Do i need an attorney for DWLS 2nd degree, first offense?

It is always recommended that you have a lawyer assist and represent you whenever you have been charged with any criminal offense. In this case, a conviction for DWLS 2nd degree could add another one year of driver's license suspension on top of any license suspension you currently have. Also, if you are on probation, this new charge will in all likelihood, result in an allegation that you violated your probation. And even if you think that there may be no actual legal defenses to the allegations, having a lawyer explain your circumstances to the prosecutor may result in getting the charge dropped down to DWLS 3rd degree, which would mean at lot less penalties. So for these reasons, I would certainly recommend that you get a lawyer skilled in traffic law to assist you as soon as possible.

Yes, for at least four reasons: (1) DWLS 2 is a major moving violation (so is DUI). Three of these in seven years and you become a Habitual Traffic Offender (7 year license revocation); (2) This is a violation of a mandatory condition of your DUI. if convicted you are facing a minimum 30 day sanction. (3) DWLS 2 will cause you to be suspended for an additional year (if you are relicensed at the time of the guilty finding you can ask the judge to recomend that the suspension not be imposed). (4) DWLS 2 is a gross misdemeanor, which means you can go to jail for a year and be fined up to $5000.

I agree with the previous answers. I also like to think about it in a simpler way: Do you know about the law and rules of evidence? A lawyer is trained in very specialized areas and they are like hiring an electrician to fix electrical problems in your house. You could do it your self, but it is always better to have a professional help you with things like this.