QUESTION
Do I need an attorney for a drunk in public charge?
Asked on Oct 10th, 2011 on Criminal Law - Arizona
More details to this question:
I got a drunk in public I have no previous arrests or anything on my record. Do I need a lawyer?
26 ANSWERS
Criminal Law Attorney serving Howell, MI
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Law Offices of Jules N. Fiani
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Yes.
Answered on Jun 03rd, 2013 at 1:21 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Montrose, NY
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Law Office of Jared Altman
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Yes. You should get a lawyer.
Answered on Jun 03rd, 2013 at 1:20 AM
General Litigation Attorney serving Shelby Township, MI
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Law Offices of Jeffery A. Cojocar, P.C.
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Yes, get an attorney.
Answered on Jun 03rd, 2013 at 1:20 AM
Transportation Attorney serving Mamaroneck, NY
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Palumbo & Associates, PC
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Yes.
Answered on Jun 03rd, 2013 at 1:10 AM
Jacob P. Sartz
Yes, I'd recommend you retain a lawyer. Anyone charged with an offense is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Simply because a person is charged does not mean that they will ultimately be convicted. Anyone charged with an offense has a right to council. DUI convictions carry license sanctions that may drag on for years. Further, this type of offense is punishable by jail time, probation, and it cannot be expunged under the current law. It is worth the investment to obtain good, competent council given the potential consequences.
Answered on Nov 08th, 2011 at 10:03 PM
It's up to you, but generally anytime you are charged with a crime, retaining an attorney is a good idea.
Answered on Oct 28th, 2011 at 1:21 PM
Theresa Suzanne Hofmeister
Generally that charge (PC 647(f)) is a misdemeanor so it is best to consult with a local criminal defense attorney in your area. Good luck!
Answered on Oct 28th, 2011 at 1:21 PM
You need an attorney if you need help getting through the system.An attorney is there to protect your rights.If you know your rights, and can work the case out with the prosescutor, then you don't need an attorney.Good Luck.
Answered on Oct 28th, 2011 at 1:21 PM
Small Businesses Attorney serving Livonia, MI
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Klisz Law Office, PLLC
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If you want to avoid possible jail and a criminal record, that is a great idea.
Answered on Oct 28th, 2011 at 1:21 PM
A person has the right to represent themselves in court. The People in a criminal matter are represented by the prosecuting attorney who is an attorney. If you feel you have a working knowledge of the court procedure, the court rules and the rules of evidence, you should do fine representing yourself.
Answered on Oct 14th, 2011 at 9:04 AM
Adoptions Attorney serving Lansing, MI
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Austin Legal Services, PLC
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It's not required that you have one, but it's not a bad idea. It's always good to have an attorney review the case against you to determine if there are any errors that could reduce the charges or get them dismissed. A good lawyer will also be able to tell you what is a good deal and what isn't.
Answered on Oct 12th, 2011 at 12:52 PM
Daniel Kieth Martin
Generally I say that everyone needs a lawyer if they have been charged with a crime. You could probably use one here, however this is the kind of charge that you can get away with using the public defender if you cannot afford a private lawyer.
Answered on Oct 11th, 2011 at 10:53 AM
Personal Injury Attorney serving Omaha, NE
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Chandler Conway, P.C., L.L.O.
Unless the facts are really really bad, or you want to fight it, probably not. Unless you urinated on a police car or did something else ridiculous, you will likely receive a fine, or worst case scenario a short probation. However, with that said, if you want to make sure you get the best result possible and do not end up going to AA for six months, you may want to consider at least consulting with a local criminal defense attorney.
Answered on Oct 11th, 2011 at 9:36 AM
You should. An experienced lawyer may be able to negotiate a reduction or dismissal, since it is a relatively minor charge. Representing yourself probably means a guilty plea, and it is still a misdemeanor that will show up on your criminal record.
Answered on Oct 11th, 2011 at 1:25 AM
Obviously, you are better off with a lawyer but this is hardly a "hanging offense." If you represent your self you are likely to get the same deal as an attorney will get you. Go to Court on your appointed day and see what they offer you. If you do not accept it you can get a trial date.
Answered on Oct 11th, 2011 at 1:24 AM
Yes, any time you are arrested, you need an attorney to protect your rights and get you the best deal. In some cases charges can be dismissed with the help of an attorney holding the police up to the correct standards to protect your rights.
Answered on Oct 11th, 2011 at 1:13 AM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Oakland, CA
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Dennis Roberts A Professional Corporation
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Probably not but generally you do better with a lawyer as he might be able to talk the DA into dropping it or reducing the charge.
Answered on Oct 10th, 2011 at 10:34 PM
A drunk in public charge is normally a minor case. When you go to court for your arraignment you will find what the penalties will be. At that time you can accept the penalty by pleading guilty or plead not guilty and come back at a later date. Without knowing all the facts I cannot tell you if you need an attorney or not.
Answered on Oct 10th, 2011 at 10:15 PM
Speeding & Traffic Ticket Attorney serving Sherman Oaks, CA
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Law Offices of Phil Hache
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I would recommend hiring an attorney to represent you in this case in order to fight and possibly reduce the charges or potential consequences.
Answered on Oct 10th, 2011 at 10:14 PM
You always have the right to an attorney. People should use this right whether guilty as charged or innocent to protect their rights and resolve the matter with the best possible resolution.
Answered on Oct 10th, 2011 at 10:12 PM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Federal Way, WA
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Freeborn Law Offices P.S.
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I would advise it because the charge is a jailable offense. An attorney may also be able to work a deal on your behalf that may keep the matter from being a permanent part of your record.
Answered on Oct 10th, 2011 at 6:13 PM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Huntington Beach, CA
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The English Law Firm
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I would recommend speaking to an attorney. Anything that you can do to avoid a criminal record is well justified.
Answered on Oct 10th, 2011 at 6:06 PM
You should definitely consult with an attorney. Even minor charges can have unforeseen consequences down the road.
Answered on Oct 10th, 2011 at 6:04 PM
Bankruptcy Chapter 7 Attorney serving Fort Collins, CO
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The Salas Law Firm LLC
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No probably not. Talk to the DA on your first appearance and if you are not given a plea bargain you can live with ask for time to consult a lawyer.
Answered on Oct 10th, 2011 at 6:03 PM
Michael J. Breczinski
I would get one. Being drunk and disorderly is a criminal offense that normally stays on your record for the rest of your life. An attorney could help avoid you getting a criminal conviction.
Answered on Oct 10th, 2011 at 5:57 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Flagstaff, AZ
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Griffen & Stevens Law Firm, PLLC
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It is always advisable to have a lawyer when you are charged with a crime. Many things can go wrong in your case; also, an attorney can help you identify possible constitutional violations that could win your case.
Answered on Oct 10th, 2011 at 5:57 PM