Last Updated on April 7, 2021 by Morris Green
This is the second post in this 5-part series on How To Get Your Drivers License Back After A DWI. This series outlines the step-by-step process that we follow in DWI cases, including out-of-state DWI convictions in North Carolina.
The North Carolina DWI Assessment & Recommended Treatment Procedures
In Part 1 we covered what happens at the DWI arrest and the documents needed when you appear in court to request limited driving privileges [Read part 1 here: I’ve Been Arrested For DWI]. This week, we’ll cover what you need to know about the DWI Assessment.
Anyone convicted of a DWI in North Carolina is required to complete a DWI assessment followed by recommended treatment. The DWI assessment is a series of questions that will determine which level of treatment you will need in order to have your license and driving privileges fully reinstated. The assessment must be conducted by an agency licensed as a North Carolina DWI services provider. After the assessment, the provider will make a recommendation for treatment or classes that you need to take. There are 5 levels of DWI or substance abuse treatment.
- Alcohol Drug Education Traffic School
- Short Term Outpatient Treatment
- Longer Term Outpatient Treatment
- Day Treatment
- Inpatient/Residential
The assessment will be used to determine the necessary treatment. If you have had no previous DWI offense convictions in your lifetime, did not refuse the breathalyzer or drug test, your BAC was 0.14% or less at the time of your arrest, and your assessment does not reveal a substance abuse or dependence, you will likely be recommended for ADETS classes.
Preparing For The DWI Assessment
When you contact the DWI service provider to schedule your DWI assessment, they will ask you to bring the following documents. Keep in mind that the more you can do prior to the DWI assessment, the less time you will have to spend during the assessment. Here’s what you will need to bring to the DWI assessment:
- A copy of your DWI citation
- Documentation of blood alcohol content at time of offense
- NC driving record, and if you have lived in other states, you will need your driving record from those states as well.
(Note: NC driving records can be requested from the North Carolina Department of Transportation at ncdot.gov/dmv/records/)
Completing The Recommended DWI Classes or Treatment
During the DWI assessment, the DWI service provider will determine what level of treatment is best for you. The important thing to note is you will have 6 months from the date of your DWI assessment in order to begin treatment. If you do not begin the recommended treatment within this 6-month period, you will be required to take the DWI assessment again.
Working With Absolute Advocacy to Resolve Your North Carolina DWI
As licensed DWI providers in North Carolina, we have put steps in place to help you get both your DWI assessment and DWI classes completed in a timely manner. Here are ways we can help:
Assessments: Our process is completely paperless. We use utilize a confidential client portal to send all the required documents to you ahead of time, you can then complete the documents on your phone or other device. This saves you time during the intake process. Assessments are offered six days a week, Monday through Saturday, by appointment only.
DWI Classes: Our assessor and treatment provider is a certified clinical director and Licensed Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), so you will meet with a professional who is qualified to understand your situation. We offer DWI classes five days a week including weekend hours to make it convenient for you to get them completed. We also offer our DWI classes online.
All DWI assessments and recommendations are confidential and we maintain the utmost privacy.
Once both the DWI assessment and recommended DWI classes have been satisfied, you will receive a certificate of completion, stating that you have met the assessment and treatment requirements for reinstatement. Next week we will discuss the court process for drivers license reinstatement after a DWI.
Need To Schedule An Appointment For a DWI Assessment?
If you are here because you need a DWI assessment, feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment
Absolute Advocacy – Charlotte
Fax: (704) 271-1559
Absolute Advocacy – Concord
Suite 210,
Fax: (704) 271-1559
ive been convicted of three dwi charges i caught all three in the same year and my lawyer said that was a good thing that i caught them all in the same year i would like to know is there any way i can get my license i never had them before
Hi,
It’s going to be extremely difficult, but not impossible, for you to regain your driving privilege since you have multiple offenses. For someone with three DWI convictions in North Carolina the drivers license suspension is usually permanent. Call the NC DMV at (919) 715-7000 to request a DMV hearing.
I received a DWI in MB south Carolina 5 years ago. had a NC driver license at the time and wonder if you are IADSAP approved
Hi Russ,
We are approved and can help you get everything resolved. Are you currently living in S.C? Feel free to email me or call 704-215-4095 so we can discuss your case.
Thanks,
Morris
I got a dui over 10 years ago in sc I now live in nc what do I need to do
Robert,
What county in SC did you receive your charge?
Prior to taking your assessment and classes for your SC DWI, you will need to contact the South Carolina ADSAP program. You can find more information on SC ADSAP at the following link:
https://www.daodas.state.sc.us/brochure_adsap.asp . You can also call the ADSAP state office at (803) 896-5555
Once SC ADSAP is aware that you will be taking care of your DWI out of state then you can get an assessment and complete your classes at a certified NC DWI facility. The process is pretty straightforward from there.
Where in NC do you currently reside?
