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Alcohol Offenses in Raleigh

Alcohol-related offenses in Raleigh, North Carolina, can carry significant consequences, from fines to a lasting criminal record.

At Coolidge Law Firm, our experienced Raleigh alcohol offense lawyers are dedicated to representing clients across Wake County. We craft tailored strategies to achieve favorable outcomes, whether through negotiation, diversion programs, or challenging evidence in court.

(919) 239-8448

Why You Need Legal Representation for Raleigh Drinking Crimes

Facing alcohol-related charges in Raleigh can impact your future in unexpected ways, making skilled legal representation essential. Here’s why having an experienced Raleigh defense lawyer on your side is critical.

Protecting Your Criminal Record

A misdemeanor conviction can follow you for years, affecting job applications and educational opportunities. Our attorneys work to negotiate dismissals or diversion programs to keep your record clean. This is especially vital for students at North Carolina State University or Duke University facing charges like obtaining alcoholic beverages, purchasing alcohol, or dispensing alcoholic beverages.

Minimizing Penalties

Alcohol offenses can lead to fines, jail time, or driver’s license suspension. Our team explores legal options, such as alcohol education programs, to reduce or eliminate penalties. For example, first-time offenders may avoid convictions by completing approved programs under North Carolina law.

Navigating Complex Legal Processes

Alcohol-related charges involve intricate procedures and statutes within the North Carolina division of criminal offense. Our skilled attorneys have deep knowledge of local courts in Wake County and can challenge evidence or argue exceptions for a specific offense.

Common Alcohol-Related Offenses in Raleigh

Alcohol-related charges in North Carolina cover a range of behaviors, from underage possession, public intoxication, and the act to purchase alcoholic beverages for minors. Understanding the specifics of these charges is critical to building a strong defense.

Underage Drinking and Possession

In North Carolina, the legal age to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol is 21, as outlined in the North Carolina General Statutes. Violating these laws can lead to serious charges, including:

Underage Possession or Consumption: Possessing or consuming malt beverages, unfortified wine, fortified wine, mixed beverages, or spirituous liquor as an underage person is a Class 3 misdemeanor. Exceptions exist for those in approved culinary classes or during religious ceremonies led by an ordained minister for sacramental purposes.
Aiding and Abetting: Providing alcohol to an underage person is a Class 1 misdemeanor if the provider is 21 or older, or a Class 2 misdemeanor if under 21. This includes allowing an underage person to use an altered driver’s license or other identification document.

Public Intoxication in Raleigh

Under § 14-444 of the North Carolina General Statutes, being intoxicated and disruptive in public spaces, including private property open to the public like social districts or public school buildings, is a Class 3 misdemeanor. Behaviors such as blocking traffic, interfering with access, or engaging in disorderly conduct can lead to charges. Alcoholism may be raised as a defense, which our attorneys can present to seek a favorable outcome.

Driving While Impaired (DWI) is a serious charge in Raleigh, often involving blood alcohol content testing. Penalties can include probation, jail time, license suspension, or the use of an ignition interlock device. Possessing an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle, even if parked, is also illegal and can result in criminal charges.

Consequences of Alcohol-Related Charges

A conviction for alcohol offenses in Raleigh can lead to penalties that disrupt your life and future opportunities. Understanding these consequences underscores the importance of a strong defense. Below are the primary consequences and their potential impacts under North Carolina law.

Criminal Record

A misdemeanor conviction, such as for underage drinking or public intoxication, can remain on your record, impacting employment and educational prospects. For instance, a Class 3 misdemeanor for underage possession may carry a fine up to $200 and potential jail time of up to 20 days, depending on the court’s discretion. Our attorneys work to avoid convictions to protect your future.

Driver’s License Suspension

DWI convictions often result in license suspension, with a first offense leading to a one-year revocation under North Carolina law. Even non-DWI offenses, like open container violations, can lead to penalties affecting your driving privileges. This can limit mobility and job opportunities, especially for residents of Wake County.

