Does my sister need an attorney for a first DUI charge?

My sister got her first DUI over this weekend, she has No criminal record and her drivers record is/was clean up until now. Does she need an attorney?

Share |

Law Office of Robert L Keates, PLLC | Robert Keates
Austin, TX

Yes. It's punishable by not only potential jailtime, but a myriad of possible punishments. Even if she's going to plea, it's best to have an attorney arrange the bargain and avoid many unneeded and piled on punishments. Plus, DWIs are a complex type of case that involves much more than "I blew higher than .08%). There may be legal issues that could help in plea negotiations.

Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 9/20/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Reeves Law Firm, P.C.

First keep in mind the DA is not your friend. The prosecutor has a job to do that job involves clearing cases, protecting the public, sending a loud message that certain actions will not be tolerated and getting re-elected. For these reasons, the DA has no incentive to do what is in your sister's best interest. So, yes, she needs a lawyer.

Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 9/26/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Aaronson Law Firm

It's always better to have an attorney who is trained and knowledgeable about how to defend the case.

Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 9/22/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Cynthia Henley, Lawyer

DUI or DWI? DUI means that she is under 21 and had any amount of alcohol in her system. It is a significantly lesser charge than DWI. DWI means that she had .08 or was intoxicated - without regard to her age. Regardless, absolutely she needs a lawyer. The consequences of both charges are potentially very great.

Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 9/20/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Mark Thiessen, Attorney at Law

Absolutely! This can tarnish a record, prevent travel to foreign countries, contain loss of license, and add to a multitude of fines and fees. Make sure you hire a DWI Attorney.

Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 9/20/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.