I am wondering if i should get a lawyer for my dui or should i just represent myself?

Question

I recently got caught at a checkpoint. I was pulled over because I had a broken tail-light and the police officer started to ask if I've been drinking. I was honest with him. I told him that I drank two beers and he proceeded to give me the sobriety tests. After completing all of his tests, he gave me 3 sets of breathalyzers. The first one was .09, the second one was .08 and the third one was .08. My friends are telling me that I can win this case with the help of a lawyer, but I am skeptical. Any feedback or help is much appreciated.

Answer 1

if its your first one just rep yourself actually they should assaign you a public defender for free who will get your dui dropped to a reckless op(same thing a lawyer would do), they have a pretty standard punishment for first time offenders (depending on where you live, they might list the offenders in the city paper and show their punishment, its always the same), second or more get a lawyer

Answer 2

you failed the breathalyzer, a lawyer wont do much if any help at all. I'd just go it yourself and be honest and hope the judge isn't out to make an example of you. In my state the most a lawyer can do is whittle the charge down from a dui to impaired driving, which carries the same consequence anyways it is just two less points on your license, not worth the thousands or more you're likely to pay for a lawyer. I represented myself during mine and just got probation.

Answer 3

see this http://legal.solutionsarticles.com/easie... it's a real good way to find a lawyer.

Answer 4

If it's your first offense, you can handle it on your own, there is very rarely jail time for a non-violent/non-danger first offense (in other words, no property or person was hurt) you'll likely get a suspended license for (most commonly) 90 days, attend driving school and a fine.

If it was your second or more oh yeah, get a lawyer...

Answer 5

If I were you I would get an attorney. If you were found guilty there would be many additional costs besides your fine or possible imprisonment. Get an attorney if you feel that you are not guilty.

Answer 6

It really dends on the state that it happened in?

Answer 7

You don't say what state you're in, but you consistently blew .08+ 3 times; in California that's DUI.  Assuming that this is your first (last and only, too, right?) DUI the most economical thing you can do is attend your court date without a lawyer, plead guilty and apologize to the court.  You'll get the same fines, probation and community service without the cost of a lawyer.

Answer 8

Take the court appointed.  In many areas they are just as good as any other lawyer

Answer 9

.It is always a good idea to get a lawyer. I don't know if you can beat it but it is in your best interest to talk to a professional. People talk smack about lawyers but when you need one, you want them to know the law.

Answer 10

Hire a good attorney, from much personal experience in this area, anyone without an attorney is going to get nailed to the wall.  It will be worth it.

Answer 11

It is well-known that one who represents himself has a fool for a client..

Unless you are well-versed in legal protocol, get a lawyer or prepare to face the maximum penalty. Many judges get peeved when someone comes in unrepresented and will make an example of you to make sure you never visit their courtroom again.

Have you ever wondered why the wealthy usually get off with little or no penalties when they break the law?  It's because they have good lawyers.....