Asked 8/9/2016 – San Antonio, TX

I got a DUI last month .. And been to court twice asking for time to hire an attorney because I need the funds to do so. Unfortunately a couple nights ago my friend and got pulled over and without even expecting it got another one when we were dropping his mom at home. I need time to hire an attorney and I don’t know what to do once I present myself in court on the 26th could I ask for more time to get prepared.? And hire counsel? I don’t want to be arrested or anything like that. I want to fix this, how could I do this ?

Answer

If you do not have the funds to retain counsel, you may request the court to appoint an attorney to represent you. Being arrested on a criminal charge while being out on bond is a BIG issue, however. It would not surprise me if the bond on your first case was held insufficient and a warrant was issued for your arrest. You have to appear in court on the 26th; if you do not, a warrant definitely will issue. You can request a reset or appointed counsel at that time. What the court does with you then is uncertain. The time for concern was before you got behind the wheel. Have a friend drive you to court. Talk to as many attorneys as you can between now and then. Put all the money you have been spending on beer into your legal defense fund. Quit drinking. Totally. Not just cut back. Not just when you think you are going to drive. Totally quit.