Southern California DUI Court Process

The court process for a DUI charge is rather complex, involving a DMV hearing as well as regular court proceedings. With a qualified DUI attorney on your side, you will understand the whole process so you are prepared for what is to come.

Any DUI charge and court process begins with the initial arrest. Upon observing erratic behavior or other signs of intoxication, a law enforcement officer may pull you over. If he or she believes that you are intoxicated, he will take your license and arrest you for drunk driving. After you are arrested, you have 10 days to schedule a DMV hearing regarding the suspension of your license. If you fail to schedule your hearing with the DMV, your license will automatically be suspended.

You may be held in custody after your arrest. At this time, you may have to post bail or may be released on your own recognizance.

An arraignment is the next step in the Los Angeles DUI court process. The judge will inform you of the pending DUI charges and you will be able to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty before the court.

Pretrial motions may be filed after the arraignment, by your DUI attorney. This may be a motion to suppress evidence, or another action which will serve to build your defense. In addition, the prosecution may offer a plea bargain wherein you can plead guilty and get a lesser charge as a result.

California DUI Trial

A California DUI trial usually takes several days. First, your DUI attorney and the prosecuting attorney will select a jury. After the jury is selected, the trial begins. There are several standard steps which will follow:

• Opening statements
• Examination and cross-examination of witnesses
• Closing arguments
• The judge will then instruct the jury as to how they can apply the facts of the case to the law  and their verdict
• Jury deliberation (deciding upon their verdict)
• Verdict (guilty or not guilty)
• Sentencing, decided by the judge

Throughout the entire process, our skilled DUI lawyers will be able to keep you informed and appraised as to what is going on. We believe in working directly with you to get the best outcome for your case.

Contact us regarding your Los Angeles DUI today!