1st Offense OWI Questions

[ddr3ck]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MICHIGAN

I recently was arrested for an OWI in Rochester, Mi. I blew a .13 at the time of arrest and subsequently a .15 when they took me to the holding cell. I was recently laid off from my job and I am currently a full time student, and I truly can not afford the expense of a private attorney. My question (to anyone who's had experience with this) is how much of a difference does using a Public Defender, as opposed to a private attorney, make in cases like these? It was my first alcohol related offense and I know the fines and penalties are going to be costly, and I would like to save any money that I can on legal representation. Also, I am aware that I have to qualify for a Public Defender and I believe I will.

Advice please...

Thank You

 

[FlyingRon]

If you can afford to hire private counsel you probably WILL NOT qualify for the public defender. The PD is for those unable rather than unwilling to pay for private counsel.

 

[ddr3ck]

I'm not unwilling, I know that i can't afford to hire a private counsel.

 

[ddr3ck]

I guess I could have worded the second to last sentence a little better.

 

[Hurly-berly]

My husband was arrested and charged with drunk driving in Michigan back in 2003. We were both working professionals and homeowners at the time. My husband was very worried about being convicted of a felony and his present employer finding out. We hired a lawyer and it cost about $800. In the end it was worth it because our lawyer went to court on three different occasions for him. One time he submitted something to the court to grant my husband permission to leave Michigan and drive down to Florida for the holidays. Our lawyer was able to plead him down to a misdemeanor. He also managed to secure the lowest fines possible. Perhaps a public defender can do this too.

The best thing about the private attorney was that he was always available to talk to us about the case. I was so distraught at the time about the whole situation that it felt good to have someone there for us. He took many phone calls from me and answered all of my questions. It was a tough situation and my husband truly felt ashamed. Our lawyer never talked down to him and made him feel like scum for making a stupid mistake.

If there is any way you can hire a lawyer I would. You are talking about a conviction that will leave with a criminal record that will follow you the rest of your life. Good luck to you.