Fighting DWI Charges Statewide with Skilled Legal Advocacy

North Carolina DWI Defense – Experienced Driving While Intoxicated Attorney Representation

In North Carolina, a driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge can change your life overnight. Whether it’s your first offense or your third, the consequences are serious—license suspension, high fines, and even jail time. At the Law Office of John C. Fitzpatrick, we offer strategic, compassionate defense for those accused of driving a vehicle impaired by alcohol or drugs. From contesting blood alcohol content (BAC) levels to protecting your rights during breath tests, our experienced driving while intoxicated attorneys work hard to fight the charge and minimize its impact.

Certain traffic violations can quickly add up, threatening your ability to drive and significantly increasing your insurance costs. Here’s a breakdown of common traffic violations and the points they carry:

4 Strong Statements About How Our Services Help:

Whether you’re facing a driving while intoxicated 2nd or driving while intoxicated 3rd or more IAT, we develop a tailored strategy to challenge evidence and protect your future.

We break down the difference between driving under the influence and driving while intoxicated, helping you understand your charges and possible defenses.

Our team knows the nuances of charges like aggravated driving while intoxicated, felony driving while intoxicated, and driving while intoxicated w/child under 15 YOA.

From probated sentences to hearings before the DMV, we guide you through every phase of your case—ensuring your rights are respected and your outcome is fair.

How We Defend Against North Carolina DWI Charges

Facing a DWI charge means the court believes you operated a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. But the law isn’t black-and-white. Many clients are unsure of the legal limit, confused about BAC 0.15 thresholds, or don’t understand what “driving while intoxicated – probated” even means. We start by explaining the specific charges against you—such as whether you're being charged under NH RSA driving while intoxicated statutes (for out-of-state issues) or local codes. From there, we assess whether your rights were violated and what evidence can be challenged.


Repeat offenders face especially harsh penalties. A driving while intoxicated 2nd conviction could mean mandatory jail time, and a 3rd or more offense may result in felony classification. If your charge involves an elevated blood alcohol content, or if you were driving while intoxicated with a child under 15, the stakes are even higher. Our firm fights to suppress weak evidence, challenge unreliable breath tests, and advocate for alternative sentencing or case dismissal whenever possible.



Many drivers also don’t realize that DWI laws apply beyond the highway. For example, if convicted of operating a watercraft while intoxicated, your driving privileges can still be impacted. We bring clarity to these laws and help mitigate unexpected consequences. Whether your case involves an accident, a checkpoint stop, or an unfair arrest, we’ll help you navigate your charges with precision and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What’s the difference between DWI and DUI in North Carolina?

    In North Carolina, DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is the legal term used, though some people still say DUI (Driving Under the Influence). The terms are often used interchangeably, but DWI encompasses impairment by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.

  • What does “aggravated driving while intoxicated” mean?

    Aggravated DWI refers to DWI charges with certain factors present—like a BAC of 0.15 or higher, driving with a minor passenger, or having prior convictions. These cases carry steeper penalties including longer license suspension and mandatory jail time.

  • Can I go to jail for my first DWI?

    Yes. Even a first-time offense can lead to jail, especially if there are aggravating factors. However, with legal representation, it’s often possible to seek reduced charges or alternatives like probation.

  • Yes. Even a first-time offense can lead to jail, especially if there are aggravating factors. However, with legal representation, it’s often possible to seek reduced charges or alternatives like probation.

    It means you’ve had one or more prior DWI convictions within the lookback period (typically seven years). A second offense can bring minimum jail time and loss of license, while a third may be charged as a felony.

  • Will I lose my license if convicted?

    In most cases, yes. North Carolina imposes license suspensions on DWI convictions, but we can often help you apply for limited driving privileges or challenge the suspension during your case.