Because of the serious nature of a DWI arrest and the potential for jail terms, loss of license, heavy fines, and a criminal record, it is advisable to be represented by an attorney during the court proceedings. You always have the right to hire your own attorney. The attorney’s fee will vary according to the attorney and the seriousness of the offense. The advantage to hiring your own attorney is you get to choose who that attorney will be.

Due to the seriousness of the offense, the NC General Statutes make it extremely difficult to plea bargain a DWI to a lesser offense or to just dismiss the charges outright. You will need an attorney to assist you in dealing with the legal proceeding.