One of the most common and most feared consequences of a driving while impaired (DWI) offense in North Carolina is the loss of your license. Drunk driving has a strong association with tragic car crashes. In addition to imposing other criminal consequences, like jail time and fines, on those accused of drunk driving, North Carolina also revokes or suspends their licenses.
Losing your license can be a major source of hardship. It can affect your ability to make it to work on time and even your ability to take care of your children. What will happen to your license after a North Carolina DWI charge?
Your driver’s license
After a DWI offense, the state will revoke your license for at least a year. A second offense will mean a four-year suspension, while a third or subsequent DWI offense will result in the permanent loss of your driving privileges. You may be able to apply for a hardship license after a short suspension period so that you can drive to work and perform other necessary travel.
Your professional license
Your professional license could also be at risk after an impaired driving charge in North Carolina. Any DWI offense will impact your eligibility for a commercial driver’s license. Those who work in other professions could also lose their professional licensing because of criminal convictions.
The best way to protect your driving privileges and career is typically to fight back against pending charges rather than pleading guilty to avoid the time and exposure that comes with going to court. Learning more about the penalties imposed by the state for DWI offenses can help you understand what is at stake after your arrest.
