Do you need a lawyer if you have a DUI?
My husband got arrested for DUI and his blood alcohol level was pretty high but it is his first DUI. He plans on pleading guilty but does he need a lawyer anyway? I really don’t want him to have to go to prison over this stupid mistake but is there jail time involved with the first DUI? We live in California if that helps any.
The DA isn’t going to meet with your husband unless your husband is representing himself.
The sentencing for DUI in California is almost set in stone so there’s not a lot to be gained in that respect by having an attorney. However, your husband should absolutely consult with an attorney regarding the case before he pleads guilty. There could be any number of issues with the case that an attorney will recognize and which could result in a dismissal. On the other hand, I have seen a few attorneys that have dragged their client into court to contest the charges because the cop was wearing blue socks instead of black on the night of the arrest. That’s a money-maker for the attorney, but a loser for the client.
I’ve made over 500 DUI arrests in my career and have been to trial on less than 10. First offense drivers seem to just plead themselves out and take their lumps.
Suffolk County DWI Lawyers – DUI Defense Attorney NY