Lawyer or public defender?

[TheApprentice]

What is the name of your state? California (Placer County)

Day before Thanksgiving, I was arrested and cited for DUI. Pulled me over because my friend threw a cigarette out the window. Blew a .09 on Intoxilyzer 5000 after the cops took me to the Police station.

I'm not really considering disputing the charges, although I dispute the ".08 law" . The county I live in is pretty strict (my friend blew the same thing, got a lawyer and tried to plead wet&reckless, failed, and still got DUI), so any money I can save on an attorney will help me defray the fines and insurance premiums I will be facing. Also, I have been cited (but not arrested) for possession of alcohol as a minor, but that was 4 years ago, and I am now 24 years old.

I make about 30K annually before taxes. Does anyone know if I will be eligible for a public defender? Any advice is appreciated.

 

[stealth2]

You're probably going to have to pay for your own attorney.

 

[jimmythekid]

do yourself a favor actually a couple of them'
1st: PLEAD NOT GUILTY TO EVERY CHARGE IF NO ATTORNEY YET

2ND: CONSULT A PAID ATTORNEY ASAP

3RD: CONDSIDER GOING TO AS MANY AA MEETINGS AS POSSIBLE

There are people at those meetings that can help you in alot of differnt ways.

4TH: IF GOING TO AA (HIGHLY ADVISED AT LEAST FOR NOW) DOCUMENT ALL MEETINGS ATTENDED

Good Luck, Jimmy

 

[FrankWhite]

Yes, get a good lawyer and make sure they have trial experience and wont just want hold your hand as you plead guilty.