Carteret County NC DUI Lawyer

The offense of impaired or drunk driving in North Carolina is called driving while intoxicated. Much of the country uses the term driving under the influence or DUI. The two are similar charges in that they are typically charged when a motorist either has a blood alcohol content in excess of 0.08% or has exhibited impairment to the point of not being able to operate motorized vehicle in a safe manner.

They are both very serious criminal charges that can bring legal challenges, financial hardships and even social difficulties. An arrest for suspicion of DWI/DUI in North Carolina can result in significant fines, loss of driver's license, jail, loss of job and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device as a condition for driving.

As difficult as things may seem, not everyone who is arrested is guilty and everyone is afforded the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. That does not mean that you should entrust your future to the state. The prosecutor, Department of Motor Vehicles and the police are sharing information that could lead to your conviction and the suspension of all driving privileges.

You need someone in your corner, looking out for your best interests.

Carteret County North Carolina DUI Lawyer James Cummings is an experienced criminal law attorney who will make sure your rights and liberties are protected. He will take the time to determine the best possible strategy for your specific case. He will thoroughly research your arrest, challenge evidence, review blood and breath test calibration and maintenance records and study the arrest report for errors in police procedure. While no result can be guaranteed, if reasonable doubt can be raised, there is a chance of getting your charges reduced or dismissed.

Beaufort NC DUI Attorney James Cummings offers a complete drunk driving defense with the goal of saving your license and getting you favorable disposition of your case.

Carteret County DUI Lawyer James Cummings will review your case for free. After talking to you about the arrest and your needs, he will be able to outline your legal options and discuss his fee. To schedule a free, no obligation consultation, call (252) 728-1208 or fill out the secure form to the left.

Challenging an arrest for DUI in North Carolina is a difficult process. It requires knowledge of North Carolina DUI laws and the complex court system, as well as direct experience with DUI defense. There are several things that you must realize if you want to win your case. Having legal representation will benefit you. Regardless of the perceived cost, the impact of being found guilty is much worse. There are actually two cases brought against you by the state, a criminal case and a civil case seeking to suspend your driver's license.

And finally, acting quickly is extremely important. You could lose your license within days and the state has already begun to build its case against you. The sooner you hire a qualified lawyer, the better the potential outcome.

Contact Beaufort DUI Lawyer James Cummings now and request a free consultation.

If found guilty of North Carolina DUI, you will be subject to series of criminal and civil penalties. Each arrest is different, and the judge will use a series of guidelines when determining consequences. These include a review of your driving record for all offenses, especially prior arrests for DUI, as well as consideration of a number of aggravating and mitigating factors; like your BAC at the time of arrest and whether you caused an accident. The judge will then assign one of five levels of punishment that incrementally increase in severity and duration. Depending on the details of your case, even a first offense could be subject to elevated penalties.

A conviction for DUI in Carteret County can result in court costs, fines, assessments, loss of license, supervised probation, community service, completion of an alcohol treatment program, loss of auto insurance or much higher premiums and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.

It would also mean having a criminal arrest record, which could be discovered with a simple background check. Such a mark could lead to loss of current job, reduced future job opportunities and a lower credit score. For those in the military or in a government related position, it could keep you from gaining security clearance.

A DUI arrest can negatively impact the rest of your life. For aggressive legal help, contact Carteret County DUI Attorney James Cummings.

The state will seek to suspend your driver's license at two very different times during the resolution of a NC DUI. If you are found guilty, the courts will seize your license. The other is a civil case brought by the Department of Motor Vehicles to administratively suspend your driving privileges.

Shortly after an arrest for driving under the influence in Carteret County, the DMV will notify you of the pending suspension. You then have just 10 days to petition for a license hearing. Failure to act in time will result in the automatic suspension of all driving privileges.

As a note to out-of-state drivers', North Carolina shares arrest information with other states. The criminal charges will be prosecuted in North Carolina and the associated driving penalties will transfer to your home state. There is no way of escaping or ignoring the consequences of a DUI arrest.

The DMV hearing is both a chance to save your license, and a time to learn more about the strength of the state's criminal case. Do not lose this opportunity. Ask Carteret County NC DUI Lawyer James Cummings to request a DMV hearing on your behalf. With a complete DUI defense strategy, he can help with all aspects of your case, including fighting for your driving privileges.

The law firm of Cummings & Cummings concentrates on criminal law with a focus on helping those accused of drug and alcohol related traffic offenses in North Carolina.

James Cummings believes in providing professional legal guidance for a reasonable fee. In addition to offering his clients qualified legal experience in DUI defense, he understands that being charged with a crime can be stressful, so he extends comforting personal service. Attorney James Cummings will treat you with dignity and explain all decisions made during the disposition of your case.

Carteret County DUI Attorney James Cummings graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill and earned a juris doctorate from Campbell Law School, where he was a member of the Honor Court, Order of Kivett and the National Trial Team. He is a member of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, the North Carolina State Bar Association, the 3-B Bar, N.C. Bar Association, the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers, the Judicial District Bar Association, the Carteret County Bar Association and the Inn of Court.

For a free review of your case, contact Carteret County NC DUI Attorney James Cummings by calling (252) 728-1208 or completing the form to the left. Time is important, and the initial meeting is free with no further obligation, so don't delay.