Back in January 2007 I was pulled over on Highway 74 in Monroe, NC by a Union County Sheriffs office cop. The cop said I hit a curb and I didn't commit a violation or there was no probable cause to pull me over. Cop asked me was there any weapons and I told him there was a shotgun, boxes, and clothes... because I just moved from my foreclosed house over that past weekend. He asked me to do the field sobriety test blow into the breathalyzer systems. I complied with both request. He never showed me what I blew and he arrested for DWI-Concealed weapons charge in Monroe, NC. When we got back to police station I refuse to blow and the cop shows up a week later with a ticket for going over my restriction of BAC .04. They got my name wrong at the jail and they gave me my license back after I paid $50 to get them and I found out later that day they shouldn't have done that because they were automatically suspended for a year. Luckily I didn't get a DWLR while driving back home from ty courthouses stupidity. After this happened my dad decided to hire John Painter out of Monroe, NC as many said he is the best DWI lawyer in Union County. When we met with Mr. Painter he said he thought he could do something with the case. The cop wasn't even there 3 times in a row and Painter said something to the judge the third time and the judge said new court date. We went to court for over a year and back in 2008. I was 25 minutes late for court and the judge put a warrant for my arrest after court ended that morning in 20 minutes (I have never heard anything like this before). After this happened I was done and out by the whole process. Well years later I decide to turn myself in June 2012 and the cop continues not to show on occasions. Union County Courthouse is crazy as I sat there many times and they not even call my name. Court is suppose to start at 9:30 am and most time they don't even open doors until 10:15 am. and the judge doesn't even come out until 11:00 am (I have never heard of this). I was frustrated at Painter for not getting the case dismissed after the cop not there many times, but then I found out it is out of his hand. Monroe, NC courthouse, DA and cops are corrupt and they set their own rules. My case just ended today April 22, 2013 and John Painter got my DWI dismissed and only thing I got was a $50 Concealed Weapon charge and court cost. I can also get my gun back. If you want to hire Mr. Painter I warn you it is a long process. Painter likes to postpone court dates as he likes to get the judges he likes. You have to stay on Mr. Painter and tell him exactly what you want to do. John Painter is very knowledgable and good against the DA and the judge. Painter is an average lawyer and the system there is not all his fault. You have to beware that Monroe, NC DA, cops, and judges make their own rules and sometimes there isn't much he can do like any of the other lawyers. Monroe, NC is corrupt and my advice is don't drink even a few drinks from a restraunt and hit the road becaust they will try to get you for other things. Avoid Monroe, NC at all cost becuase if you fight anything or try and get it reduced they will scam you to try and get money from you.