What do I do since at my first hearing I told the judge I wanted to represent myself for DWI?

You should request for a brief continuance to hire an attorney, which is one of your rights. Do not plead guilty without consulting with an attorney. If you are forced to proceed without an attorney in court, then plead not guilty and set the case for another court date. If they insist on setting the case for a trial, have it set for the date furthest available and then find a lawyer ASAP. Do not make any statements about the facts of your case in court. Remember, anything you say can be used against you.

First, if a person would like time to hire an attorney, at their court date they should ask for a continuance. If the district attorney consents, the defendant will likely be given a new court date. If the district attorney objects, the judge will need to decide whether or not a continuance should be granted. Typically, judges will permit defendants adequate time to obtain a lawyer. Also, you should note that public defender is for people who don't have the means and ability to hire a lawyer on their own. So, a public defender may be an option if your are unable to hire a lawyer.

If you are not allowed a continuance if you are asked how you plead a plea of not guilty should be offered and it is likely a trial date in the future will be set. Hurry up and get an attorney. Hopefully the judge will not think you are just being obstructionist.

Tell the judge your story. He or she will likely give you more time to hire an attorney. Good luck tomorrow.

Tell the judge you wish to employ counsel and he'll give you a cont. the DWI statutes are complex, you need attorney familiar with same