How to Do a Plea Bargain Myself for PC 647(F)

**magic1010321** · 11-02-2008, 02:22 PM

My question involves criminal law for the state of: CA

Hi,

I was recently got arrested for drunk in public, charges: 647 (F) PC [M] Drunk in Public

I would like to know the best route to take, I'm a poor college student and plan to apply to medical school and some of the colleges do back ground check and I just don't want something like this on my record. Ideally I would love to get a lawyer and have them take care of this, but I'm guessing they're really expensive (any idea on how much they charge for this type of case?) my question is, can I do a plea bargain myself with the DA/prosecutor? and how do I contact that person? I am suppose to go to court on 12-1-08 at the Harbor Justice Center, in Newport Beach. This is my second running with the law, my first being a speeding ticket 7 years ago and now this. I'm a good person and I volunteer at least 20 hours a month. So i don't mind do extra community service stuff, paying the fine, attend AA extra...I just don't want this on my record.

Thank you for any advice!

**cdwjava** · 11-02-2008, 02:34 PM

Quoting magic1010321

can I do a plea bargain myself with the DA/prosecutor? and how do I contact that person?

The DA is not likely to speak directly to you.

If you are unable to afford your own attorney, and the case does go to court (most public intoxication arrests are dropped as settled by the arrest), then the court will refer you to the public defender's office for an attorney.

It is very likely that you can get a deferral of some kind to allow this to avoid being a conviction, but it is not something you should try to negotiate on your own.

- Carl

**magic1010321** · 11-02-2008, 10:44 PM

Thanks Carl

How do you know whether the case is dropped or not? or is that something i'll find out when i go to court?

**cdwjava** · 11-02-2008, 10:47 PM

Your first court date should be the arraignment. You ought to know then whether it is dropped or not. If they ask for a plea, it has NOT been dropped and you should ask for court-appointed counsel if you cannot otherwise afford an attorney.

It is always best to consult an attorney BEFORE court, however. And that attorney might be able to find out whether the matter is going to be pursued or not.

- Carl

**magic1010321** · 11-02-2008, 11:36 PM

Since I have no money to get a lawyer's advice on the matter, my only option is to wait and pray that my case is like "most" public intoxication case...gets dropped. Is there anything I should bring on the court date?