Would a public defender be good enough? I was below the .08 blood alcohol level. I think that is just driving under the influence. How much does a typical criminal attorney charge for this? Are the judges in Howard County lenient or tough?I feel very guilty and scared, and want to put this behind me.
2007-04-06 11:46:47 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Relax!! Word of advice, do not hire a public defender for a DWI / DUI case. A good attorney will charge anywhere from 3-5K to take a DWI case. Don't be scared though, chances are you will get a PBJ. I have attached a really good site targetlaw.com to search for DWI attorneys. I would do a search for Maryland DWI attorney or Maryland drunk driving attorney or Columbia DWI attorney and so forth. Just do a search and start calling around to the listed lawyers. You can also check out a site called findlaw for more information about the DWI in your state. Again, don't worry you should be fine.
2007-04-06 15:03:37 · answer #1 · answered by Rich B 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You absolutely need a lawyer that specializes in DWI in the state of Maryland. Get an attorney that does a lot of criminal defense in Howard County, he or she may know the judges and the system. You also might have to go to an administrative hearing at the local motor vehicles administration to try and keep you license. A .07 is still pretty high, you do not want to risk it. I would ask around (discretely) of anyone that knows a good attorney. More people than you think get charged with DWI's everyday, which is not a good.
2007-04-06 12:08:15 · answer #2 · answered by Rudai B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a lawyer. If you go with the PD, you get what you pay for. I don't know what the laws in MD are, I'm in NJ. But here, you can still lose your license even if you are UNDER the legal limit, if the prosecution can show that you were impaired. It really doesn't matter if the judges are lenient or tough. Your lawyer will be able to get all the facts of the case and get you the best possible outcome. It's not up to the judge's discretion. If you're guilty of it, there are certain mandatory minimums he MUST impose, which includes loss of your license. If yourr lawyer shows that you are innocent, then you're home free.
Love Jack
2007-04-06 12:56:18 · answer #3 · answered by Jack 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you can be prosecuted even though you are below .08. On borderline cases like this the prosecutor might have the arresting officer testify about your inability to walk in a straight line, count backward, or your odor of alcohol or bloodshot eyes. They may have videotaped you either on the roadside or back at the station which I guarantee will be very damaging because you will look like a complete idiot, talking funny, staggering, etc. All that evidence, plus a .07, is enough to convict you. I don't know about Howard County but generally these days the criminal justice system views drunken drivers as the equivalent of child molesters. It might cost a few thousand bucks for a defense lawyer but if you have it, it could keep you from losing your license.
2007-04-06 12:28:52 · answer #4 · answered by njyogibear 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Generally in a DUI or DWI case such as yours, an attorney is definately recommended. I have listed some points.
1. The probelm with a public defender is the back log of cases they have to take. A public defender works long hours and have cases that range from theft, drugs, DUI, to murder. A public defender could be hard to reach because most of their clients are in jail because they cannot afford bail. This is also why they have a free attorney.
A public defender could defend you, but usually they have little interest in your case because of their workload. They will usually try to get you to plea out on the Prosecutors terms.
2. Your best bet for a good plea bargin, or to maybe even walk away, is to hire an attorney who specializes in DUI - DWI defense. Typically prosecutors will not fight speciality attorneys and will listen to a plea agreement set out by your attorney. This is only if you have a first time offense! If you are a habitual offender, the prosecutor won't be up to terms.
3. If you looking at expense, it will pay to hire the attorney. Either way you will have to pay. A public defender will not get a deal as good as a hired attorney, hence you will pay court fees and fines totalling what an paid attorney will cost. A first offense will usually cost between 2000 to 5000 in my state. I live in the Midwest, so your state will probably cost more.
Hopefully you have learned your lesson. Just remember that 2nd time offenses are considered felonies in most states now.
2007-04-06 12:15:33 · answer #5 · answered by william74044 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is not illegal to drink, and drive if you are of drinking age. The violation is operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. That could be at any level. you definitely need an attorney, and usually a public defender is only assigned when the person can prove that they have no means of hiring a lawyer. So unless you're on welfare, have six kids, and absolutely no form of a regular income, you better start making some phone calls.
2007-04-06 12:39:15 · answer #6 · answered by CGIV76 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My own experience: I hired the high priced attorney. I got the same crap representation that the public defenders give. Take the free service, if you qualify. The judges and lawyers are all in bed together anyway. They are all on the same side, and it ain't yours, darling.
Best thing you can do is show up when you are told to and LOOK and DRESS business/conservative. Speak clearly to the judge with sir/ma'am and make eye contact.
2007-04-06 12:44:45 · answer #7 · answered by .. .this can't be good 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I genuinely have a more advantageous perfect question: imagine you pass out ingesting and partying one nighttime, then you're waking up in a penal complicated cellular. Your first theory is: "Uh-oh, no longer strong." it extremely is until eventually eventually the CO tells you you're being charged with DUI (DWI) and Vehicular attack or Manslaughter because the teenage cheerleader in the truck you pulverized is now a parapalegic or useless. became one nighttime of ingesting well worth 10, 15, two decades of your existence, residing that complete time with the comprehend-how that you KILLED or completely maimed someone? 2 months in the past the following, a touch 4-12 months previous boy became struck and killed at the same time as using his huge Wheel by technique of a 20 12 months previous lady who were at a celebration and became rather over the reduce, yet as a minor, she became over the reduce for an man or woman and she killed a touch boy. How ought to you want to be her at present? Sound like exciting?... or a shaggy dog tale? Get a journey, call a cab, spend the nighttime! "DRINK. force. pass to penal complicated."
2016-12-03 10:09:45 · answer #8 · answered by kimmy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll probably just be charged with a wet wreckless charge if any in your state. In California below .8 is a wet wreckless which is a way less severe punishment, than a DUI. Mine cost 14k including a fender bender because my car insurance dropped me, no time in jail I hired an Attorney but it was very expensive (in California of course) I blew a .14... you should be fine, don't worry too much...
2007-04-06 12:07:34 · answer #9 · answered by 00666 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES! YES! YES! Always have a lawyer represent you w/ a DUI charge... I know firsthand from the words of a judge... you will be doing yourself a huge favor to spend a little extra on atty. fees than to represent yourself. No judge will hold much respect for anyone appearing in his court on his (her) own behalf and this will reflect in the sentencing imposed. And, dress for success is a benefit as well. Good luck. And a public defender is just fine.
2007-04-06 11:54:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