The Criminal Court Process for DUI Charges

The California criminal court process can be very complex and overwhelming to any individual facing a crime. There are numerous difficulties that one can face when entering a courtroom alone. Without a skilled Los Angeles DUI lawyer by your side defending your legal rights, you will most likely face the harshest penalties if you are convicted. At the Hedding Law Firm you can expect to receive the commitment and dedication of an experienced Los Angeles DUI attorney.

The Los Angeles Criminal Court Process

The criminal court process for DUI (driving under the influence) involves several steps. The first step is the arraignment. It occurs within 72 hours (unless the arrest took place on a weekend) of your arrest if held in custody. If bail was set and posted, then your arraignment will be scheduled for a future date.  At the arraignment the judge will read you your rights and advise you of the charges against you. You will then be asked to enter a plea, not guilty, guilty or no contest. You will then be returned to custody or allowed to be set free on a promise to appear for your next court date.

The second step of the criminal court process is to submit pre-trial motions. This step can take place at the arraignment but will most likely take place at a future hearing date. During this time, the prosecution may make several attempts to negotiate with your attorney. An experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyer will be able to determine whether or not the plea bargain is agreeable and beneficial to you and your DUI case.  If a plea bargain is not seen to be in your best interest or the best interest of your DUI case then the next step is to set a trial date.

Once your trial begins both your Los Angeles DUI lawyer and the prosecution will take turns helping to select the jury. Once the jury is selected your trial will then be presented to the judge and jury. A DUI trial can take a few days or several weeks. It just depends on the evidence that is being presented and the circumstances of your DUI case. Opening statements will be read, witnesses will give testimony and be cross-examined and the closing statements along with the judge’s instructions will be given. The jury will then deliberate and return with either a guilty or not guilty verdict.

California Misdemeanor and Felony DUI Lawyers

If a guilty verdict is read and you are convicted of DUI then the final step, the sentencing phase, will take place. Your sentence will be determined by the judge overseeing your trial and the DUI penalties will be enforced according to the facts surrounding your DUI case. It is very important that if you have been arrested for DUI that you hire a Los Angeles DUI attorney who has the experience and skill to aggressively defend you in court. At the Hedding Law Firm our clients’ rights and freedom are our main concern and we put up a strong defense to help ensure that they are well-protected.

Our Los Angeles DUI attorneys represent driving under the influence cases in any California courthouse, including: Los Angeles Metro Court, LAX Court, Van Nuys Court, San Fernando Court, Malibu Court, Sylmar Court, Alhambra Court, Central Arraignment Court, Beverly Hills Court, Burbank Court, Glendale Court, Hollywood Court, Pasadena Court, Pomona Court, Torrance Court and Santa Clarita Court.

Questions about the DUI court process? Contact the Hedding Law Firm today!