Being pulled over by law enforcement can be a stressful experience. Knowing how to handle the situation calmly and correctly can make a significant difference. In North Carolina, traffic stops can happen for various reasons, including speeding, equipment violations, or suspected impaired driving. Whether it’s a routine stop or a more serious situation like a suspected DWI/DUI, understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial. Here’s what you should do if you’re pulled over in North Carolina and how Girdwood & Williams PLLC can help if you face DWI/DUI charges.
Pull Over Safely and Quickly
The moment you see flashing blue lights behind you, signal your intention to pull over. Choose a safe location, such as a well-lit area or the right shoulder of the road and come to a complete stop. If you’re on a highway and there’s no safe place to stop immediately, slow down and activate your hazard lights to indicate to the officer that you’re complying.
Stay Calm and Remain in Your Vehicle
Once you have stopped, remain in your vehicle with your hands visible, preferably on the steering wheel. Avoid making sudden movements or reaching for anything unless instructed by the officer. If it’s dark, consider turning on your interior light so the officer can see you clearly.
Provide the Required Documentation
When requested, provide your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. In North Carolina, drivers are legally required to produce these documents during a traffic stop. It’s a good idea to keep them in an easily accessible location to avoid fumbling around while the officer waits.
Be Respectful and Follow Instructions
Politeness and cooperation can help the interaction go smoothly. Answer questions briefly and respectfully, but remember you have the right to remain silent beyond providing basic identification. You do not have to answer potentially incriminating questions, such as “Have you been drinking?” Instead, you can politely say, “I’ve been advised not to answer those types of questions.”
Know Your Rights Regarding Searches
In most cases, an officer cannot search your vehicle without your consent, a warrant, or probable cause. If an officer asks to search your car, you have the right to say no. However, if they have probable cause that a crime has been committed, they may proceed without consent. Understanding this distinction can be crucial in protecting yourself from unnecessary legal trouble.
Handling a DWI/DUI Stop in North Carolina
If an officer suspects you of driving under the influence, they may ask you to complete field sobriety tests or take a roadside breathalyzer test. While you can refuse these tests, North Carolina has implied consent laws, meaning refusal of a breath or blood test at the police station may result in an automatic license suspension. If you are arrested for DWI/DUI, do not panic. Avoid making statements that could be used against you and request to speak with an attorney immediately. Girdwood & Williams PLLC handles DWI/DUI defense and can help protect your rights, challenge evidence, and work toward minimizing the consequences.
If You Receive a Ticket or Are Arrested
For a minor traffic violation, you may be given a ticket with instructions on how to pay the fine or contest it in court. For more serious charges, such as reckless driving or DWI/DUI you may be arrested and taken into custody. In this case, remain calm and request legal representation from Girdwood & Williams PLLC. We understand the complexities of North Carolina’s DWI/DUI laws and are dedicated to fighting for your rights.
The Impact of a DWI/DUI Conviction
A DWI/DUI conviction in North Carolina can have long-term consequences beyond fines and jail time. A conviction can stay on your record for years, affecting employment opportunities, housing applications, and even professional licensing. Additionally, repeated offenses lead to harsher penalties, including mandatory jail time and permanent license revocation. Many drivers don’t realize that even a first-time offense can carry severe consequences. That’s why having a skilled attorney like those at Girdwood & Williams PLLC is critical. Our legal team can assess your case, identify potential defenses, and work to get charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible.
Contacting an Attorney After a DWI/DUI Charge
A DWI/DUI conviction in North Carolina can carry severe penalties, including heavy fines, license suspension or revocation, jail time, increased insurance rates, and installation of an ignition interlock device. Our attorneys at Girdwood & Williams PLLC have extensive experience defending clients against DWI/DUI charges and can help by examining whether the traffic stop was legal, whether your arrest was legal, possibly challenging breathalyzer and field sobriety test results, negotiating for mitigated sentencing options, and representing you in court to fight the charges.
If you are facing a DWI/DUI charge in North Carolina, having an experienced defense team like Girdwood & Williams PLLC on your side can make all the difference. Call Girdwood & Williams PLLC at (910) 343-9920 or contact us online for a consultation. Your rights and your future are worth defending.