Are you familiar with the steps for getting your license back or clearing your driving record if you get a DWI in North Carolina but you live in another state? Or what do you do if you get a DWI in another state, but you now live in NC and your case has not been finalized? Don’t worry. We have the answers to these questions and more, here are….
5 Things Everyone Should Know If You Get A North Carolina DWI
- Know A Good Attorney. Although not required, having an attorney who specializes in DWIs or DUIs will go a long way in helping you understand your rights and responsibilities for handling your case. Getting an out of state DWI is a serious offense, and it’s better to get help from an experienced attorney as well as an experienced North Carolina DWI service provider.
- Know The North Carolina AND Your State’s DWI/DUI Laws. Since every state’s DWI / DUI laws are different, you will want to make sure both you and your attorney are aware of North Carolina’s requirements and procedures in addition to those in your home state. That’s why its important to work with a DWI service provider and an attorney that have experience working with out of state cases.
- Know Your state’s DMV system. If you have ever had to get anything processed at your local DMV, you know it can be a hassle. Unfortunately getting a DWI means you will definitely need to rely on your state’s DMV in order to get the documents you need to file with the state of North Carolina’s law enforcement. Some states process requests for driving records within 10 days, some longer. It’s a good idea to know this in advance to prevent any delays in processing your paperwork.
- Know Your DWI/DUI Service Provider. Most likely you will be required to visit a DWI / DUI service provider’s office in your home state for an assessment as well as follow up treatment or education. It is important to take care of these requirements as soon as possible. The assessment is a simple questionnaire that you will be able to complete within 30-45 minutes. The followup education classes can take several days to complete, depending on your level of DWI and your driving history. As we stated earlier, you will want to be sure your home state’s provider has experience working with out-of-state cases. Although you can choose to work with a provider of your choice, choose wisely. One piece of overlooked paperwork could delay your whole case, which means you’ll have to wait even longer to reinstate your driving privileges.
- Know The Timeframe. Out of state DWI cases can take longer to process simply because more paperwork and procedures are involved. With the paperwork in place, many out of state DWI’s can be processed within a few weeks of the arrest, however, some cases can take longer. The best thing to do is handle your DWI as soon after it happens as possible. This way, you don’t get into even more trouble or create more problems down the line. Putting your DWI case off almost always leads to having to spend more time and even more money to process your case.
Do you need help with your North Carolina DWI? Contact our office.
Out of State DWIs are our specialty. We will work on your behalf to help you find an approved service provider in your state, process your documents in North Carolina, and work closely with your attorney and other law enforcement throughout the whole process. Over the years, we have helped dozens of clients in several states and Canada to resolve their NC DWIs, and we would love to assist you should the need arise.