If any part of the state’s case is weak, the prosecutor may be willing to accept a favorable plea bargain.

Depending on your situation, we may be able to help with:

  • Maintaining your driving privileges
  • Preventing or reversing the suspension of your driver’s license
  • Preventing your driver’s license from being revoked
  • Preventing a jail sentence and/or hefty fines
  • Resolving your DUI/DWI charge as quickly as possible

North Carolina DWI Laws

The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in North Carolina is 0.08 percent. Therefore, if a driver has a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher, they are considered to be driving while impaired. However, the BAC limit for commercial drivers is 0.04 percent, while underage motorists can be charged with DWI for having any amount of alcohol in their system.

Penalties for a First DWI Offense in North Carolina

North Carolina laws are extremely harsh on drunk drivers, even for first-time offenders. If you have been arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI), you should not assume that the legal system will go easy on you simply because you have never been in legal trouble before.

If you are convicted of a first DWI offense, you will lose your driver’s license for a minimum of one year. In most situations, you can apply for a limited-use license that will allow you to drive to and from work. However, for the next three years, you will need to buy high-risk auto insurance, known as SR-22.

You will also be required to undergo an alcohol assessment program, complete recommended classes, pay a significant fine, and serve at least one day in jail or perform at least 24 hours of community service.

Second, Third, or Fourth DWI Convictions

If you are arrested for driving under the influence in North Carolina and you have one or more prior convictions, it’s important to put your case in the hands of an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible. The consequences of multiple DWI convictions in North Carolina are extremely harsh.

  • Second offense DUI/DWI: If you have a prior DUI/DWI conviction within three years of your current offense, you face a mandatory driver’s license revocation for four years.
  • Third offense DUI/DWI: If you have two prior DUI/DWI convictions and at least one of these occurred within the past five years, you face a permanent driver’s license revocation.
  • Fourth offense DUI/DWI: If you have three prior DUI/DWI convictions and at least one of these occurred within the past seven years, you could face felony charges and the permanently loss of your license.

If you are convicted of DWI while your driver’s license is revoked for an earlier conviction, the court may seize your vehicle and sell it. Because North Carolina DWI laws are so tough on repeat offenders, it is important to do everything you can to avoid a first conviction. Call Jetton & Meredith, PLLC for the help you need.

Charged with DWI in Charlotte? We Can Help.

At Jetton & Meredith, our attorneys understand that one mistake does not define who you are as a member of the community. However, we know that one alcohol-related incident can damage your reputation and leave you with a criminal record and the complications that come with it. We have the skills and knowledge necessary to fight for a positive outcome* from a first offense DUI or even a second or third offense.

    Contact our Charlotte DWI lawyers at Jetton & Meredith, PLLC today at (704) 931-5535 to discuss your charges and defense options.

    Our law office is located in Uptown Charlotte near the Mecklenburg County courthouse. We represent clients throughout all surrounding areas, including South Charlotte, Blakeney, Ballantyne, South End, Dilworth, North Davidson, Myers Park, Pineville, Matthews, Lake Norman, Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville, and beyond.

    Client Testimonials*

    The Opinions that Matter Most
    • “A lot can be said for good communication and having the peace of mind.”

      Former Client
    • “Purely amazing. I never felt more confident with the help that I recieved from Mark Jetton and the rest of the team from Jetton & Meredith!”

      Former Client
    • “Anyone working with this law firm is in great hands.”

      Former Client
    • “These guys are miracle workers.”

      Former Client
    • “The entire process was handled quickly and in a very professional manner.”

      Former Client
    • “This was a difficult time in my life but working with Jetton & Meredith made it easier to get through.”

      Former Client
    • “Not only had my charges dismissed but they saved me plenty of money in the process!”

      Former Client
    • “Excellent Lawyer & Firm”

      Heather O. Charlotte, NC
    • “I would highly recommend Jetton & Meredith to any close friends and family!”

      Former Client
    • “You will not find a more personable, hard-working, results driven firm anywhere.”

      Frank C Charlotte, NC
    • “Can't Thank You Enough”

      Former Client
    • “When they stated that he would do something, they did just that. I would recommend Jetton & Meredith, PLLC to anyone.”

      Former Client
    • “I HIGHLY RECOMMEND their services and will always pass the name along to my friends and family.”

      Former Client
    • “Excellent representation”

      Lee Charlotte, NC
    • “The Results I Was Looking For”

      Former Client

    Awards

    • Rising Stars 2023 Erika Angles
    • Legal Elite 2023
    • Elite Lawyer Jetton & Meredith 2023
    • Elite Lawyer Personal Injury Eric Meredith 2023
    • Elite Lawyer Personal Injury Mark Jetton 2023
    • Elite Lawyer Personal Injury Tim Cannady 2023
    • Elite lawyer 2022 Accidents
    • Elite lawyer 2022 Divorce
    • Elite Lawyer 2022 Criminal Defense
    • Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
    • Super Lawyer 2022
    • Top 10 Family Law Attorneys 2022
    • 10 Best Attorney's in Client Satisfaction 2022
    • Top Ranking Family Law Attorney 2021
    • Elite Lawyer Badge 2021
    • Litigator of the Year 2021
    • Law Eagles of America 2021
    • Legal Elite 2021
    • Super Lawyers - Rising Star 2021
    • Avvo Client Choice - 2020 Erika Angles
    • Top 10 Family Law Attorneys
    • Legal Elite 2020
    • American Institute of Trial Lawyers
    • Client's Choice Award
    • 10 Best Attorney's in Client Satisfaction 2019
    • 2019 Attorney and Practice Magazine Family Law Badge
    • National College for DUI Defense
    • Clients Choice Award 2019
    • Business North Carolina Legal Elite
    • BBB - Start With Trust
    • RUE Ratings Best Attorneys of America - 2015
    • TNTL Top 100 Trial Lawyers
    • Avvo Clients' Choice 2015 Divorce
    • Avvo Clients' Choice 2015 Criminal Defense
    • Attorney and Practice Magazine's Criminal Defense top 10
    • AIPIA - 10 Best 2018 Attorney
    • AIPIA - 10 Best 2018 Law Firm
    • TGDWW - Top Lawyer 2015
    • AIFLA - 10 Best 2015
    • AATA - Premier 100
    • NAFLA - Top Ten Ranking 2015
    • MVTL - Top 25
    • Top 40
    • American Association of Attorneys - Premier DUI
    • ASLA 2015 Top 40 Lawyer Under 40

    Why Jetton & Meredith?

    A Passionate Defense Of Your Rights
    • Numerous Professional Awards & Recognitions

    • Proven Track Record of Successful* Case Results

    • Unique & Personalized Approach to Each Case

    • Consultations Available on Evenings & Weekends

    • Well-Established Family Roots in Charlotte, NC

    • Decades of Combined Legal Experience

    • Unwavering Dedication to Client Satisfaction

    • Highly Respected within the Legal Community