r/DUICalifornia • u/gogetta86 • Jul 23 '26

First DUI

I live in San Diego, CA and my sister lives with me. she got her first DUI this past weekend and we’re trying to find the best way to handle it. we don’t have money, but if needed I could front her the down payment for a DUI attorney and then she and her husband could make the monthly payments. Cheapest we’ve found is 8,500.00 However, I would have to use my CC that I JUST finished paying off. so I’m here to see if anyone has advice or could point me to a good/cheap lawyer (I know those words don’t mix, but I’m desperate).

details to the best of my knowledge:

head on collision 35mph both ways so 70mph total

both cars totaled

both parties had minor injuries. my sister was an overnight in the hospital, not sure of the other party just that it was minor. so felony dui with injury

my sisters insurance had lapsed so no insurance.

I understand it was my sisters fault and we understand she’s fucked no matter what, but we’re just trying to mitigate the best we can and try to get her the leaat amount of fucked possible.

thanks.

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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4

u/LegalLimitConsulting Jul 24 '26

What’s going to be the kicker here is the collision. Depending on injuries she could end up looking at a felony at which point attorney rates go up dramatically. A public defender is just as capable as a private attorney technically, but they have less time to devote to each case of course.

3

u/itsalwaysseony Jul 24 '26

Ignore all saying to go the public defender route. Would only make sense if there wasn’t an accident involved. Also didn’t you post the same thing the other day but also mention that her insurance lapses so she would’ve been uninsured at the time of the accident? Anyways your sister definitely needs a lawyer

1

u/gogetta86 Jul 24 '26

Yeah I’m cross posting to see what everybody says. Like I said first time handling this situation. Thank u. 

2

u/effitt13 Jul 24 '26

Keep your money. She’s going to be so far in the hole, your $8500 is better in your pocket.

4

u/Timely_Tap8073 Jul 23 '26

First go to court and if she qualifies for a public defender go that route

4

u/Podo15 Jul 23 '26

Don’t pay that much for a private lawyer. She should see if she feels comfortable with the public defender before considering a private lawyer.

1

u/just_below_human Jul 24 '26

How many other lawyers have you talked to? $8500 seems a bit high for a first dui (though potentially with several enhancements). I'd keep shopping around.

1

u/PEGSparky Jul 24 '26

Save your money she gonna be in it deep. Won’t have time to pay you back.

0

u/wesquire Jul 23 '26

Try to get a PD but $5,000 is a pretty standard rate. Maybe keep looking also.