Fines and Jail Time

Penalties for alcohol offenses vary by charge. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as aiding and abetting underage drinking, may result in fines up to $500 and up to 45 days in jail. Community service or unsupervised probation may also be imposed, adding to the disruption of daily life.

Long-Term Consequences

Beyond immediate penalties, convictions can affect financial aid eligibility, professional licenses, and community standing. For example, students in Chapel Hill or at accredited colleges may face disciplinary actions. These outcomes can have lasting effects on career and personal goals.

Alcohol Education Programs as an Alternative

For first-time offenders in Wake County facing charges like underage possession or using an altered driver’s license, completing an alcohol education program may lead to dropped charges. Eligible offenses include:

Misdemeanor possession of alcohol under 21
Use of fraudulent identification
Aiding and abetting underage alcohol possession
Selling alcohol or tobacco to minors

Our attorneys can guide you through this process to avoid a conviction and keep your record clean.

Strategies to Defend Against Alcohol Charges

Defending against alcohol-related charges in Raleigh requires a proactive and tailored approach to protect your rights and future. At Coolidge Law Firm, we leverage our expertise in North Carolina law to build robust defenses for clients facing charges like underage drinking or DWI.

Challenging Evidence

Law enforcement must follow strict protocols when issuing charges, such as ensuring probable cause for an alcohol screening test. Our attorneys scrutinize evidence, like breathalyzer results or officer observations, to identify procedural errors that could lead to dismissal. For example, we may challenge the validity of a sobriety checkpoint stop in DWI cases.

Negotiating Diversion Programs

For eligible first-time offenders, we pursue alcohol education programs to dismiss charges upon completion. These programs are available for offenses like underage possession or using fraudulent identification in Wake County. This approach helps alleged offenders avoid a criminal record and maintain community safety.

Arguing Statutory Exceptions

Certain alcohol-related activities are exempt under North Carolina law, such as possession during a culinary class or religious ceremony. We investigate whether your case qualifies for these exceptions, like possessing malt beverages under direct supervision in an accredited college program. This can lead to reduced or dropped charges.

Alcohol Offenses in Raleigh FAQs

What is the legal drinking age in North Carolina?

The legal age to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol in North Carolina is 21, per the North Carolina General Statutes.

Can I refuse an alcohol screening test if I’m under 21?

Yes, but DWI test refusal may be admissible in court, potentially impacting your case.

What happens if I’m caught with an open container in my car?

An open container, even in a parked vehicle, can lead to criminal charges, as containers with broken seals are considered “open” under state law.

Contact Our Raleigh Alcohol Offense Defense Firm Today

Alcohol offenses in Raleigh demand serious attention to avoid long-term consequences. Whether facing charges for underage drinking, public intoxication, or DWI, Coolidge Law Firm is here to help. Call us at (919) 239-8448 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Our Raleigh-based attorneys represent clients both in state and federal court in Wake County, including Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Garner, Fuquay-Varina, Wake Forest, Apex, Wendell, Zebulon, and Knightdale.

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I can not say enough good about David Coolidge and the Law Firm! From the moment of our 1st interaction, I could tell that David TRULY cares and has a passion about the cases he takes on. I was anxious and nervous about my case from the beginning. David immediately showed his support and listened with an empathetic ear. From that moment on, I felt as though I knew I could trust him to put his whole heart into helping me with my case. He is intelligent, kind and completely nonjudgmental. He will listen to you and is so very supportive. I really felt, and still do, that he really cared about helping me. His passion for his work and in helping others shines. We VERY HAPPILY, had a GREAT outcome from the case and I could not be happier. As I told him when we left the court room that morning... “David, you have changed my life forever”. I would recommend David and this Law Firm to EVERYONE who is reading this review.

- Brian L.

David Coolidge is a wonderful attorney! I hired him twice for two different cases that I had which were only 2 months apart. He's very thorough and efficient. I was even able to reach him after hours through phone calls, texts, and email. Hopefully I never need his services again but if I am in a similar predicament I would most definitely hire David again.

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