do i need an attorney to appear in court to plead no contest to a dui.. they are quite expensive ..?

Answer 1

Is this your first offense?
If so, you can save some $$$ by forgetting about a lawyer who can't do much for you anyway. The penalties are prescribed by statute, and a first offense is unlikely to get you jail time.
You can discuss your case with the prosecutor, they will tell you the sentence they will recommend, usually a hefty fine and some type of DUI diversion class. If that's it, save the $1,000 a lawyer will charge you.
If any of the above is not the case, then all bets are off. If it's NOT your first offense, then you need a lawyer or things can go really badly for you.

Answer 2

Technicaly, no. However, its extremely unwise to try to handle a DUI representing yourself. Let me explain why:

1) If you plead no contest, you're giving up a number of important rights, as the judge will explain to you. (or at least he/she should). This includes the right to be resumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. There are a fair number of DUI cases I've handled where the police made enough mistakes to result in a finding of not guilty after trial.

2) Diversion (or its equivalent) may be an option for you. This will result in some of the penalties, but not all, from a conviction, but will probably spare you from having an actual DUI on your record. In diversion, you conditionally plead guilty, but then sentencing is deffered as long as you comply with a series of requirements. This often includes a fee, some classes, education, and monitoring for a period of time, up to a year or perhaps 18 months. Diversion is usually only offered to first time offenders.

3) If it is NOT your first offense, then depending on your state, you may be looking at a significant jail sentence. This could be in addition to other problems such as administrative revocation of your drivers license, etc. The administrative revocation proceeding usually happens independently of the criminal proceeding, so you may be out of luck on that.

In short, you're doing yourself a great disservice if you don't have an attorney representing you. The attorney may be expensive, but the attorney's fee will be less than the long term effects of a DUI on your record. I strongly urge you to get an attorney to represent you in this matter.

For a referral, contact your state or local bar association.

Answer 3

My sister have been given arrested for DUI approximately 3 years in the past and he or she tried to plead to blame with out lawyer. The choose asked her if she had to bypass to penitentiary, at which she spoke back no. The choose suggested she extra useful get a lawyer then. He delivers it a attempt even although this is approximately money and the full gadget (even the legal specialists) get some. we live in Iowa and a familiar time DUI finally ends up costing approximately $6000 right here. If he's close to the poverty line for earnings he might get a courtroom appointed lawyer for unfastened.

Answer 4

You don't need a lawyer if you plan to simply plead no contest. You are throwing yourself on the mercy of the court and hoping the D.A. will give you a break by not forcing them into a trial situation. I would first advice going to a community legal clinic and at least getting a consultation first to see if there might be some circumstance that would mitigate the seriousness of the accusation.

Answer 5

I wouldn't go without a lawyer. The judge could give you jail time and higher fines then he might if you had a lawyer. Let's put it this way..I've been in municipal court quite a few times and have never seen anyone charged with DUI without a lawyer.

Answer 6

an attorney might be expensive, but it might be worth it, depends on where you live and what you do for a living - do you really want to lose your license? You should at least review your rights with an attorney. Call your local bar association and get a referral.

Answer 7

They are expensive. But I would diffentally get a lawyer.