Being arrested and charged with DUI is not something to take lightly, it is a serious charge and it can result in equally serious penalties including loss of your driving privileges, fines and even jail time for multiple offenders. If you are facing your first charge you may be unaware of what to expect as the case against proceeds. The first thing to prepare yourself for once you have been arrested and charged is the arraignment. It is important that you understand the arraignment process and how it works, in this way you will not be faced with any unpleasant surprises. At the arraignment stage you might want to consider getting a DUI lawyer in Long Beach CA, the lawyer knows what to expect, he or she knows what punishments you may face and what your chances are of demonstrating your innocence. At the arraignment you are expected to enter a plea, either innocent or guilty, part of the preparation is deciding what plea to make.
Most people who have never been arrested before are not aware of court proceedings; they are usually totally unaware of what an arraignment is and how it is carried out. As DUI is a crime you will be arrested, the first step in the process of determining your guilt or innocence is the arraignment. It is at this time that the charges are read to you and you are asked to plead either guilty or innocent. In many cases a bail hearing is held in conjunction with the arraignment. There will be no need for bail if you elect to plead guilty, you will be sentenced right then and there. If however you plead not guilty your case will go to court and at the arraignment the judge will set a trial date.
At the arraignment the judge will ask you if you have a private DUI lawyer in Long Beach CA. In the event you do not, the court will, at your request, provide you with a public defender that will represent you through the duration of the case. Although a public defender is a perfectly capable lawyer they are often so burdened with cases that they cannot provide the same level of advocacy that a private lawyer can.
At your arraignment you might think that the best course to follow is simply to plead guilty and get it over with. This is not recommended because you will automatically have a criminal record, when you are represented by a DUI lawyer in Long Beach CA there is a very good chance that the penalties will be reduced and there is a good chance that you will be found not guilty.
If you are arrested and charged with DUI it is a good idea that you seek immediate representation by a DUI lawyer in Long Beach CA. You are invited to contact the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann.
