Here’s what you can expect at a DUI arraignment, but first I will answer the commonly asked question of “What is an arraignment?” My definition of arraignment is; the first court hearing in which a criminal defendant is told of the charges in an indictment, information, or complaint and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.
Now back to what you can expect at a DUI arraignment, simply stated…
1) You can expect to be in front of a judge and it is likely that the city or state prosecutor will also be present.
2) You can expect other people to be present in the court room.
3) You can expect your attorney to be present at your DUI arraignment date if you hired one before your arraignment court date.
4) You can expect your attorney to advise you of your rights.
5) Next you can expect the judge or prosecutor to tell you the crime you have formally been charged with.
6) You can expect the judge to ask how you would like to plead to the DUI charge, guilty or not guilty?
7) You can expect to plead not guilty to the DUI charge?
8) Next you can expect the judge to set conditions of release, which could include; being released on your personal recognizance, bail being set, order to install an ignition interlock device, a prohibition against consuming alcohol or drugs (including marijuana), placement of an alcohol detection device on your person, and no driving if you are uninsured or your license is invalid.
9) In most jurisdictions, you can expect to receive a copy of your police report from the prosecutor if your attorney is present.
10) And lastly, you can expect to receive your next DUI court date, which is called the pre-trial hearing.
If you have been arrested for DUI and you have received your arraignment date, call David O Defense today to schedule a free DUI consultation. Our experienced DUI defense attorneys are here to help and will answer any questions you may have. Call our DUI defense lawyers today, 206-459-6392.
Written by DUI defense attorney, David O
Co-Written by Sarah Ann