DWI – attend hearing in person?

Hi guys, my brother received his first DWI and he has no criminal background whatsoever. I don’t know the exact BAC but believe it was double the limit. His lawyer is crappy and non communicative. He’s submitted all the letters of recommendation and sat for an interview w the court last week to assess if he’d be a repeat offender. His final hearing has been pushed a few times but is next Friday. He’s not sure if he attends which is crazy to me.

Does my bro need to attend this in person? Or is there any advantage or disadvantage to doing so?