Durham, NC DWI w/ priors in California

[Sean M]

California Resident.

Please help. My situation:

May 9, 2009 - pulled over in Durham, NC and cited for DWI & simple possession charge (approx 0.2 grams of marijuana); refused breathalizer & requested blood test but was told no by officer. Spent 24 hrs in Raleigh/Durham County & was released on secured bond. Court date 6/18/09.

My concerns are compounded by the following 2 priors in CA (where I currently reside):

November 19, 2005 - misdemeanor DUI in Santa Barbara County; no accident/injury involved

May 19, 1999 - misdemeanor DUI in Los Angeles County (was 19 yrs old); no accident/injury involved

Aside from the above DUI/DWI charges, my criminal record is otherwise clean. Have done research that indicates NC has a 7 year lookback window for DWI, and a 3 year lookback window for "habitual DWI offenders". It appears I fall into neither of these categories but am nevertheless concerned due to the priors, and am unsure of interstate law, sharing of records between states, etc.

I'm trying to get #1 advice and #2 a good reference for Durham County attorney, to learn more about potential sentence and mitigating factors. Please please help me if you're able. Thank you and God Bless.

-Sean