North Carolina Actual Physical Control Laws
A recent question posted on our forum indicated a North Carolina resident was charged with drunk driving in North Carolina, not while they were operating their motorized vehicle but while they were walking out of Walmart. The driver wants to know if this is legal and how they should fight against this drunk driving charge. State courts have upheld that a driver, even if they were not physically driving, could be considered in actual physical control of their car if they were sitting in their car, had the keys in their possession or even if they were sleeping in their car.North Carolina Drunk Driving Laws
In 2006, the North Carolina legislature made substantial changes to the drunk driving laws of North Carolina. These laws were effective December 1, 2006. According to the law, a driver "commits the offense of impaired driving if he drivers or is in actual physical control of a vehicle which is in motion or has the motor running. North Carolina Court of Appeals has upheld actual physical control statutes and state they can include:- Admission by the driver that they were driving even if they were not seen operating the vehicle
- Drivers asleep behind the wheel
- Drivers seated in the car with the heater running
- Drivers found asleep with the engine running at a stop sign
Hiring a Drunk Driving Lawyer
What is the best course of action for our driver in North Carolina? They need to talk to a drunk driving lawyer. The driver did not mention whether or not they admitted to operating the vehicle or what observations the police officer made at the time of the drunk driving arrest concerning the drivers behavior. For instance, did the driver stumble through the parking lot, drop a bag of groceries, fumble with their keys, get in their car and start the car- with the full intention of driving even though they were clearly intoxicated? Without more information about the DUI arrest, it is impossible to say for sure. If there is little evidence they were intoxicated it may be helpful to get video surveillance which might prove that they were not physically impaired and not close to their car. Drunk driving laws vary by state; talk to a DUI lawyer who understands drunk driving laws in North Carolina.Related articles
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