Daughter got busted tonight in Pa. 1st offense. .19. I think she is screwed. Should she get a lawyer.
do you need a lawyer for DUI?
- Thread starter Bobmac
- Start date
BTW you may be right about being screwed form a money standpoint, as it will cost for good defense. From a record standpoint though it could be worth it. A good one will do anything from challenging the stop, the means of assessing your daughters state of intoxication, the validity of results, the handling of evidence, all the way to the calibration of machines and more. Many times the solicitor is willing to reduce charges for a guilty plea rather than drag these cases out and add to an already overflowing caseload. Every situation is different and I am no authority on the issue, but I will tell you if one of my children were in this position, and I was in the position financially where I could, I would get a reputable lawyer that specializes in DUI's. Good luck man, everyone makes mistakes and for her sake I hope this turns into a positive in the long run!
25 years old.Parents worst nightmare. Actually got pulled over right in front of our house. I live on a cul-de-sac and seen flashing lights outside while watching the ravens game. I had that feeling it was her and sure enough it was. She said she had 3 glasses of wine. I don't believe her. Cop cuffed her and took her to the barracks. I picked her up an hour and a half later. Only test was a breathalyzer. Trooper said someone called in of her driving erratic.
yup. I can't tell you how many discussions we've had on this subject. My wife and I were always worried this would happen. Thank God she didn't harm anyone.
I can't speak for PA but in Arizona, DUI defense borders on being predatory. The State has a very set structure for offers based on the facts of the offense, and it doesn't matter who the attorney is. I don't do any vehicular law now, but when I did, I saw countless cases where someone gets a DUI, pays 5-10k for a private attorney, and a month later enters into the same plea agreement that would've been offered with a court-appointed attorney (most of which do far more DUI cases than the attorney in private practice). Again, I can't speak for PA, but here, paying for a private DUI "specialist" attorney is a massive waste of money.
I understand. I'm not trying to get her off. I just want to know the best path forward. I don't know if it's worth getting an attorney as you said.
Have had a couple buddies get duis in the past couple years...reside in PA. For first time offenders, as they all were, they were all offered a ARD class I believe its called. It costs a good amount of money, but you are only without a liscense for 3 months compared to year, and your record is cleared upon completion of the ARD course.
The actual course they said they watched videos and learned some interesting stuff.
After first buddy got one and went thru process, my 2 other buddies all asked for the classes and were approved based on their cooperation and clean records....
If you get a lawyer I am sure they will explain it much better, but 100% I would go this route if at all possible....
Clean record and liscence back soon
The actual course they said they watched videos and learned some interesting stuff.
After first buddy got one and went thru process, my 2 other buddies all asked for the classes and were approved based on their cooperation and clean records....
If you get a lawyer I am sure they will explain it much better, but 100% I would go this route if at all possible....
Clean record and liscence back soon
that's what the trooper said. ARD classes and see the judge. But looking on the penndot website there are 3 different.classes of DUI. And Over. 16 is the most extreme
why do parents make this mistake over and over.
you sound like yu followed the cop car and tried to help her with her handcuffs as they walked her inside.
You got to let this adult 25 yr old spend some time there in jail to get the total experience.
You have to let them have to borrow change from someone to make a phone call.
You would be surprised how much more they learn rather than a hour and a half. She could do that standing on her head sobering up.
Then when she finally makes the phone call she is the one worrying that she may not get out if she aint nice.
sounds like too much for granted.
still living at home too.
kick her out . Give her 3 mths
help her get a place and grow up some.
:facepalm:
PS I suppose you are going to pay for eveything to get her out of trouble , just like you have probably done all her life.
people just dont get life sometimes
Sounds like a soon to be reality show..
Sounds like a soon to be reality show..
"REALITY, it is more REAL than you can imagine..."
Sounds like a soon to be reality show..
"REALITY, it is more REAL than you can imagine..."
I can speak to AZ also but, I learned about the laws from the internet.
My wife got stopped and we had the same discussion...a few things:
1) if it is her first offense
2) it was not for extreme DUI
...then read the website and there are mandatory penalties that, regardless of representation, she will be subject to...lawyer or not. If either one or two is yes...there is more discretion in what could happen so a lawyer is probably needed.
Did she have a field test? Another consideration is what did she blow?
Finally, have her write a letter pre-trial to the prosecutor to express her sorrow and note if she is a student, single mother, etc. Bring up anything that paints her as a great citizen.
Good luck.
My wife got stopped and we had the same discussion...a few things:
1) if it is her first offense
2) it was not for extreme DUI
...then read the website and there are mandatory penalties that, regardless of representation, she will be subject to...lawyer or not. If either one or two is yes...there is more discretion in what could happen so a lawyer is probably needed.
Did she have a field test? Another consideration is what did she blow?
Finally, have her write a letter pre-trial to the prosecutor to express her sorrow and note if she is a student, single mother, etc. Bring up anything that paints her as a great citizen.
Good luck.
In Wisconsin or at least where I live, they don't let you out until you blow 0.00000000000. What kind of state let's her out after an hour and a half..
Sorry this happened Bob and let's hope she learned a lesson. I would listen to Addict
Sorry this happened Bob and let's hope she learned a lesson. I would listen to Addict
honestly man, this is the only way to go...
otherwise, her liscense is gone a long time,
and most importantly, her record tarnished...
regardless of cost, you have to do the ARD
Bob: I vote no lawyer. I went through it 10 years ago. Have her dress like a working professional, accept full responsibility for her actions, ask for help (classes) and move on. The judges are going to give you a standard set of fines and probation. They will drop the hammer on the fuck heads that make excuses or don't take responsibility. Be respectful and remorseful and you'll get the least you can get. A lawyer can only do so much on a first offense IMO.
