Legal Question in Constitutional Law in California

Why are you planning to speak with the D.A.? That sounds like a terrible idea. You have no authority to argue or negotiate on your girlfriend's behalf. But you might very well say things that the D.A. can later use against her in court.

It is unfortunate that the public defender was so overwhelmed that he/she could not address the bail issue. However, the issue remains whether she can post bail or pay the significant fines and probation conditions involved in a driving under the influence conviction. Once you determine the level of her blood alcohol rate you can address the consequences. I question with Mr. Hoffman that it would be in her best interest to plead guilty without considering what is involved. The most immediate target should be raising funds to provide a bail. Since she is represented by the PD I am assuming she cannot retain counsel to advise her, so she needs to sit down with the PD to understand their proposed course of action. I doubt there is any constitutional issue involved in the process involved here except the problem faced by those who cannot afford to post bail. Good Luck