Case Study: Suspended Sentence for a Level A1 DWI Charge
Navigating a serious DWI charge requires sharp legal insight and firm advocacy. In this case study, we break down how our strategic defense helped a client in Forsyth County avoid incarceration after being charged with a Level A1 DWI. While this case provides insight into our process, every situation is unique. We encourage you to speak directly with our experienced DWI defense team in Winston-Salem to understand the options for your specific case.
The Challenge
Our client was charged with multiple offenses, including a **Level A1 DWI** (the most serious DWI level in North Carolina), plus simple assault and resisting a public officer. These charges together carried the risk of jail time, criminal record implications, and long-term probation. The stakes were high—not only for the client’s freedom, but also for their employment, reputation, and future.
Left unchallenged, this set of charges could have resulted in a de facto criminal conviction with serious consequences. With multiple counts on the record, the client needed a defense that minimized sentencing and protected their ability to move forward.
The Strategy
Our defense team crafted a focused legal strategy, including:
- Evidence and Procedure Review: We scrutinized arrest reports, police protocols, and field sobriety testing to identify any procedural gaps or inconsistencies.
- Charge Analysis: We examined whether the Level A1 DWI charge appropriately reflected the facts or overreached the circumstances of the stop and arrest.
- Plea Negotiations: We negotiated diligently with the prosecution, presenting mitigating factors and emphasizing the client’s ties to the community and lack of serious prior offenses.
- Sentencing Advocacy: Although Level A1 is the highest DWI level, we presented compelling arguments for a suspended sentence and probation rather than active incarceration.
For context on DWI severity classifications in North Carolina—from Level 5 (least serious) to Level A1 (most serious)—you can refer to the our North Carolina Courts’ DWI sentencing page.
The Result
The client entered a plea to the Level A1 DWI with related misdemeanors. In light of our advocacy, the judge imposed a suspended sentence tied to 60 months of probation, with no active jail term. This outcome enabled the client to:
- Avoid active incarceration.
- Retain their employment and family stability.
- Complete probation and comply with court-imposed conditions without disruption.
This result—while not a dismissal—shielded the client from the harshest consequences and gave them a path forward with minimal interruption to their life.
Conclusion
This case underscores the importance of having an experienced lawyer to navigate even the highest-level DWI charges. Even when the law imposes severe penalties, strategic defense, procedural diligence, and focused negotiation can mean the difference between incarceration and a rehabilitative outcome. Our firm is dedicated to protecting clients’ rights and helping them achieve the best possible resolution.
How We Can Help
If you or someone you know is facing a serious DWI charge or additional offenses, don’t face it alone. Contact our DUI attorneys today for a confidential consultation. We can help you understand your options and work toward a better outcome.
Authored by the Dummit Fradin Legal Content Team and reviewed for legal accuracy by Anastasia Tramontozzi, a named partner and distinguished criminal defense attorney at the firm.
*This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.*