Holiday weekends in North Carolina are a time for celebration, travel, and spending time with family and friends.
Unfortunately, there are also periods when law enforcement increases patrols to look for impaired drivers. Being charged with driving while impaired (DWI) during a holiday weekend can complicate your situation and may even lead to harsher consequences. Contact an experienced lawyer.
Here’s what you should know if this happens to you.
Why Holiday Weekends Bring More DWI Arrests
North Carolina law enforcement agencies often conduct DWI checkpoints and put more officers on the roads during holidays such as:
- Memorial Day
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas and New Year’s
Because of the higher risk of alcohol consumption and travel, police are on high alert. This means you are more likely to be stopped, tested, and charged with DWI during these periods.
Don’t drink and drive
Immediate Consequences of a Holiday Weekend DWI
If you are charged with DWI during a holiday weekend, you face the same penalties as at any other time, but logistics can make things harder:
- License Suspension
- A DWI arrest triggers an immediate 30-day civil license revocation if you refuse or fail a breath test.
- Jail or Holding Time
- Courts are often closed on holidays, which means you may spend more time in custody before seeing a judge.
- Vehicle Impoundment
- In some cases, your car could be towed or impounded, creating added expenses and inconvenience.
- Court Scheduling Delays
- Because courts and clerks’ offices may be closed over long weekends, the start of your case could be delayed, leaving you in limbo longer.
Penalties for a North Carolina DWI
The penalties depend on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), prior convictions, and whether there were aggravating factors. They may include:
- Fines ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
- Jail time (from a few days to several months or more, depending on severity).
- Mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs.
- Community service requirements.
- Long-term license suspension or revocation.
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID).
What To Do If You’re Charged Over a Holiday Weekend
1. Stay Silent
Anything you say can be used against you in court. You are not required to explain yourself to law enforcement beyond providing identification and basic information.
2. Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
Even during a holiday, you should reach out to a North Carolina criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Many law firms, including Martine Law, are available 24/7 to assist.
3. Request a DMV Hearing
If your license was suspended, you may have the right to request a hearing to contest the suspension. Deadlines are strict, so act quickly.
4. Document Everything
Write down what happened, where you were stopped, and what tests you were given. This information can be vital in building your defense.
5. Avoid Further Violations
Do not drive while your license is revoked and comply with all court and DMV requirements to avoid new charges.
If you have any questions, please contact Martine Law today.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a Holiday Weekend DWI
Holiday DWIs can be particularly stressful because of delays, heightened law enforcement, and strict penalties. A skilled North Carolina DWI attorney can:
- Challenge the legality of the stop or checkpoint.
- Question the accuracy of breath or blood test results.
- Argue for limited driving privileges.
- Negotiate reduced penalties or alternative sentencing.
Key Takeaways
- North Carolina law enforcement increases DWI patrols over holiday weekends.
- You may face longer custody times and case delays due to court closures.
- A DWI conviction carries serious penalties, including jail, fines, and license suspension.
- Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately to protect your rights.
Suggested Internal Links
- North Carolina Criminal Defense Attorney
- Can You Face Assault Charges in North Carolina If the Other Person Was Not Injured?
- Contact Martine Law
Call to Action
If you are charged with DWI during a holiday weekend in North Carolina, do not wait. Contact Martine Law today. Our criminal defense attorneys are available 24/7 to protect your rights and fight for your future.
FAQs
Are DWI penalties harsher if you’re arrested on a holiday weekend?
The penalties are the same, but increased patrols and court delays can make the process more difficult.
Will I spend more time in jail if arrested over a holiday weekend?
Possibly. If courts are closed, you may be held longer before your first appearance.
Can I still request limited driving privileges?
Yes, but only if you meet eligibility requirements. An attorney can help you apply.
Are holiday DWI checkpoints legal in North Carolina?
Yes, as long as they meet constitutional requirements. A lawyer can review whether your stop was lawful.
Do I need a lawyer if it’s my first DWI?
Yes. Even a first-time DWI can have lasting consequences on your record, license, and employment.