Fargo ND DWI Lawyers

The offense of drunk driving in North Dakota is called driving under the influence or DUI. It can be referred to as driving while intoxicated or DWI. The two are similar and are generally charged when a person is found to be in physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and has a blood alcohol content above the legal limit of .08%. Under North Dakota DUI/DWI law, however, a law enforcement officer can make an arrest for driving while intoxicated in ND based on a perception of impairment, not just a breath or blood test result.

Both a DUI and DWI offense are considered criminal acts. If charged with DWI in Cass County, you should immediately seek an experienced and qualified attorney with extensive experience and knowledge of drunk driving defense.

Fargo ND DWI Lawyers Larivee & Light practice criminal law with a focus on drunk driving defense. They have the legal experience, knowledge of North Dakota DWI law and understanding of the court system to make a positive difference in the outcome of your case.

Cass County DWI Attorneys Larivee & Light offer a free consultation, during which they will discuss the details of your arrest and review the charges against you. They will then be able to outline your legal options and their fees. To schedule a meeting, fill out the consultation request form to the left or call (701) 282-8282. There is no further obligation and the meeting is free, so call now.

Anyone issued a driver's license in North Dakota gives an implied consent to submit to a chemical test to check blood alcohol content whenever requested by a law enforcement officer. During a traffic stop for suspicion for drunk driving in North Dakota, you will most likely be asked to provide a breath, blood or urine sample. If you register a BAC at or above the legal limit for intoxication or you refuse to submit to a test, the police officer will seize your driver's license and issue you a temporary driving permit.

Immediately following the seizure of your license the Department of Transportation will start a civil case seeking to suspend your license. This is a separate from the criminal DWI charge that is resolved in the courts, and your driving privileges could be suspended or revoked before your first court date. Even if the charges are dropped or you are found not guilty of driving while intoxicated in Cass County, your license will not be returned until the end of the suspension period.

A first offense for ND DWI will lead to loss of license for 91 days. A second offense within five years would result in a one-year license suspension. A third offense would result in a two-year suspension.

You can fight the suspension of your license by requesting an administrative hearing with the DOT. However, you have only 10 days from being served notice of your license suspension to schedule such the hearing. If you do not submit a request on time, you will lose your license.

Fargo DWI Attorneys Larivee & Light have experience with the DOT administrative hearing. They can schedule a meeting on your behalf and their legal guidance could help save your driving privileges. Time is very critical, so contact Larivee & Light now for the best result.

A conviction for driving while intoxicated in Cass County, ND can result in fines, loss of license and a mandatory alcohol evaluation. Your auto insurance will likely be cancelled and you will be required to purchase an expensive, high-risk policy.

The penalties increase if you registered a BAC of .18% or higher, or have any prior convictions for DWI. Starting with a second offense, a jail sentence is usually added. A fifth drunk driving offense in North Dakota is filed as a felony.

Being found guilty of DWI in North Dakota would lead to a criminal arrest record. That could make it difficult to find or keep a job, or to open a credit account. Canada is using increased data sharing with the U.S. to enforce its policy of denying entry to those with a criminal record, even if it is for misdemeanor DWI.

Protect your future by contacting Cass County North Dakota DWI Lawyers Larivee & Light now.

Fargo DWI Lawyers Larivee & Light will review your case for free. Once they understand the details of your arrest and the specific charge filed against you, they will be able to discuss your legal options and the costs for effective legal representation.

An arrest for drunk driving in Fargo is very serious with potentially life changing consequences. Trying to defend your self without knowledge of DWI law and courtroom experience could result in greater penalties. Even though you most likely did not anticipate an arrest and its financial burden, getting qualified and experienced help can be affordable.

Depending on the facts of the case, Larivee & Light will quote a flat fee for their services, meaning you will know what it will cost before you decide to hire them. They offer various payment options, including major credit cards, cash and checks, and even an affordable pay plan.

To get the help you need and deserve, contact Cass County DWI Attorneys Larivee & Light now.

Cass County DWI Lawyer Steven M. Light is a native of Fargo. He received an undergraduate degree with honors from the University of North Dakota and earned a law degree from the University of North Dakota School of Law. Steve Light clerked for noted North Dakota criminal defense attorney, Alan Larivee, which eventually led to the creation of the Larivee & Light Law Firm.

Attorney Steve Light uses a combination of experience, excellent litigation skills, an aggressive defense style and creative defense strategies to earn the best possible result for clients accused of driving while intoxicated in Fargo.

Attorney Steve Light is a member of the North Dakota State Bar and the Minnesota State Bar, and is admitted to practice law in all state courts, the North Dakota Federal Court and the United States Supreme Court. He is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the North Dakota Trial Lawyers of America.

Time is very important for a successful defense against a charge of North Dakota DWI. For the best result, contact Fargo ND DWI Lawyers Larivee & Light immediately by calling (701) 282-8282 or filling out the form to the left.