If you are accused of Driving While Impaired the officer probably asked you to perform some Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). These tests are designed to establish a probability that the individual performing the test is impaired. Three of these tests (One-leg Stand, Walk & Turn and the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)) are scientifically validated and approved for use by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the detection of drunk drivers. These tests are only scientifically valid if performed with strict adherence to NHTSA standards. Many times officers do not know what the standards are or why they are looking for what they are looking for. Our attorneys understand these tests and are fully prepared to keep the results of any of these tests from coming into evidence if the officer made a mistake. Additionally, our attorneys can help ensure tests such as the finger to nose, ABC recitation and counting tests are not used to establish something they are not validated for. Give the Matthew Charles Law a call today to discuss your case.

In order for a Law Enforcement Officer to take you into custody for a Driving While Impaired (DWI) charge they must first develop the Probable Cause to arrest. Probable Cause is defined by the Supreme Court of North Carolina as, “a reasonable ground of suspicion supported by circumstances sufficiently strong in themselves to warrant a cautious man in believing the accused to be guilty.” State v. Zuniga, 312 N.C. 251, 259, 322 S.E.2d 140, 145 (1984). While this standard is significantly less than what it would take to support a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt, it is still a significant hurdle the State must overcome before arresting someone and getting him to the Intoxilyzer room. Our attorneys have substantial experience challenging the State’s case on grounds of lack of Probable Cause for Arrest. Such an attack is based almost completely on the facts of the case and as such a person accused of a DWI needs an attorney who will take the time to get to know the facts of their individual case. The Law Office of Matthew Charles Suczynski, PLLC prides itself on the personal attention and in-depth investigation that is undertaken in each Driving While Impaired case. Please give us a call for a free consultation at (919) 619-3242.

The State of North Carolina has approved two machines (the Intoxilyzer 5000 made by CMI, Inc. and the Intox EC-IR II made by Intoximeters, Inc.) for use in breath testing for purposes of determining Blood Alcohol Concentrations (BAC). Each machine has its own strengths and weaknesses. Our attorneys have studied each of these machines and knows what to look for when the State seeks to introduce the results of these tests against his clients. If you are accused of DWI, it is important that you find an attorney who understands the strengths and weaknesses of the machines the State will use to gather evidence against you. Give the Matthew Charles Law a call today to discuss your case at (919) 619-3242.

If you are arrested for DWI you will be taken to the Law Enforcement Agencies Intox room where they will ask you to submit to a breath analysis. You will be read your Intox Rights and asked to perform the test. If you refuse to perform the test your license may be suspended for a year depending on whether or not the refusal was willful. Additionally, if you are deprived of your liberty for an extended period of time your Rights may be violated. If you are accused of a DWI it is important that you find an attorney who will analyze every part of your case so that no stone is left unturned in your defense. Our attorneys will take a comprehensive look at your case from beginning to end to ensure that the State is forced to meet its burden in every way required by law.

If you are convicted of Driving While Impaired (DWI) in North Carolina you will face a range of punishments up to a maximum of 2 years in prison. N.C.G.S. §20-179.

Level	Maximum Punishment	Minimum Punishment
1	2 years in prison/$4,000 fine	30 days in prison
2	1 year in prison/$2,000 fine	7 days in prison
3	6 months in prison/$1,000 fine	72 hours in jail or 72 hours of community service
4	120 days in prison/$500 fine	48 hours in jail or 48 hours of community service
5	60 days in prison/$200 fine	24 hours in jail or 24 hours community service

How the level of punishment is determined comes from a range of factors including prior DWI convictions, facts of the DWI traffic stop, who was in the car, if anyone was hurt, if the individual has taken affirmative steps to correct any alcohol problem, etc. Whether your case is for trial or plea, Matthew Charles Law will ensure that if you are convicted of DWI you will be positioned so that the minimum punishment is obtained. This is accomplished by Matthew personally reviewing each case and working with each client to put the best foot forward in court. Give Matthew Charles Law a call today to discuss how he can help you at (919) 619-3242.

Depending on the stage of a Driving While Impaired case and the facts surrounding it, Matthew Charles Law may be able to help you obtain a limited driving privilege. The different types of Limited Driving Privileges are:

• Pre-Trial Limited Privilege
• Post-Conviction Limited Privilege
• Refusal Limited Privilege
• Interlock Limited Privilege (required when BAC is .15 or greater)

As part of each DWI representation, our attorneys will consult with the client and help them to obtain any Limited Driving Privilege they may be eligible for. Give Matthew Charles Law a call today to discuss any aspect of your case at (919) 619-3242.