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The average cost of a DWI for a first-time offender can be as high as $10,000 in fines, court costs, and legal fees. Subsequent DWI convictions, accidents, and aggravating factors can increase the cost of a DWI by thousands of dollars. However, the real cost of a DWI in North Carolina goes beyond jail time and fines. There are many “hidden costs” of DWI convictions that many people do not consider. In this blog, our Hendersonville DWI attorneys discuss the real cost of DWI and how some costs can have long-lasting, severe consequences.
Employment Risks After a DWI Conviction in North Carolina
An immediate consequence of a DWI conviction can be losing your job. If you drive as a requirement of your job, your employer may terminate employment for a conviction of driving while impaired. However, the consequences may not stop there.
A DWI creates a criminal record. An analysis found that 92% of employers require criminal background checks as part of the hiring process. Expungements for DWIs in North Carolina are extremely limited. Therefore, your DWI could prevent you from obtaining some types of jobs for years to come.
Housing Impact: Denials and Discrimination
A DWI on your criminal record could impact your ability to find affordable and safe housing or rental properties. The law allows landlords to perform criminal background checks on prospective tenants. They may use the information to determine if a person qualifies. However, landlords must comply with federal and state fair housing laws.
Increased Insurance Rates After a DWI in Hendersonville or Columbus
North Carolina requires drivers to purchase a minimum amount of automobile insurance. Insurance companies base insurance premiums on numerous factors, including:
- Driving record
- Age
- Location
- Claims history
- Credit score
- Policy coverages, limits, and deductibles
- How often you drive
- Vehicle being insured
Under North Carolina law, insurance rates substantially increase if a person has a DWI conviction. Under the Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP), points are charged for various convictions and at-fault accidents. These points can impact a person’s insurance rate for up to three years.
According to the NC Department of Insurance, 12 points are assigned for driving with a BAC of .08 or more. Commercial drivers receive 12 points for driving a commercial vehicle with a BAC of .04 or more. The 12 points also apply to convictions for driving while impaired.
Having 12 SDIP points on your record can increase insurance rates by 340 percent. For some individuals, this increase in insurance rates may be too expensive.
Driver’s License Revocation and Transportation Limitations
North Carolina imposes mandatory minimum license suspensions for DWI convictions. Some individuals may obtain limited driving privileges, but the process can be costly and complicated. For individuals living in rural areas of Columbus and Hendersonville, access to public transportation may be restricted. Without reliable and affordable transportation, it can be challenging to work or provide for one’s family.
Professional Licenses at Risk
Numerous professions in North Carolina require a license, including doctors, nurses, teachers, commercial drivers, certified public accountants, and attorneys. Professional licensing boards govern the rules and requirements for obtaining and maintaining a professional license. In many cases, the boards have mandatory reporting requirements for criminal offenses.
A DWI conviction could impact your professional license. Depending on the type of license and the offence, you may face administrative actions, suspension, or revocation. A DWI could prevent you from obtaining some professional licenses.
Legal Representation Can Reduce the Fallout From a DWI in North Carolina
It is never in your best interest to plead no contest or guilty to a DWI without the guidance of a qualified attorney. You may have several defenses that could result in a dismissal or acquittal. If a conviction is unavoidable, an experienced Hendersonville DWI attorney can aggressively negotiate the most favorable plea deal possible.
At Sheffron Law Firm, our lawyers have extensive experience defending DWI charges. We are local attorneys familiar with the prosecutors and courts in Henderson and Polk County. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.