Just because DWI offenders will face the consequences of their actions in county jail instead of state prison does not lessen the severity of a DWI offense in North Carolina.
Wilmington, NC (PRWEB) January 11, 2015
Commenting on a News 13 article about changes to North Carolina’s DWI laws designed to send offenders to county jail instead of state prison, Wilmington car accident attorney Richard Flexner today stressed that the change does not lessen the severity of the crime or affect how DUI offenders are prosecuted in court.
Flexner, lead attorney at Richard Flexner Law Offices, based his comments on a Jan. 2 article, “New DWI laws in North Carolina could send you to county jail.” According to the article, people caught and convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol could now face time in county jail instead of state prison.
“Just because DWI offenders will face the consequences of their actions in county jail instead of state prison does not lessen the severity of a DWI offense in North Carolina,” Flexner said. “Drunk drivers cause some of the state’s most severe car accidents and they should face the consequences. Those who are caught driving under the influence of alcohol face thousands of dollars in fines, license suspension and other expenses as a result of their reckless behavior. In addition, a drunk driver also may be named in a lawsuit filed on behalf of the injured victim or the family who lost a loved one because of that driver’s negligent actions. I’ve represented clients in these types of civil actions and fight aggressively to hold the drunk driver accountable.”
According to News 13, the new law is designed to house DWI offenders in local jails instead of state prison, thus allowing North Carolina state prisons to house criminals convicted of violent crimes. Officials from the North Carolina Highway Patrol told News 13 that the law does not change how offenders are prosecuted.
In 2014, the North Carolina Highway Patrol and local agencies estimated that more than 1300 arrests were made for drinking and driving, News 13 reports. Flexner said that, with an average of more than three arrests every day, the dangers that drunk drivers pose to other motorists in North Carolina cannot be ignored.
“Drunk drivers pose a serious risk to all others on the road, from vehicle occupants to bicyclists and pedestrians. But despite the known dangers, far too many people choose to make the irresponsible choice of drinking and driving,” Flexner said. “It’s important for accident victims, and those who lost loved ones due to drunk drivers, to remain aware of their legal rights after an accident. We can help. Our legal team can hold these law-breaking drivers accountable for their actions and help obtain the compensation and closure needed after a serious accident.”
About Richard Flexner Law Offices
For over 35 years, attorney Richard Flexner has fought diligently to protect the rights of personal injury victims and families who have lost loved ones in Wilmington and across North Carolina. In addition to handling cases involving drunk driving and impaired accidents and other matters involving personal injury and wrongful death, Flexner represents North Carolinians who need assistance with workers’ compensation claims. Flexner serves New Hanover County, Brunswick County, Pender County and all of North Carolina. He is a member of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice.
If you were injured, or a loved one was injured or killed in a drunk driving car accident, call 800-FLEXNER (800-353-9637) today for a free case consultation.
Richard Flexner Law Offices are located at:
3805 Oleander Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
http://www.getflexner.com