Not necessarily. Some people apply and get the program without a lawyer. On the other hand, some people just do not want to take the chance of overlooking something or making a mistake, and therefore want a lawyer to represent them. Also, some people would just be too nervous going to court and having to deal with the prosecutor and judge on their own. Besides, an application for the AEP is only one aspect of a DUI case. There is also the issue of whether a person should even apply for the program because the police might have been some mistakes or violated your constitutional rights which might require the case to be thrown out of court. Finally, there is also usually a possible suspension of your license by the Department of Motor Vehicles through the Administrative Per Se suspension program. When you retain Advocates Law Firm to defend you on a DUI charge we also will defend you at the DMV.