sumerluv asked:

My friend was arrested yesterday on a DUI charge. He posted bail and his arraignment is tomorrow. Does he need a lawyer present then or does he wait until his court date?

richie asked:


I blew a .142 …this is my first trouble with the law.
I have been to court four times since my arraignment. my court appointed lawyer only showed up twice out of those four times (the other two times she had someone cover). One of the times she did show up she did not file whatever it was she supposed to file in time- neither the court nor the DA recieved the papers and it was adjourned yet again. She has me drugs store holding out for a plea bargain… we are hoping to be offered a charge of driving while impaired. when she did show up she never began any discussion with the DA or judge about a plea. I think she is incompetent and I am considering firing her and representing myself. I believe doing so will allow me to speak directly to the DA. Also, I was thinking that perhaps the prospect of going forward with a case when the defendant was representing themself would be such a headache for the DA that they would have extra incentive to offer a deal. Any informed opinions?