North Carolina's Driving While Impaired (DWI) statute defines the standard DWI as a misdemeanor, but uses its own, somewhat complicated, system to determine sentencing level. In this way, NC's DWI statute differs from other misdemeanors which use North Carolina's Structured Sentencing system. If you have a question about North Carolina's DWI laws, call Lawyer RaleighDamon Chetson at (919) 352-9411.

North Carolina's DWI Sentencing Statute is found at N.C.G.S. 20-179. What follows is a plain language translation of the statute. First, the fact finder (the judge or the jury) will determine whether there are any grossly aggravating factors or aggravating factors. Grossly aggravating factors are really bad factors which cause enhanced punishment. The following are "grossly aggravating" factors:

  • A prior conviction for DWI within the past 7 years (the past 7 years measured from the date of prior conviction to the date of offense).

  • A DWI conviction which occurred after the offense date but before or while the current DWI is being sentenced;

  • The DWI occurred while the Defendant's license was revoked under G.S. 20-28, and the revocation was an impaired driving revocation under G.S. 20-28.2(a).

  • A child under the age of 16 was in the vehicle at the time of the DWI.

  • The driving caused an accident involving serious injury to another person.

If the judge or jury finds that two or more grossly aggravating factors are present, then the person will be sentenced according to Level 1 requirements. Level 1 is the harshest sentencing level under the misdemeanor DWI statute. If the judge or jury finds that just one grossly aggravating factor is present, then the person will be sentenced according to Level 2 requirements. Level 2 is somewhat less harsh than Level 1, but still very harsh. If the person is sentenced to a Level 1 or Level 2, the person is not entitled to apply for a Limited Driving Privilege during the period of license revocation.

In addition, Level 1 and Level 2 have mandatory jail or prison requirements. In some cases, if the person voluntarily enrolls in an In-Patient Treatment center, that period of treatment will be credited against any potential prison time. If no grossly aggravating factors are found or alleged, then the judge or jury next considers whether there are any "aggravating" factors. Aggravating factors include:

  • Gross impairment of the defendant's faculties while driving or an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more within a relevant time after the driving.

  • Especially reckless or dangerous driving.

  • Negligent driving that led to a reportable accident.

  • Driving by the defendant while his driver's license was revoked (for a non DWI related offense).

  • Two or more prior convictions of a motor vehicle offense not involving impaired driving for which at least three points are assigned under G.S. 20-16 or for which the convicted person's license is subject to revocation, if the convictions occurred within five years of the date of the offense for which the defendant is being sentenced, or one or more prior convictions of an offense involving impaired driving that occurred more than ten years before the date of the offense for which the defendant is being sentenced.

  • Conviction under N.C.G.S. 20-141.5 of speeding by the defendant while fleeing or attempting to elude apprehension.

  • Conviction under G.S. 20-141 of speeding by the defendant by at least 30 miles per hour over the legal limit.

  • Passing a stopped school bus in violation of G.S. 20-217.

  • Any other factor that aggravates the seriousness of the offense.

If you have a question about North Carolina's DWI laws, call Lawyer Raleigh Damon Chetson at (919) 352-9411. These aggravating factors are weighed against mitigating factors. Mitigating factors include:

  • The Defendant has voluntarily submitted his/herself to an alcohol or drug treatment center for an assessment of potential substance abuse problems.

  • A statutorily safe driving record for the previous five years.

  • Safe and otherwise lawful driving at the time of the offense.

  • A low BAC reading from the Chemical Analysis (.08 or .09 results are considered low).

  • Impairment of the defendant's faculties caused primarily by a lawfully prescribed drug for an existing medical condition, and the amount of the drug taken was within the prescribed dosage.

  • Any other factor that mitigates the seriousness of the offense.

Weighing Aggravating & Mitigating Factors The judge will