I was arrested for DUI. What is the court case going to be like?

Most people face a typical court process even though the charges may be higher in a DUI hearing. It is helpful to know the process before you go to court, however, even if you are represented by an attorney, in order to be prepared for the steps that follow:           

• Booking, whereby the defendant is processed, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a holding cell

• Arraignment, generally to ensure that the defendant understands the charges against them, their plea, and whether they need a public defender or not

• Plea bargain, by which the defendant’s attorney and the prosecutor may attempt to settle the case out of court; the defendant generally agrees to plead guilty for a lesser charge, although this is rare in DUI cases

• Preliminary hearing, at which the court determines if there is enough evidence to justify a trial or if the case should be dismissed

• The trial, by which arguments are presented, witnesses are cross-examined, and closing arguments are made

• Sentencing, at which time the defendant, if found guilty, receives their sentence from the court

There are a great many procedures involved in a DUI court case, and it is generally unwise for a defendant to face these legal battles alone, especially if they believe they have a solid defense. The penalties are too severe to take a chance on being found guilty if the charge is unjustified.