Driving while intoxicated is a serious issue in North Carolina, but the situation may become much more pressing if you crash into a building while drunk. The situation may become even more serious if there were people inside the building at the time of the accident. That being said, cars crash into buildings on a fairly regular basis in North Carolina – even when alcohol is not a factor. The best thing you can do in this situation is to speak with a DWI defense attorney and determine the most appropriate next steps based on your unique situation.
Woman Accused of DWI After Crashing into Kids Barber
On Christmas Day of 2023, it was reported that a woman was facing DWI charges after crashing into what reporters refer to as a “barbershop for kids.” The accident apparently occurred on Christmas Eve, and fortunately, the business was closed at the time of the impact. It’s not exactly clear how the accident occurred, but the vehicle in question ended up almost entirely inside the premises. Serious wreckage was photographed, and the barbershop was obviously left in a state of serious disrepair.
Police say that the driver was not injured and that she was facing unspecified DWI charges. However, few additional details were provided – including the speed of the vehicle, the circumstances of the crash, and the level of alleged intoxication. It is also unclear how the defendant’s intoxication level was determined and whether she was subjected to a Breathalyzer test, a field sobriety test, or some other method.
Is a DWI Worse in North Carolina if You Cause Property Damage?
Some states have specific laws that heighten penalties for DWIs involving property damage. While North Carolina is not one of these states, property damage can nonetheless be seen as an “aggravating factor” when it comes to sentencing. Generally speaking, property damage is an issue that is handled by civil courts – not criminal courts. In other words, you may need to pay for the damage you caused.
When it comes to crashing into a building, however, there are other factors to consider aside from basic property damage. The most obvious is whether anyone was seriously injured. Simply endangering other people might be enough to heighten your DWI penalties in the Tar Heel State. If you injure someone after crashing into a building while drunk, you could face felony DWI charges.
Finally, it is worth noting that crashing into a building may lead to additional charges, such as reckless driving or reckless endangerment. To mitigate these potential consequences, consider getting in touch with a defense lawyer.
Find a Qualified DWI Defense Lawyer in North Carolina
If you have been charged with a DWI in North Carolina, you might be wondering how to approach this situation in the most effective manner. While internet research may be a positive first step, an online article cannot offer you personalized advice. For a defense strategy that fits your unique circumstances, you’ll need to speak with a qualified DWI defense attorney in North Carolina. Book a consultation with Coastal South Law today to get started.
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