Is an attorney recommended for a first offense DUI in California?

Question

No crash, criminal record, anything. Got pulled over for incomplete stop at stop sign and got a DUI (chose blood test over breathalyzer). If I'm not contesting the DUI, is it still worth it to get an attorney? Or just go in myself and plead guilty? The attorney fees would come in real handy elsewhere, but if it helps...

Thank you.

Answer 1

I think in any DUI having an attorney is essential. If this is your first offense an attorney may be able to help you get the case plead down to a non DUI offense. I am an attorney in Ohio and can often get first time offenders tickets plead down to a lesser non DUI offense.

An attorney can also negotiate with the prosecutor on your suspension and other punishments. They can also help you obtain driving privileges. A good attorney will be familar with the judges/prosecutors attitudes and what they normally do in DUI cases.

This helps to protect your criminal and BMV record. In Ohio the look back period for DUI's is 6 years and up to 20 in some cases. I don't know the law in California but you don't want to just plead guilty and get another DUI in 10 years and have it come back to bite you b/c you didn't do all you could to protect yourself the first time.

You could also plead not guilty and attend the pre trial with the prosecutor yourself. But again you won't be as familar with how the court handles DUI's as an attorney. At the very least it never hurts to set up an office visit and get an attorney's opinion.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

the best thing the lawyer does is, he takes care of all the paper work and makes sure you get treated like a human being during any court procedures. Also a good lawyer can argue down some points or since it was a blood test maybe can challenge the results. Its not always about challenging the dui but rather making sure that they dont try to make an example of you. Also if you have the time, start attending AA meetings. if you attend enough, you can get days off of your Weekend Work Program/ Jail time.

Answer 4

Anytime you are accused a lawyer is a good idea. "A person who represents himself has a fool for a client." You never, ever give police evidence to convict you. And a police officers job is to gather evidence which can and will be held against you. Believe them when they tell you that. Shut up and lawyer up. Your lawyer will have to overcome the blood test, but I've seen it done, for all who could afford to pay, time and time again. AND don't re-offend. Learn your lesson, don't drink and drive, it's a lot cheaper, not to mention safer for you and others. Good luck.

Answer 5

I used to work for a criminal lawyer and yes it does make a big difference. Look for someone who used to work in the District Attorney's office.

Answer 6

Only an attorney can answer that question. But you need to talk to a couple of them to get an honest on. What part of Cali? I work for attorneys in O.C. and know quite a few of (yes, I will say it) honest attorneys.

Answer 7

go for the arraignment by yourself, you can ask the prosecutor or the judge what sort of penalty you are likely to get. WIth a lawyer, it would almost certainly be less, so you'll just ahve to see what is at stake. THere are usually very heavy fines involved, so you might not be saving anything by skipping the lawyer.

Answer 8

if you're not contesting it then you're pretty much pleady guilty so just bite the bullet and save the dough. if you want to get off then I'd suggest you get a lawyer. it'll be rough though. sometimes employers will check for stuff like that. it will come back to haunt you eventualy.

Answer 9

Criminal Records Database : http://CriminalRecords.InfoSearchDetective.com

Answer 10

Awesome answers given