DUI Arraignment
Have you recently been arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI)? If so, you may not know what is in store for you. After being arrested for drunk driving, there are several court appearances that you must make. The first is the arraignment.The arraignment occurs after you have been arrested, booked, and released on bail, and is the first stage of courtroom proceedings. You will be called up before the judge, who will read the charges against you and ask if you have a lawyer or need a court-appointed lawyer.
The judge will then ask you how you plead. There are three potential responses: guilty, not guilty, or no contest. It is important to consult with an experienced DUI defense attorney before entering a plea. If you plead guilty or no contest at this time, you will be sentenced right away. If you plead not guilty, you will be informed of your trial date.
The judge will then decide whether to change the amount of bail or release you on your own recognizance. Being released on your own recognizance means that you promise to appear in court in the future – basically, the judge accepts your word rather than demanding bail.
The judge will then tell you the dates of future court proceedings such as the preliminary hearing, pre-trial motions, and trial. It is at this time that the prosecution will hand over any police reports or other relevant documents to you and your lawyer.
Depending on the jurisdiction, your attorney may be able to waive the DUI arraignment and plead not guilty so you do not have to appear in court. However, some courts require your presence at the arraignment. You should ask your attorney whether your presence is required or not.
If you have recently been charged with drunk driving, it is in your best interest to have a qualified attorney represent you during your DUI arraignment. The penalties for a conviction include fines, probation, the loss of driving privileges, and even jail time. Having a skilled attorney on your side may help you avoid these life-altering consequences.