Hi I was charged with a DWI, this is my first offense, i did take the breathalyzer and blew .16. Am I at risk of losing my license. and what are the chances of me getting the DWI reduced by taking the class. I do have 1 speeding tix from 2 weeks agao because I was in a unfamiliar area and the speed dropped down to 25 mph.
Hi Rosa,
Taking the assessment and the classes will not reduce your DWI to a lesser charge. However, the assessment is required in order to get a limited driving privilege. The classes are also required to reinstate your full driving privilege in the event that you are convicted of the DWI.
How long ago were you charged with the DWI? Have retained an attorney yet? An attorney can advise you on the legal options.
Here is some general information on what you can expect:
https://www.absoluteadvocacy.org/nc-dwi-license-restrictions-how-long-will-my-license-be-revoked/
Thanks,
Morris
Hi Morris and Rosa – Taking the assessment and classes counts as a mitigating factor for sentencing purposes, so it is almost always in your best interest to complete the assessment and classes before you plead out.
Contact a DWI attorney in Charlotte for more information on what to expect when you get inside the court room and what will happen after your plea.
I got a DWI way back in 2000,In Georgia (I was just passing through) didnt know it but because I refused a sobriety test and had a minor in the car with me, they actually gave me 2 DWI citations..I am just now trying to get my license in NC,and since its been 13 years since this occured ,I no longer have any documentation on this…how do I go about getting the needed documents to be assessed and take the classes?…Thanks!
Hi Christine,
It’s going to be some what challenging but we can help you to get everything resolved. I just need to know what County in GA you received your citation(s) and we can take it from there. Also, what part of NC do you currently reside?
Feel free to give us a call at (704) 215-4095 to discuss or you can send me an email at morris(at)absoluteadvocacy.org
Ok, I found a GA approved class here in Davidson County, NC where I live and have almost completed the course. Once the school sends my certificate of completion to GA, how long is it before I can go get my license?
In fl got dwi in 2003 .08 32 days jail paid all money only offence 10 years later can’t get a license what type of bs is that?
Andy,
Give our office a call at (704) 215-4095 to discuss. We can help to figure out what is going on.
received DUI in SC in june2013..I have not gone to court yet. I have an attorney and he is trying for Reckless Driving..On 9-28-13 received DWI from NC. Court is 11-12-13. If I cant get SC reduced and get the DUI can SC use the NC DWI against me in a harsher punishment? I know NC can use SC against me. At least I was told that. Can you help me with this question? thank you
Got a dwi 5 years ago while stationed at Fort Pope had assesment completed 20 hours through the military. Currently out of service living in Florida go to get Florida licenses only to find out NC suspended my NC licenses that I never had. Getting the run around trying to get military records to show I completed requirements. Any suggestions?
Omer,
Did you do your assessment and classes through the SARP program? They’re supposed to retain your documents for at least six years. If you are able to get a hold of your documents you can forward it to us and we’ll do a review and submit it to the state of NC and get the block removed from your license.
Your other alternative is to do your assessment and classes in Florida. We can facilitate that process for you. Where in Florida are you located?
I got a Dwi in 05 in NC paid my fines and the said I have to a assessment.
Do I have to take the classes ? it has been 8yrs ago
Logan,
In addition to the assessment NC requires that classes be taken in order to clear your DWI. Do you currently reside outside of NC?
I got a DUI in NC back in 2004 and its was my first and only one can you help I live in harford Maryland
Yes, we can help you. Give the office a call at (704)215-4095 and we’ll get you taken care of.
I got a dwi on the first on 2013. Im still going thru it. My finale court date is next Wednesday. This is my first time. I blew a .08 but I am under 21. I got pulled over for bright lights not recklessness or anything like that. I was wondering if there is anyway I can get restricted licenses. I have a 4month old with alot of medical problems and has to go to specialist 145 mins away multiply times a month. Also I work full time.
Ashley,
Yes. You can get restricted license. Did you have an attorney advising you? You could have gotten driving privilege 30 days after the incident. For more information on the process for a first offense, check out this post:
https://www.absoluteadvocacy.org/dealing-with-a-dwi-in-north-carolina-first-conviction/
Here is another link that explains it: https://www.minicklaw.com/what-is-a-30-day-civil-revocation-in-north-carolina/
Yes Morris. I have a court appointed lawyer, I was going to hire my own but he said that even if I hired him that I would possibly beat the dwi but not the drinking underage ticket and my licenses would still be took so I decided to keep the court appointed so I would have more money for the fines. I did get my licenses back after the 30 days but after the conviction is what I was referring to sorry I should have been more precise.
Ashley..give me an update on your situation. If you need to speak to someone feel free to give our office a call at (704) 215-4095
Will I have to perform an drug test for a alcohol assessment? BAC test was .11% and it was lowered to an impaired driving.
Hi Lisa,
Drug testing policy vary from company to company. Typically a drug test is not required at the time of an assessment for a DWI charge.
However, if you have to do treatment/classes you may be required to have a clean drug test on file before being successfully discharged from the program.
