DUI defense is our focus.

A DUI charge can be a low-point in your life. It is hard to manage all of the personal stress and uncertainty these cases can cause by yourself. Our Gastonia DUI Lawyers have a simple mission: we want to help.

It is our goal to make sure you are informed and aware of the legal process you are going through. Unless you’ve spent time in law school or law enforcement, legal jargon can be confusing to follow.

Our Gastonia DUI lawyers will explain the legal process in clear terms, and guide you through your case, every step of the way.

DUI Lawyers Gastonia, NC

Minick Law, P.C. of Gastonia serves clients with aggressive, yet compassionate, DWI Defense. Our office is conveniently located in downtown Gastonia, 2 minutes away from the Gaston County Jail, the Gastonia Police Department, and the Gaston County Courthouse. Our staff is standing by to assist you with your case.

Our mission is to provide all of our clients the best possible legal representation. Our Gastonia DUI lawyers are always striving to improve their knowledge of DUI law in an effort to give our clients the defense they deserve.

Attorney Lance Williams is more than just a proficient lawyer and graduate of Charlotte School of Law; he also spent twelve years as Deputy Sheriff in Harvey, LA before he entered law school. His experience in law enforcement gives him a unique vantage point on the processes law enforcement officers use and the mistakes they are prone to make.

As an officer, Lance was a Team Leader of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team and also worked in the Street Crimes Division. In the legal field, Lance is certified in DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Get aggressive DUI defense.

Many misfortunes can result from getting a DWI (driving while impaired) or a DUI (driving under the influence) charges. Your license could get suspended, your auto insurance rates could skyrocket, and you could even get stuck with jail time.

In the State of North Carolina, DWI and DUI law can be very tricky and complicated. Our Gastonia DUI lawyers handle a wide range of cases, including: Habitual DWI, Felony Driving While Impaired, Federal Driving Under Influence (DUI charged on Federal lands or parkway), and Drug Related Impaired Driving cases (including marijuana DWI charges).

Minick Law, P.C. of Gastonia cares about your well-being and your future. We will pursue every angle of your case, from gathering all of the facts and figures to ensure that we can work towards the best results for your case.

Minick Law, P.C. of Gastonia

Address: 104 E Main Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052
Phone: (704) 312-1515 | Fax: (828) 212-4300

Cities We Serve: Gastonia, Lincolnton, and Cleveland.
Counties We Serve: Cleveland, Gaston, and Lincoln.

The Impact of Laura’s Law on Jail Time and Fines for Repeat DWI Offenders

Laura‘s Law significantly alters the legal landscape for individuals with repeated DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) offenses. By increasing the maximum jail time from two years to three years, the law imposes stricter penalties, reinforcing the seriousness of such offenses and potentially acting as a deterrent.

Additionally, the law dramatically raises the maximum fine, escalating it from $1,000 to $10,000. This substantial increase in financial penalties underscores the heightened accountability repeat offenders face, aiming to encourage more responsible behavior on the roads.

In essence, Laura‘s Law intends to provide stronger consequences to emphasize the severity of recurrent impaired driving and enhance public safety.

Legal Changes Under Laura’s Law for Repeat DWI Offenders in Gastonia, NC

Laura’s Law has brought about significant legal changes impacting repeat DWI offenders in Gastonia, North Carolina. These changes are aimed at enhancing the severity of penalties for those repeatedly caught driving while impaired.

• Extended Jail Time: The law increases the potential jail sentence. Offenders now face a maximum of three years behind bars, up from the previous cap of two years. This shift underscores the state’s tougher stance on repeat offenses.

• Increased Fines: Financial penalties have also been heightened significantly. The maximum fine has surged to $10,000, a steep increase from the former $1,000 limit. This is intended to serve as a stronger deterrent against reoffending.

These adjustments reflect a broader effort to address and curb DWI incidents more effectively by imposing stricter consequences on those who continuously violate the law.

What To Do If You Face a DUI Checkpoint in North Carolina

When you encounter a DUI checkpoint in North Carolina, it’s essential to know your rights and how to protect them. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the situation:

Stay Silent

• Exercise Your Right to Silence: It’s crucial to remain as quiet as possible. You’re not obliged to explain your actions or circumstances. Anything you say can potentially be used against you later.
• Avoid Volunteering Information: Limit your conversation with officers to basic identification and necessary details.

Avoid Field Sobriety Tests

• Say No to Physical Tests: Politely decline any requests to perform roadside sobriety tests. These assessments are designed to gather evidence that could be detrimental to your defense.

Call for Legal Assistance

• Request a Lawyer: Clearly state your wish to speak with a lawyer before proceeding with any questioning or tests. This is a crucial step in safeguarding your rights.

Cooperate With the Basics

• Provide Identification: Hand over your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance when requested. This is generally required and displays your willingness to cooperate with basic procedures.

Understand the Context

Checkpoints are controversial and often seen as infringing on constitutional rights. They are primarily a tool to apprehend impaired drivers, yet they operate in a gray area of the law.

By following these guidelines, you can safeguard your rights while minimizing potential complications if you find yourself stopped at a DUI checkpoint in North Carolina. Always remain calm and composed during the encounter.

In North Carolina, the Intoxilyzer 5000 plays a crucial role in DUI cases as it’s the primary tool used for measuring blood alcohol concentration during traffic stops. This device is essentially the state’s version of the common Breathalyzer, and its readings can be pivotal in DUI prosecutions.
Police officers depend on the Intoxilyzer 5000 to provide accurate and legally admissible evidence of intoxication levels. If the device indicates a blood alcohol content above the legal limit, it can serve as key evidence in court. However, the accuracy of this tool can be challenged if any procedural errors occur during the stop or if the device isn’t properly maintained and calibrated.
In navigating a DUI case, it is important to investigate all aspects of the traffic stop meticulously. This includes checking whether the Intoxilyzer 5000 was used correctly and lawfully, as any mistakes in handling the device could potentially be grounds for contesting the evidence it provides.