| So, you are thinking of representing yourself? | | | | Each drunk driving case can be completely different |
| In almost every sense of the procedures that | | | | from the next, so taking advice from your friends is |
| accompany a drunk driving charge, an attorney is the | | | | probably not the best idea in this situation. Your friend's |
| best source of information and can really help you in | | | | judge may have been sympathetic to his or her |
| your biggest time of need. Even if you use the public | | | | situation, but may not feel the same about yours. |
| defender, that's better than only having yourself to | | | | Additionally, the lawyer that he or she chose may not |
| blame for the outcome. By paying those fees, you | | | | be able to help you. It is always best to look for |
| could avoid paying some serious fines, spending time in | | | | individualized legal representation. If in doubt, directly |
| jail, losing your job, or even having your license | | | | compare the details of your charge(s) to the adviser's |
| suspended. | | | | charge(s) to clarify any confusion. You may discover |
| Objection! Legal Proceedings and the Unrepresented | | | | that your situation is entirely unlike the one your friend |
| Defense | | | | was in. |
| Do you know how to represent yourself in court? | | | | Education Is Key |
| Knowing the how's, when's and why's of the | | | | Always take time to read up on the charges you've |
| courtroom are essential to your case. While some | | | | received and any information that could help your |
| judges are understanding and take the time to steer | | | | case. It's best to learn the normal jargon that a drunk |
| you in the right direction, others are irritated by a | | | | driving attorney might use during your consultation. |
| person's disrespect for legal rulings and will treat you | | | | Also, remember that it's not a crime to shop around |
| as if you are your own drunk driving attorney. | | | | for the best professional representation for your |
| You'll need to be on top of all current rules of | | | | particular circumstances. |
| presenting evidence, procedures involving criminal | | | | On one hand, the cost of a drunk driving attorney |
| activity, and proper formulations of questions (not to | | | | could be unnecessary if you have interviewed some |
| mention making objections when necessary). If you're | | | | lawyers and they think you can win it on your own, but |
| not careful, the prosecutor could turn what originally | | | | this is uncommon. On the other hand, professional |
| might have been an open and shut case into a | | | | assistance could have a serious positive effect on the |
| worst-case scenario. | | | | outcome of the trial. |
| Individual Differences | | | | |