what do I do about a lawyer and DUI?
Saturday, March 29th, 2008 at
6:57 am
lilbit asked:
I got a dui and cant afford a lawyer and I have court next week on the 16th. I blew a .14, and hit a parked car, and I was driving home I was actually in my apartment complex this happened on Oct 8th and I was in my apt complex when I got arrested the lawyer that I want to handle my case specaizes in DUI and would charge me 5 grand in which I cant afford. Im in the military and is not getting kicked out, but can i get some advice please
I got a dui and cant afford a lawyer and I have court next week on the 16th. I blew a .14, and hit a parked car, and I was driving home I was actually in my apartment complex this happened on Oct 8th and I was in my apt complex when I got arrested the lawyer that I want to handle my case specaizes in DUI and would charge me 5 grand in which I cant afford. Im in the military and is not getting kicked out, but can i get some advice please
tell the judge your story but talk to the prosecuter first
Anybody who gets tanked then drives around in 2 tons of glass and steel deserves swift and severe punishment. Thank God you didn’t take out a station wagon full of kids.
If you are indigent, the court will appoint counsel for you. sometimes, if you have income but still lack the resources to hire a lawyer, the court will appoint counsel but order that you pay back part of the costs of appointed counsel. The question of whether you are indigent is determined by the court’s view, not yours. So, if you have a good car, for instance, the judge might refuse to make the taxpayers pay for your defense because you could sell the car.
Why didn’t you wait until the day of court? Ask at the courthouse how to contact your local pro bono program.
I would plead guilty if this is your first DUI and you have a clean record. I would make sure the judge knows you are in the military. This might cause him to be a little easier on you. The thing is if you plead not guilty it will go on to a trial and then that will cost you money. If this is your second DUI or you have other crimes on your record I would get a lawyer. Is there a lawyer that maybe the military could give you or help you with? Good luck, sorry this happened to you sweet heart, but it sounds like you were really loaded and you should not have been driving, but should have called a cab. I hope the military does not look to punish you for this as well. Good luck, remember this is a DUI not a murder, so if you want a lawyer, just get one that will not charge you an arm and leg to help you with this. =)
Tomorrow, do not wait, go to the clerk’s office for the criminal division for your court. Tell them you want an attorney appointed for you because you cannot afford one. Be sure to tell them your trial is on the 16th. When you get your attorney’s name, call and tell whoever answers the telephone that your trial is on the 16th. Keep calling until the attorney returns your call. Indigent cases sometimes unfortunately do not receive the attention from some attorneys that they should.
If you are told there is not enough time, when you go to court, ask the judge for a continuance. Explain that you have applied for an attorney and/or called him but have not heard from him. Be very very nice, not belligerent.
There is no reason to plead guilty without talking to an attorney first. You have a right to representation and with no attorney, any plea bargain you are offered by the D.A. will not be as good.
I’m so sorry that you are in this situation.
The best place for total DUI information is:
Get on that site and research as much as you can. If this is your first offense, you may be able to take a plea deal or ask for a continuance so you can evaluate your options. You might also be able to find a cheaper attorney if you get a continuance.
Anyway, that website will help you, so get there ASAP, and good luck to you.
Hope it works out and please post a follow up. Good luck to you.