Driving Privilege:
- If you register .08 or greater in a blood or breath test, you lose your privilege to drive in North Carolina (and your license, if it is a North Carolina license) for 30 days.
- Often you are eligible for a privilege to drive after 10 days if you comply with statutory procedure.
Court Dates:
Sometimes you can be excused from appearing at court dates.
Suppression Hearing:
The Court may suppress some or all of the evidence against you if your constitutional rights have been violated. Your attorney may file motions to suppress. It occurs anywhere 4 weeks to 2 years after you are charged.
Trial:
First there is a trial to a judge sitting as judge and jury. If you are found guilty, you can appeal and ask for a jury of twelve to hear your case They will not be told of the first verdict.
Sentencing:
The Court imposes a sentence after a conviction at trial or after a plea bargain is accepted and a plea entered. Sentences may include jail time, in home detention, public service, alcohol classes, community service, license suspension, supervised probation and fines.
