Deaver & Deaver, PLLC

09/02/2026

NC “BOOZE IT & LOSE IT” DWI ENFORCEMENT IS UNDERWAY

North Carolina’s Labor Day “Booze It & Lose It” campaign runs August 31–September 13, 2026, with increased law-enforcement efforts targeting impaired driving across the state.

Under N.C.G.S. § 20-138.1, a person may be charged with DWI for driving on a highway, street, or public vehicular area:

• While under the influence of an impairing substance;
• With an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more; or
• With any amount of a Schedule I controlled substance or its metabolites in the blood or urine.

North Carolina’s implied-consent law, N.C.G.S. § 20-16.2, also provides consequences for refusing a requested chemical analysis, including driver’s-license revocation.

Drivers under 21 face additional restrictions under N.C.G.S. § 20-138.3.

If you are charged with DWI during the Booze It & Lose It campaign in Wilmington, New Hanover County, or Pender County, an arrest is not a conviction. The legality of the stop, checkpoint, field sobriety testing, chemical testing, and other evidence may all matter.

Deaver & Deaver, Trial Attorneys
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08/21/2026

What Are the Consequences of a Traffic Ticket in North Carolina?

A traffic ticket in NC can cost more than the fine. Depending on the charge and your driving record, a conviction may result in DMV points, increased insurance costs, fines, court costs, or even suspension of your driver’s license.

Under N.C.G.S. § 20-16, the NC Division of Motor Vehicles may suspend a driver’s license for certain convictions and point accumulations. Accumulating 12 DMV points within a 3-year period may result in suspension.

Speeding can have additional consequences. Under N.C.G.S. § 20-16.1, certain speeding convictions can result in license suspension, including driving more than 15 mph over the speed limit when traveling over 55 mph.

Insurance consequences are governed in part by North Carolina’s Safe Driver Incentive Plan, N.C.G.S. § 58-36-65, and a conviction may affect your insurance rates.

Simply paying a traffic ticket may count as a conviction. Before paying, find out whether there may be a better way to resolve your case.

If you received a speeding ticket or traffic citation in Wilmington, New Hanover County, or Pender County, NC, contact Deaver & Deaver, Trial Attorneys.

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08/10/2026

What Factors Determine Your DWI Level in North Carolina?

A DWI conviction in North Carolina can be sentenced at Aggravated Level One or Levels One through Five. The level depends on specific sentencing factors under N.C.G.S. §20-179.

The statute requires the court to determine whether there are “grossly aggravating,” aggravating, or mitigating factors affecting the sentence.

Grossly aggravating factors can include:
• A prior impaired-driving conviction within 7 years
• Driving while your license was revoked for impaired driving
• Causing serious injury
• Having a child under 18 or certain disabled persons in the vehicle

Aggravating factors may include a BAC of .15 or higher, especially reckless or dangerous driving, an accident caused by negligent driving, certain prior traffic convictions, or excessive speeding.

Mitigating factors can include a BAC of .09 or less with slight impairment, otherwise safe and lawful driving, a qualifying safe driving record, and other circumstances reducing the seriousness of the offense.

If there are no grossly aggravating factors, N.C.G.S. §20-179(f) states that the judge “shall weigh all aggravating and mitigating factors.”

Facing a DWI in Wilmington, New Hanover County, or Pender County, NC? Understanding your potential DWI sentencing level is an important part of evaluating your case.

Deaver & Deaver, Trial Attorneys
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08/01/2026

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07/29/2026

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07/28/2026

What Are the Different Levels of DWI in North Carolina?

If you've been charged with a DWI in Wilmington, NC, New Hanover County, or Pender County, you may wonder what level of DWI you're facing. In North Carolina, DWI convictions are sentenced under N.C.G.S. § 20-179, which uses Aggravated Level One, Levels One through Five, based on aggravating and mitigating factors.

Unlike many states, North Carolina does not classify DWIs as first offense, second offense, or felony levels. Instead, after a conviction, the court determines a sentencing level based on the presence of grossly aggravating, aggravating, and mitigating factors under N.C.G.S. § 20-179.

Aggravated Level One is the most serious misdemeanor DWI and carries the toughest penalties. Level One and Level Two also involve severe consequences, including mandatory jail time in many cases. Levels Three, Four, and Five generally apply when fewer aggravating factors exist, but every conviction can result in jail, fines, license suspension, higher insurance rates, and a permanent criminal record.

The court considers factors such as prior DWI convictions, a child passenger, high BAC, injuries, safe driving history, and other aggravating or mitigating circumstances when determining the sentencing level.

If you've been arrested for DWI in Wilmington, New Hanover County, Pender County, Hampstead, Burgaw, Surf City, Topsail Beach, Carolina Beach, or Wrightsville Beach, don't assume the outcome is predetermined. An experienced DWI attorney can evaluate your case, protect your rights, and pursue the best possible result.

