Charged With Drunk Driving, Second Offense

[bowtie3d]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Missouri

Here's my first thread about how I encountered the 2nd DUI:

http://www.expertlaw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=124560

My court date is in a week and I'm struggling to find a lawyer still. Having talked to 5 lawyers already, they are almost all saying the same thing. Basically each one is charging in the $2K range and said there's most likely gonna be a fine, court cost and thats probably gonna be it. The DUI will probably not be reduced or dropped. I asked if we could push for community service or probation or even jail time (only to avoid the fine) and they all just said "yeah, we could do that." I dont really know what to think, seems like they cant really do much but push for the fine.

I dont want to cough up $2K in lawyer fees and then have to pay another $1K in fines. I dont mind doing community service, probation or even going to jail (just taking responsibility for my actions). Money is tight for me right now. I can go represent myself, but I'd rather have a lawyer with me. How would I go about getting a court appointed lawyer? Do I plead "no contest" and then ask for a court appointed lawyer?

[Mr. Knowitall]

You appear to have been told the most likely outcome, and that you can ask for (but should not necessarily expect to get) a better deal.

If you want to see if you qualify for a court-appointed lawyer, go to court, get a petition form, complete and return it, and see if you qualify.

[kendraheins]

Don't you have Public Attorney's Office in there? I know for a fact that this office offers Free service for all.

[flyingron]

Ashdale, if you're going to show up months after the last posting and reopen dead threads with completely inane statements, at least don't give erroneously false ones. Missouri doesn't have a PAO. It has Public Defender's Offices and they are not DEFINITELY free of charge. You won't be made to pay in advance, but they will seek repayment after your case is disposed of.

[bowtie3d]

Well I was meaning to come back and update you guys on my case. Well, looks just as I said it. Payed my lawyer $1500 to try to reduce anything if possible but looks like I'll be looking at almost the same penalties just with a smaller fine if I would of just been at the mercy of the judge myself. Sometimes, its just the way it is.

I knew in my head it was a open-shut case so I cant argue. I can either say it was a waste hiring a lawyer to defend my case or accept that it was better for me to have an expert look at it. Either way, my lawyer basically said he couldnt really find any discrepancies with the police report or anything.

My penalties:
SATOP
Interlock ignition (I dont even have a car anymore so I dont know how this is gonna work)
MADD counseling course
Small fine and court cost
Revoked license for 1 year