DWI
DWI Lawyer
Sometime after your arrest for a DWI (driving while intoxicated), you will have to appear before a judge for your arraignment. An arraignment is a court appearance in which a defendant is formally charged with a crime and asked to respond to the charge by entering a plea (guilty or not guilty). Whether you’d prefer to plea bargain or take your case to trial, think about getting a DWI lawyer to represent you.
If you’re unable to afford an attorney, you may ask the judge to appoint a DWI lawyer. The judge will probably ask you to fill out a financial disclosure form and refer you to the public defender’s office. In more rural areas, the judge may appoint a private DWI lawyer to represent you.
After you’ve been released from jail, your options may include:
- simply pleading guilty as charged
- trying to plea bargain down to a reduced charge like reckless driving (a “wet reckless” is a term used for reckless driving involving alcohol)
- asking for a trial before a judge
- demanding a jury trial (available in most, but not all, states)
While driving drunk is only a misdemeanor, it is a serious charge that you should seek a skilled DWI lawyer for experienced counsel.
DWI Lawyer in Durham
When you find yourself in need of a DWI lawyer in Durham, The Law Office of John C. Fitzpatrick is here to help you. Most clients come to the office feeling overwhelmed, confused, anxious, and uncertain of the future. The practice offers answers to these frequently asked questions, so that you may put your mind at ease as much as possible.
The truth is that beginning a defense is an important step in mitigating the damage of the charges. Contact John C Fitzpatrick, DWI lawyer in Durham, as soon as you are charged with drunk driving. He has been defending drunk driving charges for more than a decade in Durham.
DWI Lawyer in Chapel Hill
Attorney Fitzpatrick earned two degrees from UNC. As a UNC alum, he knows the temptations. As a DWI lawyer, he knows the penalties and last affects of a DWI conviction. You may review North Carolina DWI FAQs, but don’t risk you future defending yourself. Hiring an experience DWI lawyer may be the greatest investment in your future you will make!






