So, let’s start with the fact that not all Driving While License Revoked (DWLR) charges are the same. The law is complicated and almost all of us need a lawyer in such cases. If you are one of the drivers whose driver’s license is revoked in North Carolina, if you keep driving and get pulled over you can get into serious legal trouble. In this article we will focus specifically on Warren County and a little across the state because the law can differ a little between the counties. In this post we will talk about two things: driving while license revoked – impaired vs driving while license revoked – not impaired. There is a big and important difference that will impact your case, the penalties you face, and how your attorney can help.
What Does “Driving While License Revoked” Mean?
Logically speaking, if your driver license was revoked or suspended, it’s illegal to operate a vehicle. This charge is known as DWLR under N.C. General Statue §20-28. When it comes your charge being impaired or not impaired, it depends on the reason why your license got revoked.
DWLR — Impaired Revocation
A DWLR Impaired Revocation happens when your license was revoked for an impairment-related offense, stuff like:
- Driving While Impaired (DWI)
- If you get pulled over and refused a breath or blood test
- If you were driving after consuming alcohol under the age of 21
If the revocation is caused by an alcohol or drug related offense, the penalties will be more severe. In Warran County, a DWLR Impaired Revocation is considered to be a Class 1 misdemeanor which can lead you to the following penalties:
- Up to 120 days in jail
- Fines at the discretion of the court
- Vehicle impoundment or forfeiture
- Additional license revocation periods
A conviction can also make it harder to restore your driving privileges later.
DWLR — Not Impaired Revocation
The Not Impaired Revocation is when your license is revoked for a non-alcohol related reason. Something like unpaid court fines, or if you missed the DMV hearings, or even too many traffic point on your license is considered to be a charge with DWLR Not Impared Revocation.
This offense is usually less severe than an impaired revocation and may be classified as a Class 3 misdemeanor. Possible penalties include:
- Up to 20 days in jail (often suspended for first-time offenders)
- Court fines and costs
- Possible extension of your license suspension
In some cases, if you get an attorney, he could help you resolve the underlying issue (like paying fines or addressing missed paperwork), which will lead to the DWLR charge being reduced or dismissed.
Why this Difference Matters
The big difference between these 2 offenses is why your license was revoked. Usually when you get charged with a DWI that’s considered to be a very serious charge, and it leads automatically to an impaired revocation. These details are important when you are trying to reinstate your license.
What To Do If You got Charged in Warren County
In 99% of the cases is better to get in touch with local attorneys like Scheuring Law, PLLC, who handle these types of cases in the Warren County, NC area.
Most of the local attorneys in this area offer free consultation so that you have a chance to know what’s going on and what options you might have. It’s always a great idea to go with an experienced lawyer in front of the judge. You can’t afford to play with these types of matters.
Final Ideas
A revoked license is not an option to live a safe and good live in today’s world. You have to respect the law to make sure you don’t get into such situations. A revoked license will give you hard time to take care of your family, you can’t go to work whenever you need, or to take your kids to school and in general to have an easier life. But, if you found yourself in a DWLR type of situation, make sure you understand the difference between an impaired and not impaired license. And when you start the process of reinstating your license, invest some money in good lawyer, he will make it easier and quicker for you.
