Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

I had a court date for first offense DUI... I had crashed my car onto a curb due to a nearby speeding driver cutting me off ubruptly... I had one drink an hour before and was convinced at the time I was okay to drive...so once this happened I got out if the car and a stander by had called an ambulance to make sure we were alright... I was waiting patiently for the officer to arrive and when he did after being questioned about if I had been drinking answered truthfully and complied quite efficiently with his sobriety tests.... He said next came the breathLyzer and when I blew it was from what he told me a .11 so he cuffed me and I spent 15 hours in a holding cell.... Once my court date arrived I showed up ready to plead guilty and face my consequences since the story was pretty black and white.... When I was called up the judge quickly went over my charges; DUI and driving over .08...... Then quickly stated the court would be pleading not quilts on my behalf.. Then asked if I would be getting an attorney or would be representing myself.. In a bit of confusion I answered I would represent myself thinking I have no choice but to state the facts anyway... Then she set my court date for two weeks later and dismisses me.. I then asked why was it that I didn't just plead guilty... She smiled and quietly said that without giving me legal advice, she's letting me know I have the chance of getting a lesser charge... I was okay with it then and accepted.. Later I realized I would like to ask

For a public defender for that day when it comes... But now I'm wondering what I'll

Be walking into... Does anyone know what this means?? Why she automatically announced the court would plead not guilty in my behalf? What other outcome would I get as a first offense DUI other than fines and aa classes?? Please help

I'm going to court in a week... Thank you!


Asked on 8/27/14, 2:41 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony Roach Law Office of Anthony A. Roach

DUI's are really expensive. You should either retain an attorney or ask the court to appoint the public defender if you cannot afford one.

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Answered on 8/27/14, 5:46 am


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