what if i can't get a lawyer for a dui

If you’re arrested for a DUI and you can't afford an attorney, the government will pick up the tab and provide you with a lawyer (called a public defender, or “PD”). A public defender is provided because the Supreme Court has ruled that persons facing possible jail time have a right to court-appointed counsel.

Full Answer

Should I hire an attorney to fight my DUI charge?

You should hire an attorney for a DUI case because doing so gives you your best chance of not spending time in jail, not having your driver’s license suspended, and/or not paying several thousand...

How do I find the best DUI defense lawyers?

• Questions about the attorney’s experience, such as what percentage of the lawyer’s workload has been dedicated to similar cases.
• How often the lawyer has worked out plea agreements.
• The number of trials the attorney has handled, including what percentage go to trial.
• Whether you should go to trial or plead guilty.

More items...

When to hire a DWI attorney?

When you're deciding which DUI attorney to hire, you should take these factors into consideration:

• Their familiarity with DUI/DWI laws in your state. Consider how many DUI cases they've been involved in, how much of their legal practice is devoted strictly to defending DWI cases, ...
• Fees for their services.
• How much of your case they will directly handle . ...
• Their relationship to the prosecution . ...

How much does a DWI lawyer cost on average?

When entering a plea, a DUI lawyer typically costs anywhere between $700 and $1,500. If you end up going to trial, the costs associated with this process ranges between $1,500 and $4,000 on average, or as expensive as $10,000+ for more extreme cases.

Getting A Lawyer's Opinion About Your Case

It’s difficult for someone with no legal experience or training to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a DUI case. DUI law is complicated and co...

Cases Where Hiring An Attorney Might Not Be Worth It

Prosecutors usually have a standard first-offense plea offer. In other words, they offer everyone with a standard first DUI the same plea deal—whic...

You Need An Attorney to Go to Trial

Though you’re entitled to represent yourself in a DUI trial, it’s almost never a good plan. The learning curve for trial practice is steep and usua...

When You Need a DUI Attorney

Here are some circumstances where you definitely need a DUI defense attorney on your side.

Contact Our Greenville DUI Defense Attorneys

All in all, an attorney can be an excellent fit for you and also help you with several legal troubles that you couldn’t handle on your own. However, an attorney can also be another bill that you have to pay unnecessarily. Each case is different from the rest, and it would be best to plan your situation well and make the decision on your own.

Should I Get A Lawyer For My First DUI?

Driving under the influence is a serious offense. Nevertheless, at The Lockwood Legal Group, we occasionally hear from people who question whether they need a lawyer if this is their first time arrested for a DUI.

Did You Take a Roadside Chemical Test?

In addition to any court-ordered suspension, if you refused a chemical test after being stopped, then you will become subject to a one-year suspension associated with the refusal. It will be very difficult to get to work and meet other responsibilities without your license, so you would benefit from a lawyer’s assistance.

Do You Understand How a Conviction Will Affect Subsequent Convictions?

You should always try to keep any and all DUIs off your record. Once you receive an initial conviction, you will face greater punishment for any subsequent DUIs, including, but not limited to:

Did Someone Become Injured in the Accident?

If you injure someone while driving intoxicated, you will face much more severe punishments. Regardless of whether this is your first DUI or not.

Getting a DUI In Michigan

This article details what happens if you get a DUI in Indiana. However, attorneys at The Lockwood Legal Group also practice law in Michigan. Thus, if you have obtained a DUI in Michigan, contact The Lockwood Legal Group by phone or email.

Assistance With Substance Abuse

If you are in need of substance abuse treatment, attorneys at The Lockwood Legal Group can assist you in obtaining help.

Speak with an Indiana DUI Attorney Today

An initial arrest for DUI is a very serious event, but you do have options for contesting the charge. At The Lockwood Legal Group, we represent drivers arrested for DUI, and we are here to help you.

Why do you need a private attorney?

One reason that weighs in favor of hiring a private attorney is to represent you in administrative DMV hearings. A private attorney can represent you at both the court and DMV hearings, but a PD will represent you only in court (because the DMV hearing has no potential for jail time).

Why do we need a public defender?

A public defender is provided because the Supreme Court has ruled that persons facing possible jail time have a right to court-appointed counsel. You don't get to choose the PD; the government selects one for you. A public defender is provided because the Supreme Court has ruled that persons facing possible jail time must have an adequate defense.