First DUI Offense? Clarify the Unknown with our Smithfield DUI Lawyers

We give good people the defense plan they need to fight the legal consequences of their charge, and keep their life moving forward.

1. Reduce Your Legal Consequences

DUI charges can result in the loss your job, license, reputation, and even jail.  Know the legal consequences and then work hard to reduce, or erase, them. 

2. Don’t Face the Law Alone

Being charged with a DWI, criminal, or traffic offense and facing the law is intimidating and isolating. Work with a defense team that fights and cares for you.

3. Get Clarity with the Unknown

Getting charged with a criminal offense and trying to navigate the legal process is often disorienting and overwhelming. Get the answers you want and the plan you need to get your life back on track.

DUI charges will often leave you feeling anxious and overwhelmed. With so much uncertainty, it’s hard to see what the future holds after your court date.

4. We’re Here to Help

At Minick Law, P.C., our Smithfield DUI lawyers embrace a simple mission: we want to help.

Our DUI defense team will explain the legal process in clear terms and guide you through every step of your case. We take the time to listen and understand your situation, while keeping you well-informed of developments in your case.

Don’t let a DUI ruin the rest of your life.

Schedule Your FREE Consultation

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Highly recommend Michael’s services. He was both professional and knowledgeable and was able to easily help. Thank you!
Hunter Aubion

Great attorney. I got a better than expected outcome. Michael was professional and knowledgeable in handling my case.
Jill Witmer

I have had the benefit of excellent advice and counsel from Mr. Franchi. He handled my case with consideration and preparation to yield the best result possible. I highly recommend him for any future endeavors!
Andy Smith

Frequently Asked Questions

How Are You Different From Other Smithfield DUI Lawyers?

When you hire Minick Law, you get a team of attorneys to handle your case. Two heads are better than one, and we take that seriously when preparing for your case.

Our attorneys are extremely knowledgeable and focus almost entirely on DWI cases. While most lawyers are required to take 12 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) per year, some of our attorneys take 20+ hours per year.

At our Smithfield office, our attorney Michael Franchi makes sure that you are extremely well prepared for court. He covers every possible angle, spending time prepping cases in mock trials and consulting the rest of the team, to ensure that you have the best chance for a successful outcome.

Will I Go to Jail if I am Convicted of a DWI in North Carolina?

While jail time is a possibility for any person convicted of a DWI, the realistic likelihood of jail time depends on a whole number of different factors.

The vast majority of people charged with their first DWI are not sentenced to do any active jail time.

Jail time is more likely for a person with prior DWI’s, a child in the car, an accident which causes injury to another person or driving on a license which is suspended for a DWI.

Will I be Allowed to Drive after Getting a DWI?

There are many driving consequences that can arise from a DWI.

The length of suspensions related to DWI and the requirements for license reinstatement vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including:

  • prior DWI charges,
  • the blood/breath alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of the DWI charge,
  • and whether the driver’s license was suspended at the time of the charge.

For a first offense DWI case in North Carolina, a person’s license will be suspended for one year. Most people convicted of their first offense will be able to get a limited driving privilege that will allow them to drive for work, educational, treatment, and religious purposes.

How Much Money Will Getting a DWI Cost Me?

The financial consequences of a DWI are significant and can include:

  • attorney’s fees,
  • court costs and fines,
  • increases in auto insurance premiums,
  • the cost of obtaining an alcohol assessment and completing any recommended treatment,
  • continuous alcohol monitoring,
  • inpatient treatment,
  • and impact on employment.

Should I have been read my Miranda Rights during my DWI Arrest?

In North Carolina, officers frequently do not read Miranda rights at the time of a DWI arrest and often a suspect is never advised of Miranda rights during the entire encounter with police.

In the context of a DWI arrest, the lack of Miranda warnings is not likely to result in a dismissal of charges. Most of the time statements made by a DWI suspect after arrest are not particularly important in the State’s prosecution.

The suspect’s statements and field sobriety tests prior to arrest combined with a blood or breath alcohol result may be enough for the State to proceed to trial on a DWI charge.

Get the defense you need from a Smithfield DUI Lawyer that cares.

Michael Franchi

Attorney

I represent people who haven’t had their best day. Maybe you were speeding. Maybe you had too much to drink. Maybe you made some mistakes. Whatever the case may be, I’m here to help. I enjoy counseling people through the most stressful times in their life.
Michael Kosrow Franchi Reviewsout of 5 reviews
Learn More
Prior to starting my own firm, I practiced business and estate planning, where I was part of a team that provided legal solutions for businesses and families. I have also completed internships at the Raleigh City Attorneys’ Office, North Carolina Court of Appeals, and Department of Transportation.

Education
J.D., Campbell University School of Law
B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Bar Admissions
North Carolina

Professional Associations
North Carolina Bar Association
Wake County Bar Association

smithfield dui lawyer

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