when charged with dwi should i get a court appointed lawyer or not

by Nicklaus Wuckert 7 min read

State and federal law generally guarantee the assistance of counsel to all defendants in criminal cases. Because driving under the influence (DUI) is a crime, anyone charged with a DUI has the right to be represented by an attorney. If the defendant can't afford to hire an attorney, the court will appoint one at the government's expense.

A DUI conviction can result in expensive fines, the loss of your driver's license, and could impact your job and daily life. If you care about your driving privileges and want to keep a criminal conviction off your record, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a California DUI arrest.

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer for a DUI case?

Mar 01, 2022 · Driving under the determine is considered a crime in every state. so, DUI charges are handled in criminal court. You have a right to represent yourself in criminal court. But most defendants either hire a private lawyer or are represented by a …

What is a court-appointed Attorney for a DUI?

Driving under the influence is considered a crime in every state. So, DUI charges are handled in criminal court. You have a right to represent yourself in criminal court. But most defendants either hire a private lawyer or are represented by a public defender appointed by the court.

Can I represent myself in court for a DUI charge?

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. You don't get to choose the PD; the government selects one for you.

Is it worth it to hire a private lawyer for DUI?

If you are charged with a DUI, it's time to think of a defense. While it is possible to defend yourself, in almost all situations, you should consider working with a lawyer. That leaves you with two options, as provided for by the sixth amendment: a court appointed lawyer or a professional DUI lawyer. Are there differences? Absolutely.

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...

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.

What is a court appointed attorney?

What Is a Court-Appointed Attorney? A court-appointed attorney can be either a public defender or a private attorney who's appointed by the court to represent the defendant. Public defenders generally handle only court-appointed cases. Private attorneys, on the other hand, typically work in private practice but also accept court-appointed cases ...

What is considered indigent in a case?

In many states, a defendant is considered indigent and eligible for a court-appointed attorney if unable to hire an attorney without substantial economic hardship. In making this determination, the judge usually considers the financial resources of the defendant and his or her spouse.

Can a court appointed attorney hire an interpreter?

Generally, court-appointed lawyers can also hire investigators, interpreters, and expert witnesses at the government's expense if reasonably necessary to handle the case. Typically, a defendant who's eligible for a court-appointed attorney doesn't have the right to choose which attorney is appointed.

Can a defendant waive the right to counsel?

Though generally not advisable, defendants also have the option of waiving the right to counsel and representing themselves (called "pro se"). An appointed lawyer generally continues to represent the defendant through all criminal court proceedings resulting from the defendant's DUI arrest.

Can a DUI be suspended?

Although a DUI conviction will normally result in license suspension, the DMV can suspend a driver's license even without a conviction in criminal court.

Does a DUI require an attorney?

Because driving under the influence (DUI) is a crime, anyone charged with a DUI has the right to be represented by an attorney. If the defendant can't afford to hire an attorney, the court will appoint one at the government's expense.

Richard Ursha II

Hire a local attorney asap. You only have 15 days to request a hearing on your license. A court appointed attorney will not do this for you. You can't afford not to hire an attorney because just the DPS Surcharge (up to $6,000) and fine (up to $4,000) for a DWI first. Good luck!

Brian John Willett

I would never use a court appointed attorney for a DWI offense. To be adequately defended it could include the need for an ALR hearing to defend your driver's license and possibly looks for possible motion to supress issues concerning your case.

Charles K. Kenyon Jr

If you qualify for a court-appointed lawyer you do not have the resources to hire an attorney privately. That said, what you need is a lawyer who can provide quality representation in a DWI case.#N#Sometimes people think that because it isn’t a murder case, a drunk driving case is simple. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Greg Thomas Hill

It matters on a lot of factors. Since your criminal history can have huge consequences to you later in life (you sound young), I would not mess around. I would hire a private attorney who can read the police report and who knows the local courts and the judges and DA's. The case may be eligible for dismissal on some basis.

Bruce Ward Bain

Nicely said by Jennifer Wirsching. If you qualify for a private attorney you will not get an appointed atty. You know the part that says if you cannot afford one.....

Jennifer J Wirsching

It's up to you. Do you want a lawyer who has time to speak to you and spend time on your case? Hire a lawyer. If you want an overworked lawyer who likely can't spend time speaking to you and will only see you on court dates, go with a PD (if you qualify for a PD.)

Jared Clayton Austin

You definitely need an attorney and one who specializes or heavily concentrates in DUI defense. That is the advantage of retaining your own attorney over having a court-appointed one. A high BAC is very serious and some prosecutors offices will only offer you to "plea on the nose" and will offer no reduction.

Bennett Asbury Hutson

You should generally hire a private lawyer, if you are able, in a DUI case. In many jurisdictions, you have the right to contest the license suspension in an administrative proceeding. Court-appointed lawyers generally only assist with the court case (as that is their constitutional mandate), and not the admin proceeding concerning your license...

Jay Scott Finnecy

I can understand your concerns because you may very well have your license suspended for a period of time based on a BAC over twice the legal limit. IF you can afford a private DUI attorney, you should retain one immediately. If you cannot, then you will need to rely upon a public defender when you apprear in court.