Out of State DWI Charges
If you are traveling to another state for vacation or an event, there is a chance that the trip will involve the consumption of alcohol. While there is nothing wrong with having a drink or two, getting behind the wheel of a car when intoxicated is against the law in all states in the nation.
While being charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be an upsetting experience in your own state, the charges may be even more overwhelming and confusing if you are traveling out of state.
If you are a visitor from out of state who is facing DWI charges in North Carolina, the lawyers at Polk Law have the experience in DWI cases that can help you get the best possible results and return home.
The Interstate Driver License Compact
Many drivers who face traffic violations while out of state think that they will not face any real consequences, so long as they refrain from driving in that state in the future.
But this is not the case; while it is true that another state does not have the authority to suspend a license issued by a different state, the state can and likely will share the details of your DUI (or other offense) with your state via the Interstate Driver License Compact, in which nearly all states participate. Per the compact, states share information with one another when traffic offenses are committed involving drivers from other states.
When a state that is part of the compact receives information on one of its residents about a DUI crime that has been committed in a different state, the home state will typically treat the offense as though it occurred within the home state.
As such, if you are charged and convicted with a DUI in South Carolina but live in North Carolina, South Carolina will likely share this information with North Carolina, and North Carolina may sanction your license under the rules in North Carolina.
Will I be Extradited to North Carolina?
If you are arrested for a DUI in North Carolina but return to your home state, North Carolina will likely request your attendance at a hearing. If you fail to respond to your DUI charges, North Carolina will likely contact your home state, which may then suspend your license. While it is rare for a person to be extradited to another state for prosecution after a DUI misdemeanor offense, it is possible.
Our legal counsel can help alleviate some of the burden of attending hearings. In some cases we may be able to appear in North Carolina court on your behalf, saving you the time and expense. In cases where that is not possible, we can help arrange court dates at times most convenient for you to travel to North Carolina.
Securing Legal Counsel after a DUI Offense
If you are facing DUI charges in North Carolina, working with a North Carolina DUI/DWI lawyer is a must. If you are being prosecuted in another state, hiring a local attorney in that state who understands the charges against you is highly recommended. Representing yourself when charged with a crime is never a good idea, regardless of the details of your case. Call an attorney for a free consultation as soon as possible following a DUI arrest.