At first glance, the idea that a raise in the number of DWI arrests in North Carolina seems ludicrous. Doesn’t that just mean that more drivers are making the decision to drive while intoxicated with drugs or alcohol? Not necessarily.
In an article posted to WRAL.com on June 4, 2015, the fact that arrests are up can actually be seen in a positive light. Why?
First Half of the Year Police Report
The article on WRAL.com contained information from a recently released police report about the DWI arrest statistics for the first half of 2015. Arrests for DWIs have increased over 85% from the same time last year. In 2014, arrests for DWI amounted to 794; the figure for 2015: 1484 arrests.
Do police officers find this number alarming? Actually, according to Raleigh Police Chief Cassandra Deck-Brown, the number is actually encouraging. While it’s always best to not read too much into half a year’s worth of statistics, the numbers in this police report say a lot about the efforts of the police and their recent Booze It or Lose It Campaign.
2 Reasons Why a Raise in DWI Arrests Can Be a Good Thing
Just what good does this police report show?
- Police Officers Are Catching More DWI Drivers. The fact that the number of DWI arrests has increased over 85% doesn’t necessarily mean there are more people driving under the influence. Rather, it might very well be that police officers are focused and on the lookout for DWI drivers. They’re stopping more drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol than they have in years prior.
- Police Are Stopping Drivers Before They Get Into Accidents. Because officers are making more DWI arrests, this means that the number of DWI related accidents should be down, right? Yes, that is true and has been shown to be the case. This is especially true of DWI related deaths. In 2013, the number of DWI deaths amounted to twelve, while so far in 2015 the number has dropped to two. When officers are focused on catching impaired drivers and making DWI arrests, it does much to prevent these drivers from hurting themselves and others. The numbers are proof of this.
What Constitutes DWI?
DWI is driving while intoxicated. The driver can be intoxicated from either prescription or recreational drugs, or alcohol. If you’ve been pulled over by an officer and accused of DWI, it is because the officer had reason to believe you were intoxicated. This could be because of excessively slow or fast driving, weaving while driving or any other manner of unsafe driving practices. In some areas, a driver can be arrested for DWI regardless of their blood alcohol level.
What to Do If You’ve Been Arrested for DWI
Everyone deserves a fair trial and a good defense. If you’ve been among the number of those arrested for DWI, call the law office of John C. Fitzpatrick for professional legal advice. We’ll review your case and see if we can get your charge and/or sentence reduced.