Preparing For Your DUI Court Case

Being arrested for a DUI can be an anxiety-provoking experience, especially if this is your first time, but knowing what to expect can ease some of that anxiety. You will need an attorney to help you build the best DUI defense and to be your guide through the complex legal system.

Being charged with a DUI can have significant repercussions in your life, but you can visit https://www.law.ninja/ to find out more about how a criminal defense attorney can help you.

The Process

Within 24 hours of your arrest, you will attend your first appearance hearing if you have not been released on bond or released on your own recognizance (ROR).  During your arraignment, the charges against you are read aloud in court, and you are asked to enter your plea, which can be not guilty, guilty, or no contest. You will also be asked if you want to hire your own attorney or want one appointed to you. Once you have chosen your attorney, they will file a notice of appearance, which officially informs the prosecutor and judge that they are your legal representation. Your attorney will also file a demand for discovery, which requires the prosecutor to provide the discovery (evidence) against you to your attorney within the time limit after receiving the Notice.

In the discovery phase, the prosecutor finds as much evidence as they can about your alleged offense to support the fact that you were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This includes the results of any field sobriety tests, lab reports from blood or urine test, results from your breathalyzer test, testimony from witnesses, and video evidence, if available from surveillance videos or dash cams.

A pre-trial hearing will be scheduled many weeks later to update the judge on your case and to see if it can be settled. Judges tend to have a lot of cases on their docket, so this hearing may be quick. If you settle your case, then a sentence will likely be imposed at that time. If not, then the case may go to trial, which will require additional preparation. However, many DUI cases are resolved through negotiation or plea bargains.

How To Prepare For Your Court Appearance

Other than putting your trust in an experienced and reputable DUI defense attorney, you should concentrate on finding a professional-looking business suit or another clean-cut, conservative outfit to wear to your hearing. You should plan to arrive at the courthouse 45 minutes before you are scheduled to allow for any delays in traffic or at the security check-in point. By arriving early, you will also have an opportunity to discuss last-minute details with your attorney. You may have to make arrangements with morning school drop-offs or work to ensure that you are not late for your hearing.

What Should I Bring To Court?

Except for your attorney and your nicest clothes, you should never bring anything more than your photo ID, keys, and cell phone, though some courts may require you to lock your cell phone in a locker, which you may need to pay $0.25 for. You should never bring any items that you would not take through security at the airport. You should also never bring food or drink, or gum to your hearing.

Strengthening Your Case

Before you go to court, it’s beneficial to take steps to strengthen your case and improve your chances. One of the most important tasks is to find an experienced attorney to represent you like RB Isenberg criminal defense lawyer. Once you have chosen a firm to advise you, take full advantage of your lawyer’s experience, knowledge and expertise. Don’t be afraid to ask questions before the trial, learn as much as possible about what happens during court proceedings and try to build confidence with the help of your lawyer. Go through the details, think about the questions you will be asked and try to speak clearly. Take your time to digest the question and give a response.