You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but a first DUI is a criminal charge with real consequences, and having one usually helps. Even a first offense can carry county jail exposure of up to six months, fines, a license suspension, DUI school, and years of probation. That is a lot to face on your own.
A DUI is not a traffic ticket you just pay. There are two separate cases running at once, the court case and the DMV case, and the DMV side has a 10-day deadline that is easy to miss. A lawyer handles both tracks so nothing slips.
Beyond deadlines, an attorney reviews the parts of the case that most people cannot see on their own. Was the traffic stop legal? Were the field sobriety tests scored fairly? Was the breath machine calibrated and the blood handled correctly? Any of these can create room to reduce or challenge the charge.
There is also a practical benefit. On a misdemeanor first DUI, your lawyer can often go to court for you, so you may avoid taking time off work to stand in front of a judge.
Joe Crudo gives every client direct attorney access and a thorough look at the evidence, not a rushed plea. See the first DUI practice area for more.
This is general information, not legal advice, and every case is different. Call Crudo Law at (858) 622-7280 or visit /contact for a free, confidential consultation.