Would it be a good idea to get a lawyer or stick with a pulic defender in this situation?

Question

I am eligible to get a public defender but I am considering hiring a lawyer by borrowing money from a friend because I was arrested inside my house when the police were told they could not come in and I never drove the car, I was arrested because I was drunk and my car was left in the middle of the street by my friend and they came after me.

Answer 1

Did the cops print your steering wheel for prints? Even if they did your prints would be there because you drive the car everyday. Did the cops break into your home or did you leave the door open? DO NOT ever open the door if a cop knocks on it. FIRST RULE !!! If a cop wants to speak to you ever it is never good for you !!!! Any attorney will tell you this that is worth their weight in gold. The public defender I hate to say it isn't going to be that good. There is no incentive in them being that good even though they mean well. They work for the state CLICK any ideas in your mind the people trying to convict you ??? If they were any good at being attorneys they would be in PRIVATE PRACTICE making the real money. They usually make between $ 36,000 and $ 50,000 dollars a year on salary and work long hours. I mean give them a break they don't get paid much more than a teacher is they are lucky so don't expect to get great representation. Especially since their work load is usually loaded down with a huge backlog. Sometimes you get appointed a great attorney whom is obligated by the court to do some public service but these guys really don't have time for you. I would borrow the money in good faith and repay it to your friend. Seems like he or she really cares about you. I am sure a reputable attorney can get you off this charge or do a plea bargin with the District Attorney before it even has to go to the docket. Most D.A.'s just want a guarantee of some sort even if it is a little community service so that you know NOT TO EVER DRIVE DRUNK. They do it so that you won't go and kill someone. Just make sure you get deferred adjudication say for 3 to 6 months. If you don't do anything wrong in that period of time it probably won't go on your record but I don't know what state you live in. If you get a DWI it will surely ruin your future in the short run if not forever depending on your career track and responsibilites at work. GOOD LUCK !!!! GET A GREAT ATTORNEY !!!!

Answer 2

Hmmmm......... I would call a lawyer. By the way, public defenders ARE lawyers!

That is an interesting story. The exact same thing happened to my brother, except his car was wrecked and he drove it home. They came and knocked on the door and arrested him. Look dude, there may be witnesses and you don't know about it yet. Also, who are you going to say was driving the car? I'm sure there are many details you haven't said because you think it incriminates you. Well those details will be available in court.

Your best bet is to get a good lawyer - one that is a REAL A$$HOLE! He will negotiate with the prosecuter to get you the least possible punishment without even going to trial. Take it.

Answer 3

A public defender is a lawyer -- the only differences are who pays, and how much experience (and case load) they have.

A private lawyer may or may not be better qualified or more experienced, but you'll have more say in the selection -- and they private lawyer will likely be less overworked.

That's the benefit that balances against price you pay for having a private lawyer -- if you get a lawyer from the public defenders office, they will likely be more over-burdened with many other cases, and you don't have the same range of choices to pick who you want.

Answer 4

Hire a lawyer. The D.A. will never be able to get you on this. I am a paralegal, although not practicing, and if you need advice, I can help you on this.

Answer 5

if the car was your.s it cant be peoven other wise stick with the free lawer my best advise to you on that matter would be a fine . ...