Protect Yourself. Talk to a Lawyer About Your Case
Enter Your Zip Code to Connect with a Lawyer Serving Your Area
Enter Your Zip Code to Connect with a Lawyer Serving Your Area
What is the criminal process for a first DUI charge?
Question:
What is the criminal process for a first DUI charge?
This article is provided for informational purposes only. If you need legal advice or representation,
click here to have an attorney review your case .
click here to have an attorney review your case .
This site does not provide legal advice and users of this site should not interpret any of the information presented here as legal advice. The information provided merely conveys general information related to commonly asked legal questions. We are not a law firm and the employees responding to questions are not acting as your legal attorney. You should ultimately consult with a Lawyer for your case.
Get Informed - DUI/DWI Law Information
We've got a large library of DUI and DWI law articles, Q&A's and other resources. Start here to learn about DUI laws, arrests, defense, penalties and more.
DUI Basics
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Your DUI and the DMV
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
DUI Arrests, Police Reports, Arraignments, and Fees
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
DUI/DWI Charges and Penalties
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
Fighting a DUI
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
Getting Help with a DUI/DWI Charge
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) for the first time can be a scary moment. The DUI process includes an appearance before a judge to be arranged on the dui charge. Typically, if this is a person’s first time in the DUI process, he or she will be a charge with a misdemeanor. During the arraignment, the person charged with the DUI, also called the defendant, will enter a plea of either not guilty or guilty. Also during the arrangement, the judge will set a bail. Normally, since this is the first DUI arrest, the defendant may be released on their own recognizance (O.R.) bond.
Once the arrangement is over, the next part of the dui process begins. The defendant has to decide if he or she wants to plead guilty, try to plea bargain to reduce the charges or go forward with a trial. The choice the defendant makes usually depends on the circumstance such as the blood alcohol level. However, pleading guilty or accepting a plea bargain end the case. This means that the defendant is found guilty—in the case of a plea bargain of a lesser charge—and completes their sentence.
Even a first-time DUI is a serious matter. Thus, before making any decisions about the next step in the DUI process, the defendant should seek legal advice. A defense lawyer can explain what each option means and the possible sentencing outcomes.
References: