Lawyer up or no lawyer?

[Blueshirts]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois - Cook county.

First DUI offense this past Friday. Pulled over for speeding and charged with a DUI / speeding / improper lane usage.

I am guilty. No denying that. Have heard both sides but I'm hoping I can qualify for the MDDP and supervision with the classes, community service, etc.

I know lawyers generally fight for the FST, breath test results, valid stop, etc.

I made the biggest mistake of my life last Friday and I don't know what to do.

Court date is 12/02, this is just before the "Hard" 30 day suspension kicks in.
My head is spinning and I don't know what to do.

 

[Isis1]

Do lots of reading!

I didn't have a lawyer for mine. And since i have no intention of getting a second one, i have no intention of hiring one for later. But i'd advise anyone getting a second one to get an attorney.

There's a portion on this site that gives each states penalties for first DUIers. Now, are you on probation for anything? A history of crminal activity involving drugs or alcohol? Are you over 18? Are you over 21?

 

[Isis1]

Oh. I'm gonna take my advice back on that. I just read the site i was referring to. At least consult with a few attorneys, sit in on a few cases, listen carefully for first time offenses. Cuz this doesn't look good.

Illinois DUI Lawyers, Attorneys, & Convictions

 

[Blueshirts]

That's been my consensus for the research that I have done.

First Offense, I'm 33 years old. I admit and acknowledge that I am guilty and made a huge mistake.

No one was with me, no injuries, no accident.

I don't think hiring a lawyer is going to help me. Essentially they are going to put a guilty plea in for me. I can do that and I can request the BAIID or MDDP program.

I am not on probation. I have a possession charge < 2.5 grams from about 6 years a go. Which I went through and took care of everything.

I just feel that hiring a lawyer at this point and spending the $2,500 or whatever is not to my benefit.

I know I'm looking at minimum $500 fine. 100 hours of community service, BAIID device for 3 months or 6 months. Insurance premium going up, etc.

 

[Mass_Shyster]

Note: This was in Mass. The laws are different, but the effect of having a lawyer is probably similar.

Someone I know (no, it wasn't me) was arrested on a Saturday night for DUI, and showed up at his arraignment Monday morning. Instead of getting a continuance, he disposed of the entire thing at the arraignment. The attorney knew what the 'standard' was for a guilty plea for a first offense and simply disposed of it. The offender had a limited license on Thursday of the same week.

He also paid a boatload for fees/fines/insurance, etc. His lawyer charged him $500 for the single appearance.

If you're not going to fight it, a lawyer will know what the 'standard' penalties are, and get you that. If you go in without knowing what you're doing, you may end up with the maximum penalty.

 

[Blueshirts]

Thank you Steve.

Yes laws are quite different for each state and I know they increased the penalties in IL, as of Jan - 09.

It basically implemented the BAIID device in lieu of the JDP. I expect to qualify for this and intend to go through all the steps necessary to not get a conviction on my record. Just not sure what the lawyer brings to the table other than arguing stuff (FST, breath, stop, procedure) that is a stretch in regards to dropping this charge.