FAQs
Commonly Asked Questions
Why Do I Need a DWI Assessment?
A DWI and Substance Use Assessment is required of everyone who is convicted of Driving While Impaired (DWI) in the state of North Carolina. You cannot receive a Limited Driving Privilege without a DWI Assessment. DWI and Substance Use assessments as well as groups can only be conducted by facilities licensed by the state of North Carolina to meet requirements to restore your driver’s license.
A DWI Substance Use Assessment is an alcohol and drug use assessment consisting of an interview by a Licensed or Certified Substance Use Counselor and a structured assessment questionnaire to a person’s relationship with alcohol and/or drugs. A.R.C. Counseling and Consulting Services, PLLC is fully licensed by NC DWI Services and will assist you with your assessment in a professional, confidential and timely manner. A.R.C. will often complete an assessment within 48-72 hours of when you call to request an appointment.
What Do We Need from You to Complete the DWI Assessment?
The cost of NC DWI Assessments is a state-mandated fee of $100. This fee must be paid at the time of scheduling your appointment.
1. NC Driving Record (within the last 30 days) – non-certified lifetime copy can be obtained online at: : https://payments.ncdot.gov/auth
2. Verification of your Breathalyzer/Blood Draw/BAC*
3. Citation/DWI ticket*
4. Any other legal documents
5. Photo ID
*If you do not have these, please contact your attorney, or the Clerk of Courts in the county you received the DWI and they should be able to provide them for you.
If you live in another state and received an NC DWI, ARC can help you with your assessment and classes or counseling without you having to return to North Carolina. With our help, you can meet all the requirements by receiving services in the area in which you live.
What are the Possible DWI Assessment Outcomes?
Each person with a DWI will be required to receive a substance use assessment. The substance use assessment will determine the hours of treatment and education one must receive. Substance use assessments for DWI are only good for 6 months. Upon receipt of assessment you have 6 months to start your treatment and/or education.
Short Term Treatment
Short Term Treatment in DWI services ranges from 20 -39 hours of substance use group over a period of 30 days. Short-term treatment is recommended when one has mild to moderate substance use disorder, a BAC of .15 or higher at the time of arrest, and/or refused chemical test at the time of the arrest.
Long Term Treatment
Longer-Term Treatment in DWI services ranges from 40-89 hours of substance use group over a period of 60 days. Longer-term treatment is recommended when one has moderate to severe substance use disorder, more than one DWI, a BAC of .15 or higher at the time of arrest, and/or refused chemical test at the time of the arrest.
Does my Assessment expire?
State of NC rules require that a substance use assessment is valid for only 6 months. Counseling or ADETS must be started within 6 months from the date of the assessment or a new assessment is required by the State.
I completed my courses so why can’t I get my completion paperwork?
Completion paperwork and reports are not final until all fees are paid.
I paid my fees and can’t get my driver’s license restored?
DWI assessment & counseling agencies have no means of knowing when a case is resolved in court, whether conviction or dismissal. It is up to the client to notify us of the conviction date, as unfortunately the driver’s license cannot be restored until
that time.