Southport Alderman Robert Carroll has been ordered to surrender his driver’s license following a recent court decision stemming from a December arrest for driving whereas impaired. Court records reveal a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.21 – more than 2.5 times North Carolina’s legal limit of .08 – at the time of the incident. The case raises questions about accountability for elected officials and the potential impact on Carroll’s position within the Southport city government.
The legal proceedings unfolded after Carroll, 38, was arrested by Boiling Spring Lakes police around 3 a.m. On December 14, 2025, while driving on NC 133. According to court documents, the arresting officer observed Carroll driving left of center and over the fog line and noted a moderate odor of alcohol, slurred speech, unsteady footing, and an admission from Carroll that he had been drinking. The incident occurred shortly after Carroll was re-elected to the Southport Board of Aldermen in November, securing another four-year term in Ward 1 after a close race.
Details of the Arrest and Subsequent Testing
Following his arrest, a blood sample was taken and analyzed by the NC State Crime Laboratory on January 23, 2026. The lab results confirmed the BAC of 0.21, leading to a revocation order signed on February 12, 2026. This order mandated the surrender of Carroll’s driver’s license for at least 30 days, beginning February 17, with a $100 fee required for reinstatement. According to records, Carroll requested a hearing to contest the revocation, but We see currently unconfirmed whether that request was granted.
Carroll’s attorney, Dustin R.T. Sullivan of Sullivan Law, PLLC, filed a formal objection on February 20, 2026, challenging the admissibility of the lab results at trial. The objection argues that the state must present the evidence through live witness testimony, allowing Carroll’s defense the opportunity for cross-examination. This legal maneuver suggests a strategy to question the validity or chain of custody of the blood sample analysis. The State Port Pilot reported that Carroll was released from the Brunswick County Detention Center after posting a $500 bond.
Court Appearance and Upcoming Hearing
Carroll appeared in Brunswick County District Court on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. A disposition hearing is currently scheduled for May 11, 2026, where the case is expected to progress toward resolution. The outcome of this hearing could significantly impact Carroll’s legal standing and his future ability to serve on the Southport Board of Aldermen. The legal process is ongoing, and Carroll is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This isn’t the first time Carroll has faced legal scrutiny. WECT News initially reported the arrest, detailing the charges of driving while impaired, exceeding the posted speed limit, and driving left of center. Boiling Spring Lakes Police Officer Bart Wanczyk filed the initial charges during the traffic stop.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by local governments when dealing with legal issues involving elected officials. The Southport Board of Aldermen has not yet released a statement regarding the ongoing legal proceedings involving Carroll.
As the case moves forward, the community awaits further developments and the outcome of the May 11 disposition hearing. The resolution will likely determine not only Carroll’s driving privileges but also his continued service as a representative of Southport.
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