Deaver & Deaver proudly represents clients throughout Wilmington, New Hanover County, and all of Pender County.

Don't Leave It to Chance. Leave It to Deaver.

07/23/2026

What Is DWI Under North Carolina Law?

Under N.C.G.S. § 20-138.1, a person may be charged with Driving While Impaired (DWI) for operating a vehicle on a highway, street, or public vehicular area in North Carolina:

• While under the influence of an impairing substance;
• With an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher at a relevant time after driving; or
• With any amount of a Schedule I controlled substance—or its metabolites—in their blood or urine.

A person’s legal right to use alcohol or medication is not automatically a defense to a DWI charge. A conviction is a misdemeanor, but sentencing and penalties vary depending on the facts of the case and the aggravating or mitigating factors presented.

A DWI charge does not automatically mean a conviction. The traffic stop, field sobriety testing, chemical analysis, officer observations, and constitutional issues should all be carefully reviewed.

Charged with DWI in Wilmington, New Hanover County, Pender County, or southeastern North Carolina? Contact Deaver & Deaver, Trial Attorneys.

📞 910-362-1919
🌐 DeaverLawFirm.com

Don’t Leave It to Chance. Leave It to Deaver.

This post is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different.

07/13/2026

What Is a BWI in North Carolina?

If you've heard someone mention a BWI in North Carolina, they are usually referring to Boating While Impaired. A BWI is similar to a DWI, but it applies to operating a boat, jet ski, or other watercraft while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

North Carolina law prohibits operating a vessel while:

Under the influence of alcohol or an impairing substance.
Having an alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher.
Under the influence of certain medications or illegal drugs that impair your ability to safely operate a boat.

A BWI conviction can result in:
✅ Criminal charges and a permanent criminal record
✅ Significant fines and court costs
✅ Jail time in some cases
✅ Probation and community service
✅ Increased insurance costs and other long-term consequences

Many people assume a BWI is "less serious" than a DWI because it happened on the water. That's not true. A BWI is a criminal offense in North Carolina and should be taken seriously.

If you were charged with Boating While Impaired in Wilmington, New Hanover County, Pender County, Brunswick County, or anywhere along the North Carolina coast, it's important to speak with an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible. Every case is different, and there may be legal defenses available depending on the facts of your stop and arrest.

At Deaver & Deaver, Trial Attorneys, we help people understand their rights and fight criminal charges throughout southeastern North Carolina.

Don't Leave it to Chance. Leave it to Deaver.

📍 Serving Wilmington, New Hanover County, Pender County, Brunswick County, and surrounding areas.
📞 910-362-1919
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06/24/2026

How Can I Legally Drive After a DWI Conviction in Wilmington, NC?

A DWI conviction in North Carolina can result in a driver's license suspension, but that doesn't always mean you are prohibited from driving altogether.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for limited driving privileges that allow you to drive for essential purposes such as:
✅ Work and business-related travel
✅ School or educational activities
✅ Medical appointments
✅ Court-ordered treatment programs
✅ Household maintenance and family obligations

The requirements for obtaining a limited driving privilege depend on factors such as your driving record, prior convictions, blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and the specific facts of your case.

If you have been convicted of DWI in Wilmington, New Hanover County, Pender County, or Brunswick County, it is important to understand your rights and options before assuming you cannot drive.

At Deaver & Deaver, Trial Attorneys, we help clients navigate the DWI process and pursue every available option to protect their driving privileges.

📞 Call 910-362-1919
🌐 Visit DeaverLawFirm.com

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06/22/2026

🚔 Can I Drive After I Get Stopped for DWI in North Carolina?

Many people are surprised to learn that being charged with a DWI in North Carolina can affect your driving privileges immediately.

If you are charged with DWI, the officer may take your driver's license and issue a temporary driving permit. In some cases, your license can be subject to a civil revocation for 30 days, especially if you refuse a chemical test or have an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher.

Whether you can legally drive after a DWI stop depends on several factors, including:
✅ Your alcohol test results
✅ Whether your license was revoked by the officer
✅ Whether you qualify for a temporary driving privilege
✅ Your prior driving record

Driving when your license has been revoked can result in additional criminal charges and make your situation much worse.

If you've been charged with DWI in Wilmington, New Hanover County, Pender County, or Brunswick County, it's important to understand your rights and options as soon as possible.

Deaver & Deaver, Trial Attorneys helps clients navigate DWI charges and license issues throughout Southeastern North Carolina.

📞 910-362-1919
🌐 DeaverLawFirm.com

Don't Leave it to Chance. Leave it to Deaver.