Choosing A DUI Attorney Over a Public Defender

If you have been arrested and are charged with a DUI, you might wonder if your attorney will be free. You might also wonder if a free attorney is worth your time or if you should consult with a DUI law firm.

The truth is that things may not be very clear cut. You may have to think about whether you can afford an attorney, and you may also consider if you can afford not to hire an attorney. Both choices have some consequences you need to think about.

When You Have Access to a Public Defender

You may have access to a public defender when you are unable to pay for an attorney yourself. You may not have the resources necessary to pay for your lawyer, so you will be assigned a defender based on those available.

Keep in mind that you may not have access to a public defender in every situation. For example, the court may determine that you make too much money and can afford your own attorney based on the assets available to you. Each case is different, so you may need to ask if you qualify when you attend your first hearing.

When You Should Use a Public Defender

In some cases, money may be hard to come by. If this is the case, you may not know how to pay for your legal services. You may be in a tough spot financially, and this is when you are best suited to use a defender.

When You Should Hire a DUI Attorney

Often, public defenders are underfunded and very busy. They may not always have the time and money to dedicate to your case. This means you may not have the best possible defense. While many people have success with public defenders, you should carefully consider hiring a DUI attorney. If you can afford a DUI attorney, you should consider hiring one so that you can provide the best possible defense.

For instance, a public defender may not have the funds to secure an expert witness who can provide valuable insight into your case. A DUI attorney is willing to do this for you.

If you have a case that is more complicated or you have a lot to lose, you should certainly work with a DUI attorney. An attorney that you hire will dedicate more resources to your case, ensuring that you have the best defense possible.

To learn more, contact a DUI attorney.