Public Defenders
If a person can not afford an attorney of their own, the court will provide an attorney for them. Below the list of public defense agencies that are currently on contract to provided indigent legal services for Seattle Municipal Court. Any person that believes he cannot afford to hire an attorney of his choosing, must decided whether to represent himself or screen for a public defender. The term "afford" is relative because it is the court that makes the final determination after the screening process. When making this decision, keep these factors in mind.
If you intend to seek the assistance of a public defender, you first must screen to see if one can be appointed to you. You can find public defense screening information here. One thing to keep in mind when proceeding along these lines is that a public defender will only be provided to assist in defending against the criminal charge of DUI. There is an administrative action that will be taken against your driving privilege by the Washington State Department of Licensing in most cases in addition to the criminal charge. A public defender will not be able to assist you in that capacity. To find out more about the DOL hearing process, please follow this link. Washington DOL Hearing Process.
Private Attorneys
DUI attorney fees charge a wide range of fees. Most DUI lawyers will allow for some sort of payment plan with a specified retainer to be provided up front.. If you believe that you will not qualify for a public defender or know that you want the assistance of a private DUI lawyer, call around to find lawyers that you can afford. Then set up in person consultations to determine which one you feel most comfortable with. For more information on seeking a Seattle DUI lawyer, please see Finding a Seattle DUI Attorney.
However you decide to proceed, make sure you have an attorney represent you on a DUI. If you have done enough research that you have found this page, you surely understand the magnitude of the consequences that are facing anyone who is charged with a DUI in Seattle Municipal Court. Do not try to represent yourself.
Links
Seattle Municipal Court's page on finding a public defender