my first offense, I kind of want to represent myself.. I blew a 1.5.. I also admitted to being drunk.. Im def goin to plead guilty, I dont want to hire an attorney to hold my hand or something, can I do this by myself?? I got this in New York by the way
2007-10-13 17:07:52 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
1. I understand my actions, and I def dont expect to get a slap on the wrist.. I dont have the money to get a lawyer though.. after I find out what the laws are whats my first step... contact the judge maybe??
2007-10-13 17:41:27 · update #1
As they say, "if you represent yourself in court, you have a fool for a client". You already plead guilty when you admitted to being drunk.
Let's hope that the cop does not show up in court to testify against you.
2007-10-13 17:14:25 · answer #1 · answered by Ti 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no reason why you can not represent yourself.
However try pleading no contest instead of guilty!
Why becuase it will change the out come of the sentence, and I would strongly suggest looking at the laws for DWI in NY.
Your license most likey will be suspended, and you could spend some time in jail or pay a heavy fine, another suggestion offer commuinty service this way the judge will see you made a mistake and you tring to correct it, some states even make you take a class. LOOK up DMV laws at your local office or online.
Also find out before your court case what NY laws are!
If your really going to represent yourself than take the time to do the research.
2007-10-13 17:20:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can represent yourself, in fact you have that right. I'm not a lawyer and I can't give you legal advice, but I have seen the inside of a courtroom. I would try asking the Judge for a "continuance for dismissal" you will still have "conditions" i.e. pay a fine, go to DWI class, community service, etc. But then if you make it for a certain amount of time *determined by a judge* without ANY law violations you will not have the DWI on the record. You better be serious about straightening out though, if you mess up after the continuance it will only get worse.
2007-10-13 17:28:30 · answer #3 · answered by AFM 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you intend to plead guilty and it is your first offense then you may not have to hire an attorney although a lawyer can be yours for the asking if you do not have the money to hire one. If you decide to defend yourself be prepared to apologize to the court for your actions and swear that it will never happen again. Be very courteous and don't speak unless you are questioned. Good luck. By the way...it was stupid to drive while intoxicated. If you intended to drink then you should have taken a cab or a bus or have someone drive for you.
2007-10-13 20:16:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
THIS is why you have an attorney. NEVER plead guilty. Ever. I don't care if you blew a .50 and threw up all over the cop.
You plead NOT guilty. Then the judge says, Why? And you tell him. Then he'll probably still find you guilty, but at least he has YOUR side of the story in considering the sentence.
If you plead guilty, that's it. Done. Over. Finito. Kaput! All the judge can do is sentence you without ever hearing what you had to say. (Your explanation may not mean jack, but at least you'll have had a chance to say it.)
2007-10-13 17:17:46 · answer #5 · answered by Marc X 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to understand most judges are very arrogant. They don't like their court being treated as though anybody can come in off the street. They love their self-importance and will take personal offense at you exercising your right to defend yourself. They make up the law as they go knowing the chance of a successful appeal is less than winning the lottery. You have to play their game or they will screw you double. Just because they can. The judges are the cream of the crop but what kind of crop is it?
2007-10-13 17:19:35 · answer #6 · answered by David P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Paying a lawyer big money to go to court and get you what you should get.Maybe jail time.DWI classes that you have to pay something like $1500 for. You are already guilty. When you blew into the Breathalyzer.A lawyer will only make sure you don't get abused.
2007-10-13 17:28:12 · answer #7 · answered by Nathan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in case you characterize your self the DA received't provide you a plea deal. they could walk throughout you. they are not on your aspect, nor do they opt for to be. you're a fool in case you imagine a choose or the DA might want to be nicer to you in case you characterize your self. in case you blew a nil.142, it really is an elementary conviction and a pretyy open and close case, so the DA has no longer something to lose and also you aren't any more a legal specialist educated in fairly complicated legal strategies. A legal specialist might want to report many pre-trial motions for you that you'll not even study searching on the precise situations of the incident. Demurrers, motions to suppress, motions in limine, subpoenas for specialists, etc. you're more suitable ideal of with her than no legal specialist in any respect.
2016-10-21 03:14:04 · answer #8 · answered by butkovich 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without an attorney, you run an excellent chance of getting screwed.
All you need to do is run into an overzealous prosecutor who is out to score political points.
Remember what happened at Duke University?
2007-10-13 17:15:18 · answer #9 · answered by TedEx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You went out and got drunk and then drove. I wouldn't want someone that stupid representing me.
Drinking and driving - bad decision - strike one
Admitting guilt to the officer - bad decision - strike two
Represent self -?
Good luck and I hope you learned something through this process.
2007-10-13 17:24:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