DWI Assessment in Guilford County, NC

Guilford County — North Carolina's third-largest — is anchored by Greensboro and High Point, a manufacturing and logistics hub where a driver's license often means the difference between employed and unemployed. Arrested for DWI here? A substance abuse assessment is one of the first required steps, and getting it done early protects your case and your ability to keep driving legally.

One quirk worth knowing up front: Guilford County has two courthouse locations, so your case could be in either one.

What happens after a DWI arrest in North Carolina

DWI is a misdemeanor handled in District Court. In Guilford County, cases are heard at one of two locations:

Greensboro: 201 S Eugene St, Greensboro, NC 27401
High Point: 505 E Green Dr, High Point, NC 27260

Check your citation or release paperwork to see which location is yours — don't assume based on where the stop happened. It also carries your court date and docket/case number, which you'll need for the assessment.

The arrest starts two tracks: the criminal case and an administrative action on your license that begins immediately. A substance abuse assessment is also required. Completing it before sentencing is generally viewed favorably, and — critically — it's a prerequisite for a pre-trial limited driving privilege.

The DWI assessment: what it is and when to get one

The assessment is a 1 to 1.5 hour structured interview with a certified counselor, covering the arrest and your alcohol/drug history. It produces a written recommendation — ADETS, short-term treatment, or longer care — that tells the court which program you must complete.

Completing it early gives your attorney something to work with, unlocks limited driving privilege eligibility, and gets classes underway — many Guilford County clients finish within days of arrest, often before their first court date.

Bring these to your assessment:

Photo ID
Your citation or court paperwork (docket/case number)
Your arrest date details
Your attorney's contact information, if you have one

ADETS and DWI classes: which one will you need?

The assessment determines the recommendation, and the court follows it. The levels:

ADETS (Alcohol and Drug Education Traffic School): 16 hours over at least 5 sessions. Usually for eligible first-time offenders — first DWI charge, BAC of 0.14 or below, no substance abuse handicap found in the assessment.
Short-term treatment: roughly 20–40 hours over at least 30 days — for a higher BAC, a chemical test refusal, a prior DWI, or a mild substance use disorder finding.
Longer-term treatment: 40+ hours over 60+ days, up to intensive outpatient programs of around 90 hours over 90 days, for more serious findings.

Whichever level applies, the court generally requires completion before restoring full driving privileges.

Your driver's license after a DWI arrest

A BAC of 0.08+ (0.04 for commercial drivers, 0.01+ for drivers under 21) — or refusing the chemical test — triggers an automatic 30-day civil license revocation starting at arrest (N.C.G.S. § 20-16.5):

Days 1–10: no driving at all.
Days 11–30: you may petition the court for a pre-trial Limited Driving Privilege, generally requiring a valid license, no other pending DWI, a completed substance abuse assessment with enrollment in any recommended treatment, and proof of insurance.

A first conviction generally brings a 1-year revocation (a post-conviction limited driving privilege may be available); ignition interlock is generally required for BACs of 0.15+ or repeat offenses. In a county where so many jobs involve driving — warehouse, delivery, manufacturing shifts — the limited privilege can be essential. The assessment is the step that makes the privilege petition possible.

What does a DWI assessment cost in North Carolina?

These fees are set by state law and identical statewide:

DWI assessment: $100
ADETS: $160

Treatment costs vary by provider and level. A first DWI's overall cost — fines, court costs, attorney fees, insurance — often reaches into the thousands, so handle the required steps efficiently.

How LC Counseling helps Guilford County drivers

LC Counseling is a North Carolina state-approved provider of DWI assessments and substance use programs (dwiassessments.com). Assessments and DWI classes are available virtually or in person — and since essentially all assessments are virtual, no one needs to drive across the county.

Fast scheduling: many clients are assessed within days of calling
Fluent Spanish-speaking counselors available
Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–7:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM–3:00 PM

Call 910-701-0170 or 336-701-1016, or schedule online at dwiassessments.com — the faster the assessment is done, the faster your limited driving privilege paperwork can move forward.

Frequently asked questions

Which Guilford County courthouse will my case be in? Two locations: Greensboro (201 S Eugene St) and High Point (505 E Green Dr). Check your citation — it will say which one. When in doubt, ask your attorney.

Do I need the assessment if I haven't been convicted? Yes. It's required before sentencing, completing it early is generally viewed favorably, and it's required before you can petition for a pre-trial limited driving privilege.

Can I do the assessment from High Point? Yes — assessments are completed virtually, so it doesn't matter whether your case is in Greensboro or High Point.

This page is general information about the North Carolina DWI process, not legal advice. Consult a North Carolina DWI attorney about your specific case.

Get your assessment scheduled today — call LC Counseling at 910-701-0170 or 336-701-1016. State-approved, virtual across North Carolina, with appointments often within days.