Reader’s Question:

My father was charged with DUI in Washington DC when he was driving home one night from a celebration for his colleague’s promotion. He was advised by my grandfather to seek legal help. But he is worried about the fees he may incur. Can he represent himself in court or does he need to secure a lawyer?

James

Washington, DC

You need to know that your father may face heavy consequences because of his DUI charge in Washington DC. He may pay thousands of dollars in fines and he could also end up in jail, even if this is his first drunk driving charge. You will come to a point wherein he would think whether or not to hire a lawyer. Honestly, lawyers are not cheap so you need to make sure that you really need professional help before hiring one.

Lawyers would help your father understand the legal situation he is facing. A lawyer will provide your father with information that could keep him out of jail.

There are several factors to consider whether or not your father needs to hire a lawyer. If he has several DUI convictions, injured someone as a result of your drunk driving, or need to keep his license for his job, I suggest he hires a lawyer. If he is not facing these types of circumstances, he may choose to go without a lawyer.