You do not need a attorney for the first court date to show up in court and make a "not guilty" plea. You can get the arrest info and the charges yourself. If you can't afford an attorney you will (in Michigan) be asked to fill out a short financial disclosure. If you qualify you will be assigned a attorney. Some attorneys provide free consultation (1/2 to 3/4 hours) Already having a copy of the arrest record and charges eliminates wasted consultation time.
So to sum it up for Bigbeergeek, possible scenario:
Brother goes to first pretrial, recieves charges and pleads not guilty
Then while there apply for a court assigned attorney
Then take the information to a number of lawyers and get their opinions
Hopefully hear back about the court lawyer.
Discuss with the court lawyer the potential outcome and possible mitigating steps that he can take from now to the second pretrial - e.g. AA, also disclosed any information from other lawyers.
Sign up for AA, etc.
Lawyer to discuss plea bargaining with prosocutor - i.e. what prosecutor will be asking for at sentencing
Attended second pretrial and plead guilty
Attened sentencing and let the lawyer do the talking
Hopefully not get reemed to hard
Don't do it again