Contact Floyd Law Offices PLLC Today for a Free, Confidential Consultation
When you are facing a second DWI—or have been charged with more than one DWI offense—every decision matters. At Floyd Law Offices PLLC, our multiple DWI attorneys in Raleigh provide client-driven legal representation that addresses the unique challenges of repeat DWI charges within Wake County.
From the moment you reach out, you receive proactive support, clear advice, and defense strategies tailored precisely to your situation. Our guidance helps you move forward with clarity and confidence, even in the face of strict North Carolina sentencing laws.
Secure a powerful defense by contacting a multiple DWI attorney in Raleigh at Floyd Law Offices PLLC. We are available 24/7, offer free consultations, and provide flexible payment plans. Call (919) 805-3663 or reach out online to schedule your consultation now.
Understanding Multiple DWI Laws in North Carolina
North Carolina's laws regarding driving while impaired (DWI) become progressively harsher with each successive conviction. The state uses a structured sentencing system that is based on "sentencing levels" and "grossly aggravating factors." Having a prior DWI conviction within the past seven years is considered a grossly aggravating factor, which automatically raises the level of punishment for your current offense.
Here is a breakdown of how the law treats repeat DWI offenses:
Second DWI Offense: A second DWI conviction within seven years of the first can result in a sentence of Level Two or higher. A Level Two punishment can include fines of up to $2,000 and a minimum of seven days to a maximum of one year in jail. Your license will also be suspended for up to four years, and you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
Third DWI Offense: A third DWI conviction within seven years of the last can result in a Level One punishment, which carries a minimum of 30 days to a maximum of two years in jail and fines of up to $4,000. Your license will be permanently revoked.
Habitual DWI: North Carolina law provides for a "Habitual DWI" charge, which is a Class F felony. This charge is applied to a person who is convicted of three or more DWI offenses within a 10-year period. A conviction for habitual DWI carries a mandatory minimum active prison sentence of at least 12 months, and the sentence cannot be suspended.
A Raleigh multiple DWI lawyer knows that the presence of other aggravating factors, such as a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15 or higher, having a minor in the car, or causing a serious injury, can further increase the punishment level and lead to even more severe consequences.
Penalties of a Multiple DWI Conviction in North Carolina
A conviction for a multiple DWI can have devastating, long-lasting consequences that go far beyond fines and jail time. We will work tirelessly to help you avoid these penalties.
Jail or Prison Time: As a repeat offender, you face mandatory active jail or prison time that a judge cannot suspend.
License Revocation: Your driver's license can be suspended for a significant period or even permanently revoked, making it difficult to get to work, school, or medical appointments.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Upon the reinstatement of your license, you will be required to install an IID on your vehicle at your own expense.
Increased Insurance Premiums: A multiple DWI conviction will cause your insurance rates to skyrocket, making vehicle ownership prohibitively expensive.
Permanent Criminal Record: A felony conviction for habitual DWI will have a permanent impact on your life, making it difficult to find a job, secure housing, or apply for certain professional licenses.
We believe a criminal charge should not ruin your life. We are committed to providing a powerful and compassionate defense to help you avoid these long-term consequences.
The North Carolina Criminal Defense Process for Multiple DWI Charges
The legal process for a multiple DWI charge is complex and unforgiving. Our firm will be with you every step of the way, ensuring that you understand your rights and the legal options available to you.
Implied Consent Offense: When you are arrested for DWI, you must submit to a breathalyzer or blood test. Refusing to do so results in an automatic one-year suspension of your driver's license. We will investigate the legality of the stop and arrest to determine if your implied consent rights were violated.
Trial and Discovery: The prosecution will have to prove their case with evidence. We will get copies of all police reports, field sobriety test results, and breathalyzer or blood test results. We will meticulously examine this evidence to find any inconsistencies or procedural errors.
Pre-Trial Motions: We will file motions to suppress evidence if we believe it was obtained through an unlawful traffic stop, an improper administration of field sobriety tests, or an illegal search and seizure.
Plea Negotiations: In some cases, a plea bargain may be the best option. We will use our negotiating skills to secure the best possible deal for you, which may involve a plea to a lesser offense or a reduction in the number of aggravating factors.
Trial and Sentencing: If we cannot reach a favorable plea agreement, we are prepared to take your case to trial. We have extensive trial experience and will present a compelling defense to a jury. If you are convicted, we will advocate for the lowest possible sentence.
Why Choose a 2nd DWI Attorney in Raleigh Who Prioritizes You
No two multiple DWI cases are the same—especially when dealing with second or subsequent offenses. Our approach at Floyd Law Offices PLLC begins with listening closely to your goals and understanding every detail of your arrest.
We conduct independent investigations, examine law enforcement procedures, and use our knowledge of the Raleigh court system to position you for the best available result. Open communication is at the center of our process: you are always kept informed on every step and every available defense strategy.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Multiple DWI Defense
At Floyd Law Offices PLLC, we believe that an aggressive and strategic defense is the only way to fight a multiple DWI charge. As a dedicated Raleigh multiple DWI lawyer, we will:
Challenge the Stop and Arrest: We will investigate whether the police had a valid reason to stop your vehicle. If the traffic stop was unlawful, any evidence obtained afterward can be suppressed.
Question the Chemical Analysis: We will challenge the accuracy of the breathalyzer or blood test results by questioning the calibration of the machine, the training of the officer, or the chain of custody of the sample.
Dispute Field Sobriety Tests: Field sobriety tests are often subjective. We will argue that the tests were administered improperly, that your medical condition or physical limitations affected your performance, or that the officer's interpretation was flawed.
Argue Mitigating Factors: We will gather evidence of mitigating factors, such as a clean driving record outside of the prior DWIs, participation in a substance abuse treatment program, or gainful employment, to argue for a more favorable sentence.
Contact a Multiple DWI Attorney in Raleigh for Guidance
You’ll receive answers to your pressing questions, an individualized plan, and reassurance that you have a dedicated team of multiple DWI attorneys in Raleigh on your side. Take control of your situation and move forward with certainty—let us help you navigate Wake County’s complex legal landscape.
If you or a loved one faces a second or multiple DWI charge, early action gives you the best chance to protect your future. Reach out to Floyd Law Offices PLLC at (919) 805-3663 for a confidential review of your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will a 2nd DWI conviction affect my driver’s license in Raleigh?
For a 2nd DWI conviction in North Carolina, state law requires at least a one-year license revocation. In certain cases, you may be able to apply for limited driving privileges, but eligibility depends on your prior offenses and the specific circumstances of the case.
Can I avoid jail time for multiple DWI charges?
Penalties for repeat DWI charges are strict and often require mandatory jail sentences. However, in some cases, alternatives such as substance abuse treatment or electronic monitoring may be available, and these vary by case and judge.
Will my case be heard in the same court as my previous DWI?
Most DWI cases in Raleigh are processed in Wake County District Court. Prior convictions may impact how your current case is managed, but jurisdiction does not typically change based solely on repeat offenses.
Do I have to attend all court dates in person?
Attendance in court is generally required for DWI cases, but for specific procedural hearings, your attorney may sometimes appear for you. We make sure you understand which appearances are mandatory and keep you prepared for each one.
How soon do I need to respond after being charged?
DWI cases have strict, time-sensitive deadlines—especially regarding DMV actions on your license—which is why contacting a DWI lawyer as soon as possible can preserve your defense options. Prompt legal guidance is crucial.
