Oftentimes the choice between a public defender and an attorney experienced with DWI in Raleigh is made for you. To gain assistance from a public defender, you must sign an Affidavit of Indigency as proof you cannot afford legal counsel.
If a judge agrees with your affidavit, you will be appointed counsel. If it is later determined you could afford to hire a lawyer but claimed otherwise, you may face additional criminal charges for providing false information.
Public defenders have intensely focused experience with DWI and other criminal charges, and can provide good insight and representation. However, given crushing caseloads and limited time available to each client, complete investigation of any particular case is not usually possible, nor is representation in administrative proceedings.
Private drunk driving attorneys in Raleigh have the experience of public defenders in terms of legal representation and negotiation, and also the time and resources to thoroughly investigate and build your case—including representation at administrative proceedings before the Department of Motor Vehicles.