Should I get a lawyer or talk to the prosecutor?

Question

This is in reference to a DUI and Failure to control

Is there really any benefit to hiring a lawyer if you can negotiate with the prosecutor?? Have you had experience with negotiating with the prosecutor?? Details please


Just wanting more opinions since I didn't get many answers

Answer 1

Normally, a local attorney is well known by the judge. They might be friends, socialize with one another etc. There is an advantage to engaging an attorney for this.



lp

Answer 2

It depends GREATLY on your locality. In mine, it's generally a waste of money and time to hire a lawyer for a simple DUI (unless you want to pay for having someone hold your hand through the process). 95%+ of the time, those people here who hire an attorney end up with the exact same deal the prosecutor would have offered at the arraignment, plus a $3-4k bill from the attorney.



However, I know that in another nearby county, things are different. The DA there will always push for the maximum sentence, even on a DUI. Defendants without attorneys wind up with stiffer penalties than those who had one.

Answer 3

Truly, it is never a bad idea to talk to a lawyer.



Even if it doesn't help much, it is better than trusting in the prosecutor. Your lawyer may get you more than you expect in terms of getting reductions.



Try for one with a low consultation fee.

Answer 4

here's teh deal: if you met the legal requirement either through a blood or breath test or through the officer's observation of your impairment, chances are your goose is cooked whether you have counsel or not. You can pay all that money and get a guilty verdict, or you can save the money and get a guilty verdict. Your consequences will be the very same, and you'll have a few thousand left in your bank account.

Answer 5

i was in the same boat, if this is your first offense than dont get a lawyer just because, more than likely it wil get dropped to a wreckless opp 3 days in jail or hotel and fines up the butt. i got a lawyer and it was a waste, all my lawyer did was collect my money,and walked in had a pop with the prosecuter and just talked about other stuff not about my case. if its not felony or criminal dont get a lawyer..

Answer 6

It doesn't hurt to talk to the DA at your first appearance and see what they offer. If you're not comfortable with the offer, you can ask for a continuance in order to hire counsel.

Answer 7

If it is your 1st DUI, you can probably apply for the Adult Alcohol Education Program.

Answer 8

He won't negotiate with you, forget it. Never happens.