Hi my name is Starr and i have a DWI and a DWLR. This is my first time getting a DWI charge. I did not have any license during the time that i got stop. How is this assessment going to help me get my license back if they were already revoked.
Starr,
If you ever want to get a drivers license anywhere then the state of NC will require the assessment and classes. You won’t be able to obtain a license without meeting that requirement.
Hello,
I’ve lived in North Carolina for over 12 years now and back in 2002 I got a dui.my first and only. My dui was in SC,Columbia. I’ve held a licence here in NC for awhile now and I just had to get my licence renewed before my birthday . I was told that I can’t renew it until I get my situation taken care of in SC. So I have called them and got the information I need to mail off. My question is I have a full time job and 5 kids and without a licence I’m in a really bad situation. I have not been in trouble at all driving since. But being that I can’t renew my licence and SC is telling me I will have to pay this ticket and then take a dui class. I need to know if you can help me figure out if I can get some type of provisional license till I set up with this class and finish? I really need help it’s hard to get anyone to give you a straight forward answer in any of these places. I’ve been given so many numbers. But again this was over 12 years ago and it is now showing up in NC. Do you know of anything I can do asap. Thank you liz
Hi Liz,
I can point you in the right direction. Give us a call at (704)215-4095. I’ll also send you an email to discuss.
When i go in for my alchol assement will they drug test me to.
its my first dwi
I got dui felt asleep in mid lane of the expressway got out with no bail what is next for me I’m worry
Hello…I received a dui in 2007 (second offense) and paid all required court fees. Trying to get reinstated in NC, and do not have any documents from 2007 ie court docs, how much I blew etc…How can I go about receiving these documents..and also, is there a possibility that I can receive a limited driver license as I am conducting the DWI assessment courses? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks
Hi Paul,
If you contact the clerk’s office in the county that you received the 2007 charge, they should be able to provide copies of those documents. If they no longer have those records then they can provide a “destruction letter” to you.
You will need the assessment letter and proof of insurance in order to get limited driving privileges.
Regards,
Morris
Thank you so much for the information…I have a follow-up question about the limited driving privileges…so where do I apply for this limited license with the assessment letter and proof of insurance, is it the dmv or some formal type of hearing? Im in the military and need to drive for work…thanks in advance.
I was convicted of dui in 2002 in winston-salem. I refused to blow and was given 30 days in jail and licesne suspended. I now live in Houston Tx. and i am trying to regain my CDL. How can I clear this up?
Marlon,
In order to get everything cleared up here in NC you will need to complete a substance abuse assessment and classes in Texas. You will need to work with a provider here in NC to coordinate and oversee the process. You can read more about the Out Of State DWI process here:
https://www.absoluteadvocacy.org/dwi-help/out-of-state-dwi-dui-charge-in-north-carolina/
Thanks,
Morris
after i complete my dwi assessment classes .what next
Hi Keith,
After you complete your assessment and classes the information is then sent to the North Carolina DMV for approval. Once approved by the DMV you will be able to get your license back after your suspension period has ended.
I received a DWI in NC 2 years ago. I plead guilty ( 1 yr later) and received a Limited Driving Privilege with extended hours due to my work schedule. I refused the test as I am from Canada and the laws are different in my home Province (State) so I did what I knew based on my knowledge at the time.
My main questions are: my blood test came back at .15 but with a standard deviation of .008. Which means I could have been .142 or .158. The court provided me with a LDP without the .15 restriction for having an Interlock. So I didn’t have an interlock with my Extended working hours LDP. Will NC DMV agree with the court decision or will they make me get an Interlock?
Another fact to mention is that I have a valid Canadian Driver’s License and International Driver’s License as I have residency in multiple locations. Do I still have the right to drive in NC or do I need to re-instate my NC License as my LDP is now expired? I have a home and vehicles registered in NC and also in Canada so my Canadian License is valid. Just not sure if it is valid in NC for a driving privilege .
Am I able to drive in NC with an out of state license but also driving a NC State licensed vehicle under my name?
Your assistance would be appreciated and I am open to calling your office tomorrow to discuss my options here in NC. I have completed all the required courses/classes in NC. This is my 1st offense and I have never had any traffic violations or law problems in the past. Do I need to take this to a Civil Court action?
Thank you
Give us a call at (704) 215-4095 or email me through the contact page to discuss.
Hello Mr. Green
My Situation is identical to Liz;s comment towards the middle of the page. NC resident with SC DUI. I have already done by assessment but am confused on what exactly the next step is. As it seems ADSAP requires you to complete your dui classes or treatment through one of their pre-approved providers on their website. I do not see how this is possible for an out of state resident with a full time job. I could however just be misunderstanding the process. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Nick
Nick..Were you able to get this squared away? ADSAP does require classes but you can do those classes here in NC and the process is actually pretty simple. ADSAP is supposed to send you some paperwork for the facility here in North Carolina to complete and submit to them. Once those documents has been submitted to ADSAP attesting that you completed your assessment and classes you should be good to go. Feel free to call our office or email me if you have any questions.
Regards,
Morris