Everything That Goes On During A DUI Arraignment in Pasadena

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Pasadena is a beautiful city located in California with a rich history. Like many other cities, Pasadena has specific laws and courts dealing with criminal cases, including DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charges. If a person is arrested for DUI, the first major step in the legal process is arraignment.

It may seem like a stressful experience for anyone involved, but understanding what happens during a DUI arraignment can make the process easier to deal with.

If you are facing DUI charges, it is better to look for a DUI attorney in Pasadena to get guidance on proceeding with the legal process and protecting your rights.

What is a DUI Arraignment?

A DUI arraignment is a first court appearance in front of a judge after you are arrested in a DUI case. It is an important part of the legal process. The arraignment will occur soon after your arrest, often within 48 hours.

In Pasadena, this takes place at the Pasadena Courthouse, which handles a wide range of criminal cases, including DUIs.

What Happens at a DUI Arraignment?

Arrival at Court

When you arrive, you will go through a security check before entering the courtroom. It is essential to arrive on time to avoid any unnecessary complications.

Judge's Introduction

The judge will introduce the case if you enter the courtroom. They will verify your identity, read the charges against you, and inform you of your rights. That is where the judge will convey the seriousness of the case, and you will hear the specific DUI charge you are facing, including any potential aggravating factors, such as excessive blood alcohol content (BAC) or prior DUI convictions.

Plea Entry

The judge will ask how you plead to the charges. You may enter one of the following pleas:

• Guilty: You take the plea and are ready to accept the penalty. In this case, pleading guilty might prevent you from being able to plead down to a lesser sentence in the future.
• Not Guilty: You plead not guilty to the charge and prefer to contest the DUI. The case will then go on to further hearings, including pre-trial motions, discovery, and potentially a trial.
• No Contest (Nolo Contendere): You do not admit guilt but are also not contesting the charges. It is similar to pleading guilty but without the admission of fault, which can be helpful in some civil cases, such as insurance claims.

Setting Bail or Release Conditions

The judge may discuss bail or release conditions if you haven't been released from custody yet. For many first-time DUI offenders, bail is set at a reasonable amount. However, more serious charges may require higher bail amounts.

Legal Representation

At this point, if you haven't already hired an attorney, the judge may ask whether a lawyer represents you. If you have a DUI attorney, they will stand with you during the proceedings. Your attorney will advise you on whether to enter a plea and may request that the case be continued or deferred to allow for more time to gather evidence or negotiate a plea deal.

Pre-trial Motions and Upcoming Court Dates

The judge will typically schedule a future court date for pre-trial motions or a preliminary hearing after your plea is entered. If your case goes to trial, these future dates are crucial in preparing a solid defense. Your attorney may also file motions to suppress evidence or request that certain charges be dropped, depending on the case's specifics.

Possible Consequences

Depending on your plea, the next steps will vary. If you plead guilty or no contest, sentencing may happen quickly.

If you plead not guilty, you will enter a lengthy legal process involving a trial, evidence review, and negotiations for a possible plea deal or reduced charges.

A DUI arraignment is the first step in the legal process. So, it is necessary to understand the proceedings and to have legal representation to help you navigate the complexities of the case.