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  • bbaby 6:36 am on March 13, 2010 Permalink |

    don’t drink while intoxicated. why would you ever do that in the first place? trying to kill an innocent driver?

  • Salem 6:36 am on March 13, 2010 Permalink |

    Tell the prosecutor you are willing to plead to the minimums so it can be done today. Be ready for mandatory jail time (usually 7 days), fines and a lengthy suspension.

    PS–you are not guaranteed an attorney for a DUI.

  • kaisergirl 6:36 am on March 13, 2010 Permalink |

    Cant you get a court-appointed lawyer if you cant afford one on your own? Really makes no difference. 2nd offense- the punishment is usually the same for everyone no matter what, and that includes some "shock time" in the county lock up. THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK.

    edit- what state are you in? in the state of MO 2nd offence is NOT a felony, the 3rd one is.

  • mufasa1023 6:36 am on March 13, 2010 Permalink |

    first thing to do is go to your prelim exam and talk face to face with the prosecutor, usually they are very straightforeward about things and aren’t really out there to "get you" take a friend for moral support if you can, ask the prosecutor what their plea offer is…..make sure to find out what the maximum punishment is for the crime that you are pleading too, and what the judge is likely to give you, in most places the judge is not bound by what the prosecutor suggests

    if you are willing to accept the plea-deal you can accept it (thoughin Michigan, you cannot get sentenced at that time you have to come back for another hearing after you get a PSR)

    if you don’t like the plea- tell the prosecutor you would like a court appointed attorney which will cost you money but you can usually pay it off in the long run plus it sets the punishment off into the future, then you can come back for another prelim exam and/or trial

    the biggest problem of course is the punishment is likely to include some heavy fines which are generally payable on the day you are sentenced so start saving your pennies

    in MI the fine is generally 800-1000 for 2nd offense and possible jail time of 5 days to 1 year (rare but possible)

    if you get a court appointed attorney you will pay an extra 200-500 but they usually have a wink wink nod nod system with the prosecutor to drop your fines accordingly

  • Windy 6:36 am on March 13, 2010 Permalink |

    Fill out the paperwork for a court appointed lawyer. The state already knows what it will do for the 2nd offense. You probably can’t get out of it, you’re going to lose your license, paid the court fees, and do community service for a court appointed lawyer. If you can get the charges reduced, good luck. I don’t think there is much that anyone can tell you. DWI is pretty serious. The courts have a field day with them.

  • cabingirl 6:36 am on March 13, 2010 Permalink |

    DONT DRINK AND DRIVE< YOU CAN KILL SOMEONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Quad Kings 6:36 am on March 13, 2010 Permalink |

    If you can’t afford a lawyer, then the court will appoint a public defender to you.

  • missybishi 6:36 am on March 13, 2010 Permalink |

    Going to court on a first DUI or DWI without a lawyer is a bad idea… let alone on your second one, which is likely a felony charge! You are facing serious consequences – it would be worth it to get a lawyer.

    What you can do is contact your state bar, and ask where to find lawyers in your state at a discounted rate. Usually if you legitimately cannot afford legal counsel, their are organizations that offer these services for free or for very cheap.

    It’s possible that a lawyer may be appointed for you [[a public defender]], but they try to reserve those for the more serious cases. But you can certainly petition the court to try to get one that way.

    If you do this without a lawyer, you may as well just walk straight into prison now.