DWI & DUI Defense

Wilmington DWI Lawyer

If you were charged with DWI or DUI in Wilmington, you are likely facing two separate problems at once: the criminal charge in court and a possible hold on your driver license through the DMV. The Wagoner Law Firm handles both sides together so nothing slips through the cracks. Attorney Merritt Wagoner has defended people in North Carolina for more than 21 years, and he can walk you through what comes next. You do not have to figure this out alone.

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What a DWI charge means in North Carolina

In North Carolina, a DWI is the charge for driving while impaired. It applies to alcohol and to other substances. A charge is an accusation. It is not a conviction, and being charged does not decide how your case ends.

A DWI case usually moves on two tracks. One is the criminal case in court. The other is an administrative matter with the DMV over your driver license, which can begin even before your court date. These tracks run on different timelines and have different rules.

Your case starts in state court in New Hanover County or Pender County, depending on where the stop happened. The facts matter. A first offense, a repeat charge, a refusal of a breath or blood test, and a DWI involving an accident are each treated differently under the law.

What is at stake

A DWI conviction can carry serious consequences. Penalties depend on the specific facts of your case, your record, and what the court finds. We do not quote exact numbers here, because the real answer depends on details only a review of your case can show.

Beyond the court case, your ability to drive is often the first thing affected. A refusal of a chemical test can trigger its own license consequence through the DMV, separate from the criminal charge. A DWI that involves an accident or injury can raise the stakes further.

Because the criminal charge and the license issue move on their own clocks, deadlines matter. Acting early gives you and your attorney the most room to respond.

How Merritt guides you through it

Merritt Wagoner starts by listening. He reviews how the stop happened, what tests were given, and what the reports say. Then he explains your situation in plain English, including the criminal side and the DMV license side together, so you understand the full picture.

He has defended people in New Hanover County and Pender County courts for more than 21 years. He knows how these cases move locally and what the process looks like from first appearance forward.

From there, he builds a plan with you. He answers your questions, prepares the steps ahead, and stands with you in court. You stay informed at each stage, and you always know what is happening next.

What this means for you

Two cases, one plan

Your criminal charge and your DMV driver-license matter are handled together, on their separate timelines, so nothing gets missed.

Every kind of DWI charge

First offense, repeat offense, a refused breath or blood test, or a DWI involving an accident. Each is handled on its own facts.

Deadlines move fast

The license side can begin before your court date. Reaching out early gives you more room to respond.

21+ years in NC courts

Merritt Wagoner has defended people in New Hanover and Pender County courts for more than two decades.

Common Questions

Questions people ask before they call

I was just charged with a DWI in Wilmington. What should I do first?
Take a breath. A charge is an accusation, not a conviction. Write down everything you remember about the stop while it is fresh, and do not discuss the case with anyone but a lawyer. Then reach out to talk through your situation. You can call or text 910-218-9669 or book a time at /book.
Is a DWI the same as a DUI in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the official charge is DWI, which stands for driving while impaired. People often say DUI, meaning driving under the influence, and they are usually referring to the same kind of charge. The law covers impairment from alcohol and from other substances.
Will I lose my driver license?
Your license and your court case are two separate matters. The DMV can act on your license on its own timeline, sometimes before your court date, especially in a refusal situation. Because the two move separately, it helps to address both early. Merritt handles the criminal charge and the license issue together.
What happens if I refused the breath or blood test?
A refusal of a chemical test can trigger a separate license consequence through the DMV, apart from the criminal charge itself. The rules and deadlines for a refusal are specific. It is worth reviewing the details of your stop with an attorney as soon as you can, because timing matters here.
This is my second or third DWI. Is it too late to get help?
It is not too late to talk to a lawyer. Repeat charges are treated differently under North Carolina law, and the facts of your prior history matter. An attorney can review your record and your current charge and explain your options. Reaching out early gives you the most room to respond.
My DWI involved an accident. Does that change things?
A DWI that involves an accident or injury can raise what is at stake. The specific facts, including what happened and whether anyone was hurt, shape how the case is handled. These cases deserve a careful review. Merritt can look at the details and walk you through what they mean.
Can I really reach someone after hours?
Yes. The phone at 910-218-9669 is answered 24/7 by Karen, an AI assistant. Karen schedules appointments and takes messages. She does not transfer calls, and she does not give legal advice or quote fees. Merritt or the office follows up with you directly during business hours.

Related pages

New Hanover County Criminal DefensePender County Criminal DefenseDrug Crimes DefenseAbout Merritt Wagoner
Don't wait

The sooner Merritt is involved, the more he can do.

In a criminal case, time works against you. Reach out today by phone, text, or by booking a consultation.

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The line is answered 24/7 by Karen, an AI assistant who schedules appointments and takes messages. She does not transfer calls or give legal advice or fee quotes.