If you’ve recently been arrested for DUI, you probably have lots of questions buzzing around your head. You’re probably feeling really worried about what the potential consequences could be if you are convicted of a DUI.
Important considerations for DUI convictions
Even a 1st offense, misdemeanor DUI can have serious repercussions, including steep fines, license suspensions, and class attendance requirements. At all times throughout your case, you should do everything in your power to avoid a conviction in your DUI case.
If it’s your 2nd or any other subsequent DUI, you need to be even more concerned about a conviction. Depending on the circumstances of your case, particularly if there are any aggravating factors, you could be facing serious jail time.
Purpose of a DUI arraignment
The first step in any DUI case is an arraignment. Many people aren’t sure what happens at an arraignment, and wrongly assume that this court proceeding is an opportunity to prove your innocence or otherwise get the case against you dismissed. However, that’s not what happens at a DUI arraignment at all.
Purpose of the Arraignment
At your arraignment, you’ll find out which criminal charges have been filed against you, what your rights are according to the Constitution of the United States, and your bail status (whether you’re eligible to be bailed out, how much you will have to pay, etc.). The arraignment is an essential step in every single DUI case, so it’s imperative that you attend. If you do not appear at your arraignment, a warrant will be issued for your arrest immediately.
Pleading Not Guilty
This is your first opportunity to enter a plea in your case. In the majority of cases, the plea is “not guilty.” This doesn’t necessarily mean that you think you should be cleared of the DUI charge. Entering a plea of “not guilty” simply gives you an opportunity to work with a defense attorney, present your side of the situation, and hopefully acquire a lesser penalty even if a conviction is issued.
Pleading Guilty
On the other hand, if you enter a plea of “guilty” at your arraignment, you won’t have an opportunity work with a defense attorney at all. Your case will immediately be passed on to a judge who will impose a sentence in your case. He or she may impose the maximum penalty without ever hearing any important considerations about your case. Your attorney won’t be able to negotiate a lesser penalty, help you avoid jail time, reduce fines, or employ any other methods to prevent the maximum penalties from being applied in your case.
Do I need an attorney at my DUI arraignment?
Now for the primary question at hand – yes, you definitely need to have an attorney at your DUI arraignment. Schedule a free consultation with Southern California’s best DUI attorney, Dan Chambers of the Chambers Law Firm, by calling 714-760-4088, emailing dchambers@clfca.com, or by using the chat box at the bottom right of this page before your DUI arraignment. There, he’ll give you personalized legal advice about your specific DUI case.
Avoid the common pitfalls of DUI cases by getting an expert DUI attorney on your side from the outset. Contact the Chambers Law Firm to schedule your free consultation now.
