I highly doubt a lawyer will do a speeding ticket pro bono because there are no significant societal issues involved.

I’m absentia, no. Virtually might be doable. Your friend should hire a good criminal defense lawyer as dui is a serious charge.

There cannot be a settlement check until you agree to the settlement and sign the release form.

There is an assumption of the risk defense but these cases are fact specific. If the other skater was skating recklessly and security failed to...

This is to allow him to sign your name on the settlement check from the insurance company and is standard. The check will be payable to you and...

I suggest that you ask your lawyer to do a speedy trial calculation.

I have a colleague who regularly negotiates these cases. Feel free to reach out if you want a referral.

I advise my clients not to pay the civil demand and I write the attorney a letter directing them not to contact my client and that ends the matter.

Yes. Even a dis con can result in a parole violation. Your lawyer needs to speak with your parole officer before you accept the deal.

I don’t think you have to worry about going to jail. Worry about trying to avoid a criminal record. Hire a good criminal defense lawyer.