Should I have a lawyer for my first DUI?
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Should I have a lawyer for my first DUI?
Asked on April 15, 2009 under Criminal Law, Florida
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 15 years ago | Contributor
The usual answer is "yes!"
It all depends on the circumstances, the penalty you'd likely get without a lawyer, the impact the conviction would have on you and your life and ability to earn a living, what would happen if you are ever stopped again, the proof the police have, whether there may be any defect in the evidence collection or instrumentation, court calendars and the prosecutor's willingness to accept a plea to a lesser offense hat is not nearly as serious as a DUI.
Usually a good DUI lawyer can help achieve a significantly more favorable result -- even if you are guilty -- than pleading guilty and taking a straight conviction (but not always).
Check out the DUI section of https://law.FreeAdvice.com for some things lawyer do to defend these cases. For a DUI lawyer go to www.AttorneyPages.com
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 15 years ago | Contributor
You are entitled to a public defender. A client who has himself as his lawyer has a fool for a client. Basically, since this is your first one, there will be more opportunity for negotiating (plea bargaining) with the prosecutor -- so better to have a lawyer help you on this one.
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