Using a Public Defender for 1st DUI
I can't afford private counsel right now but I want to plead not guilty at my arraignment because chances are I can lower my charges.
First question, can my family hire private counsel, at any time, if we feel the PD isn't suitable?
Second, at the arraignment, upon pleading not guilty, asking for a court appointed lawyer and getting a pre-trial date, will I get copies of ''everything'' so that we can begin to build a case?
FYI: I had a 0.1% BAC, I was pulled over for driving too slow on the 101fwy. It was 3:30AM and I was text messaging a friend (this was before the hands free law), I was going 55MPH, I had a tailgater then the CHP behind me. I thought the tailgater was going to get pulled over. I passed the field sobriety test. I was not told I could take a blood or urine test in addition to the Breathalyzer tests I had already taken.