What Happens At A DUI Arraignment?
The following will happen when you appear for your DUI arraignment.
The Judge, will explain the complaint to you which details the offense(s) you are charged with, and will explain it to you if you do not understand the nature of the charge(s). The Judge will also advise you of the potential penalties.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions that you have on the rights explained here, the charge, or the maximum penalty possible under the law.
You will have the right to retain an attorney even if you intend to plead guilty, and a right to a reasonable continuance to secure an attorney.
If you do not intend to be represented by an attorney, you will be asked to sign a waiver form, if the potential sentence in your case carries possible jail time.
Please do not make statements concerning the facts of your case until the Judge asks you for a statement. Any statements you make may be used against you at a trial if a plea of not guilty is entered.
You may choose to enter any of these pleas at your arraignment:
By pleading NOT GUILTY, you are denying the charge. The prosecution will be required to prove its case against you beyond a reasonable doubt at a trial.
The plea of GUILTY is a complete admission of your guilt. If you plead guilty, you will be permitted to give a statement or explanation to the Judge before the sentence is imposed.
The plea of NO CONTEST at your DUI arraignment is not an admission of your guilt, but is an admission of the truth of the facts alleged in the complaint or citation, and the plea or admission shall not be used against you in any pending or subsequent civil or criminal proceeding.
It is of vital importance that you consult with an attorney prior to entering a plea. Hiring counsel will also have the benefit of taking care of the arraignment process. In most courts, an attorney is permitted to file papers with the court announcing his representation of the defendant, thereby vacating the need for a formal in-court arraignment. Ask your DUI attorney if your attendance at the arraignment will be required. If you do attend, the arraignment will be a very quick process wherein your attorney leads you to a podium, waives reading of the charge and enters a not guilty plea on your behalf. Matters of bond may, or may not be addressed at an arraignment. It is not common for your defense attorney to see the prosecutor who will handle your case and reach a resolution at the arraignment. Usually, issues of discovery and plea negotiations will take place later at the pre-trial hearing.
Some people have preconceived notions about the DUI arraignment. For instance, some clients believe that it will be held against them if they do not attend the hearing. I have never heard of this being the case. If the court wishes for the defendant to attend, it will become part of the court rules. Other clients think that the press will be present. This is usually not the case and your attorney will be able to tell you if such press coverage could be expected. Still other clients think that the judge will be rude, harsh or judgmental from the bench during the arraignment. Again, this will rarely if ever happen.
Attorney Charles M. Rowland II dedicates his practice to defending the accused drunk driver in the Miami Valley and throughout Ohio. He has the credentials and the experience to win your case and has made himself Dayton’s choice for drunk driving defense. Contact Charles Rowland by phone at (937) 318-1384 or toll-free at 1-888-ROWLAND (888-769-5263). If you need assistance after hours, call the 24/7 DUI Hotline at (937) 776-2671. You can have DaytonDUI at your fingertips by downloading the DaytonDUI Android App or have DaytonDUI sent directly to your mobile device by texting DaytonDUI (one word) to 50500. Follow DaytonDUI on Facebook, @DaytonDUI on Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr, Pheed and Pintrest or get RSS of the Ohio DUI blog. You can email CharlesRowland@DaytonDUI.com or visit his office at 2190 Gateway Dr., Fairborn, Ohio 45324. “All I do is DUI defense.”
To talk about your DUI arraignment contact me, or check these city-specific sites at the following links:
Fairborn, Dayton, Springfield, Kettering, Vandalia, Xenia, Miamisburg, Huber Heights, Oakwood, Beavercreek, Centerville
