Public Defenders and DUIs
Imagine an unfortunate scenario: you are arrested for DUI and realize that there is no way you can afford a private attorney. Maybe you just lost your job, you are on public assistance, or you have been unemployed for a while. A DUI can seem like an insurmountable catastrophe in this situation, and you realize that you have no idea how to get a public defender. What next?
The good news is that private attorneys are much more affordable for specialized criminal charges like DUI than most people think. Many attorneys charge flat fees or very reasonable hourly rates, or they offer payment plans. If there is any chance that you can afford a small payment to a private attorney, schedule some consultations. For the reasons discussed below, a public defender may not be the best option for you.
If you decide a public defender is the way to go, contact the court to request an application. Not all defendants will be eligible for public defender services. Your eligibility depends on your income and means, as well as the crimes with which you have been charged. In Oklahoma County, for example, you cannot receive public defender services unless you are a juvenile or your charges include crimes for which you are entitled to a jury trial. Most DUI charges entitle you to a jury trial.
Be aware that by selecting a public defender, you limit your options for representation. You cannot choose the exact lawyer who represents you in court, and he or she will only represent you in court. If you would like to challenge your license revocation in an administrative hearing, the public defender cannot help you. Further, most public defenders are overworked to the point that they cannot visit you in jail or spend significant time talking on the phone about your case. They will meet you immediately before your arraignment and speak to you for only a few minutes at a time.
Despite these caveats, public defenders are licensed attorneys who spend the majority of their time representing criminal defendants before the same judge or judges you will see. They are familiar with the criminal court process. Having a public defender can be far more beneficial than representing yourself.
To learn more about legal representation and fee options for people charged with DUIs, seek out the local DUI attorney who cares about seeking the best outcomes for his clients. Clint Patterson, Esq., of Patterson Law Firm, a former Tulsa prosecutor, is familiar with the Oklahoma legal system and represents client facing DUI charges in court regularly. Schedule a case evaluation by visiting Patterson Law Firm online or calling Clint’s office at (918) 550-9175.