I was recently contacted recently by a young woman who looking for a Seattle criminal defense law firm to assist her with her DUI case.  As I began the consultation, I was told that she had simply pled guilty in her last cases where she was facing serious criminal charges.  I asked her if she had spoken to an attorney in Seattle before pleading to the criminal matter and she paused, went quiet, and whispered no.  Although I was immediately concerned that a Seattle Judge hearing her criminal matter would actually allow a person to do this without having her at least consult with an attorney first, it was way to late and the damage had been done and the case was long since over. 

My first piece of advice to potential clients facing serious driving charges such as DUI, Reckless Driving or any other criminal charge, it to never represent themselves.  Although everybody has the right to do so, it goes with the old addage, "he who represents himself, has a fool for a client."  This espicially goes for attorneys who represent themselves.  If you can't afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you. If you can afford an attorney, please speak to one before you make any decisions in your case. 

My second piece of advise to any client who is facing a DUI in Seattle, Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Everett or any city in the King or Snohomish County areas, it to have them make absolutely sure that when they appear for their first time in court, they should always plead not guilty.  It makes no difference if the charges are for DUI, Assault, Theft, Driving While Suspended, the pleas to these charges should always be not guilty.  In doing so it preserves several options.   First, it gives you time to speak to an attorney so he or she can give some initial advice on the potential outcome of your case.  Second, it may limit any imposition of mandatory jail time that often is associated wiht DUI convictions or drug convictions.  It will also prevent automatic suspensions of your driving privileges and license to drive when associated with DUI, or Reckless Driving, or Driving While Suspended in the Second or First Degree.  It is the "small print" in the consequences of pleading guilty to such charges that always end up as a suprise to somone when they represent themselves and plead guilty.  Any decent Seattle criminal defense lawfirm will offer will offer free consultations and at least discuss the consequences of pleading guilty on your own.  So, if you are facing criminal defense charges in Seattle, or, more importantly, DUI charges, please speak to an attorney first before you decide to plead to anything or to represent yourself.