Last Updated on September 19, 2016 by Morris Green
Getting Your License Back After A DWI In North Carolina – From Arrest To Reinstatement
This is the first post in this 5-part series on How To Get Your Drivers License Back After A DWI in North Carolina. In this series, we will outline the step-by-step process that we follow in DWI cases, including out-of-state DWI convictions in North Carolina.
The North Carolina DWI Process, Part 1: License Revocation & Limited Driving Privileges
Being arrested for DWI in North Carolina is no laughing matter. Depending on the severity of your offense, you can face time in prison, have your license revoked and be required to attend substance abuse courses. Here is an overview of what you can expect if you get arrested for a DWI in North Carolina:
Drivers License Revocation
After you are charged with a DWI, your driver’s license will be revoked for 30 days. However, if your blood alcohol level is below .15 at the time of arrest, you may be able to apply for limited driving privileges after 10 days, if:
- You have a valid drivers license;
- You do not have an existing DWI conviction;
- You complete a DWI Assessment administered by an approved DWI agency or facility
When your DWI has been processed, you will have a record on file at the department of motor vehicles (DMV). This record is what is used by both your attorney and the police department to make sure you have completed the necessary requirements for driving privileges.
Court Documents for Limited Driving Privileges After A DWI Charge
You will need the following documents in order to complete your application for limited driving privileges:
- Petition for Limited Driving Privilege
- Substance abuse assessment proof of completion documentation
- Certified copy of a seven-year driving history record
- Valid DL-123 insurance form from your insurance agent
- 3 copies of a fully completed, typed, proposed Limited Driving Privilege form.
After you file the necessary documents with the clerk of court, you will need to appear before the district judge. By working with your attorney and our office, we can make sure you have the completed the appropriate forms and substance abuse assessment in order to get a limited driving privilege after your DWI arrest.
Not a North Carolina Resident?
Even if you are not a North Carolina resident, you are still required to satisfy the North Carolina law for DWI convictions. Once you have met the requirements, your records will be updated with your state’s DMV. Click here for more information on out-of-state DWI’s.
Next week, we will share Part 2 in this series, What To Expect During DWI Assessment & Substance Abuse Courses.
What Now?
If you or someone you know received a DWI in North Carolina contact us to get professional help. Let us help you get your driving privileges reinstated as quickly as possible.
Absolute Advocacy – Charlotte
Phone: (704) 274-29781923 J N Pease Place Suite 102Charlotte, NC 28262United States (US)
Fax: (704) 271-1559Absolute Advocacy – Concord
Phone: (704) 215-40953 Union Street SouthConcord, NC 28025
Suite 210,United States (US)
Fax: (704) 271-1559
I recieved my DWI in 1996, but Guilford County neglected to send my Alchiol Assesment to the DMV of North Carolina. I tried to get my Drivers licence two days ago and was denied. I was badly injured in 1997 so I was unable to drive until now. I have not consumed alichiol in 14 years. I still need the Assesment and classes online in order to recieve a licence. Please help me so I can put this behind me. Thank You
Hi Lynn,
Are you currently residing in NC? You will need to complete an assessment and classes. However, the state of NC will not accept online classes/treatment for a DWI.
Before you can do your assessment you will need to track down your paperwork. Since it’s been such a long time there is a good chance that the state has purged your original documents (citation, BAC, etc).
You will need to do the following:
1. Contact the Guilford County Clerk of Court and request your citation and BAC. If they no longer have your citation and BAC then request a “destruction letter”.
2. Order a copy of your NC driving record. You can order a copy of your driving record from the NC DMV website here. The driving record will have a lot of the information needed in order for you to move forward. The cost of the driving record is $8.00
3. Once you have your citation, BAC (or destruction letter), and your driving record you will now be ready to get your assessment taken care of. If you are still residing in NC it should be fairly easy for you to find a state licensed facility to conduct your assessment. You can find a list of all the approved DWI facilities in NC here. If you are no longer residing in NC then you would call us at 704-215-4095 and we will find a facility for you.
4. Make sure all your fines, DMV fees, and court cost are paid. You want to make sure that you don’t owe any money to the state NC.
5. Complete the classes/treatment as required by your assessment. North Carolina will not accept any online DWI classes or substance abuse treatment.
Feel free to email me directly or call our office at 704-215-4095 and we can help you to navigate the process.
Thanks,
Morris
I am an NC resident but received a DWI in another state. I’m working on applying for limited privilege driving and wondered if I use the same form for post conviction DWI in NC? I’ve done some research and found out the form is an AOC-CR-340. Do I use a different form if I was convicted out of state, but reside in NC?
Thanks for any help.