In my opinion, if you have a DUI case and you're trying to decide how you're going to handle it, you're best served with a private DUI defense attorney because you're going to be able to meet with that attorney before the case even goes to court.
Unlike the public defender's office, a private DUI defense attorney is dedicated to meticulous preparation. They will meet with you before the case is in court, ensuring that you and your attorney are fully prepared. This level of preparation is not just important, it's a cornerstone of a successful defense, and it's something you can expect from a private attorney, not a public defender.
Also, hire your attorney. They're going to be able to target your needs related to your DUI case much more precisely than a public defender who is not getting paid any extra money to deal with you or your case.
They have limited time to deal with many cases and sometimes little patience to talk to a defendant, listen to what they have to say about their subject, and try to key in on and figure out what they can do to help you.
Whereas a private defense attorney you've paid is going to benefit from having met with you before the case is filed. They'll get you a copy of the paperwork related to the point, including the arrest report and all of the information available.
They will review it, and then you'll be able to meet with them once you have that piece of the puzzle, the state's case against you. A lot of times, public defenders do not have the time nor the desire to go through this step-by-step process so that they can be fully prepared, you could be fully prepared, and you could get the best result in the case.
When you hire a private defense attorney, you're not just paying for their services. You're making an investment in their commitment to getting the best result in your case. They will take the time to go through everything, discuss it with you, and then decide on the best strategy to proceed.
This level of commitment is what you can expect from a private attorney, and it should give you confidence in your decision.
Negotiating For Lesser Charge or Dismissal
Is this going to be the type of case that's going to go to trial because you have some excellent defensible issues, or is this going to be the type of case where we need to work out some plea bargain because the prosecutors do have the evidence to get you for some criminal case? Still, maybe it should be a lesser charge? Your attorney will discuss these potential outcomes with you to manage your expectations and prepare you for the process.

Your defense attorney will discuss the punishment the prosecutors are seeking and set a strategy based on what you're up against and what evidence the prosecutors have. Your role in this process is crucial, and your attorney will ensure that your input is considered in the defense strategy.
Once the strategy is set, your defense attorney will do everything they can to get the result you're expecting. Sometimes, they can get the result; sometimes, they can't. But you can be confident that your attorney did everything within their power to get the best result.
But, in my opinion, it's always best to have your attorney, who you've paid and who you've got in their ear and tell them what you want in a case and justified them for it, and now they need to take the time and put in the effort to try to get that result for you.
Your attorney will also manage your expectations, ensuring that you understand the potential outcomes and are prepared for any result.
If they can't get the exact result you want, at least they're going to be able to explain to you what they tried to do, why they were unsuccessful, and what the result is going to be, and you will feel confident that you did everything within your power to get the best result.
Lawyer Seeking Your Best Interest
Sometimes, I have heard complaints that some public defenders need to take the time to go over everything with the client and are not as prepared as private attorneys who are getting paid. This is not to attack the abilities of the public defenders.
I've met many very savvy public defenders, have experience in the court, and know what they're doing. Still, I think that you're best served if you've got somebody who you've paid, who you've given the inside information about you, and who is specifically tasked to work in your best interests.