What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New York
On Thursday I was arrested for an aggravated DWI and leaving the scene of an accident. I side swiped someone and tried to get off the highway, leading to another highway, and then finally I got off and parked my car. I know it was completely stupid of me to do this, but I completely panicked and was not acting rationally at all (clearly). Shortly after the police came and arrested me where I was charged, fingerprinted, and then they called a taxi to take me home. I am 22, have a completely clean record, and just finished my 1st semester in law school (which is why I was out drinking). This is probably the dumbest thing I have ever done in my life, and I am so thankful that I did not hurt another person. I have my arraignment this Friday and I know I need a lawyer, but my question is whether it will make a difference if I hire a lawyer or get a court appointed attorney. My father is unemployed, and I have been putting myself through school, and literally do not have any money to my name. I know this is something that I need to pay the consequences for because of how horrendously dangerous my actions were. I'm mainly concerned if hiring a lawyer versus receiving counsel from the court will make any difference. If it will somehow put me in a better position to hire an attorney, I will open a credit card to pay for them, but I was just wondering if anyone knew if it is worth it or not.
On Thursday I was arrested for an aggravated DWI and leaving the scene of an accident. I side swiped someone and tried to get off the highway, leading to another highway, and then finally I got off and parked my car. I know it was completely stupid of me to do this, but I completely panicked and was not acting rationally at all (clearly). Shortly after the police came and arrested me where I was charged, fingerprinted, and then they called a taxi to take me home. I am 22, have a completely clean record, and just finished my 1st semester in law school (which is why I was out drinking). This is probably the dumbest thing I have ever done in my life, and I am so thankful that I did not hurt another person. I have my arraignment this Friday and I know I need a lawyer, but my question is whether it will make a difference if I hire a lawyer or get a court appointed attorney. My father is unemployed, and I have been putting myself through school, and literally do not have any money to my name. I know this is something that I need to pay the consequences for because of how horrendously dangerous my actions were. I'm mainly concerned if hiring a lawyer versus receiving counsel from the court will make any difference. If it will somehow put me in a better position to hire an attorney, I will open a credit card to pay for them, but I was just wondering if anyone knew if it is worth it or not.