Navigating the Court Process After Being Charged with a PA DUI
Once you have been charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania, the court process begins. Depending on your individual circumstances, there may be different legal proceedings that must take place before a final verdict is reached. The following information will provide an overview of the court process for those charged with a driving under the influence in Pennsylvania.
Appearing at the Arraignment
The first step is to appear in front of a judge at the initial hearing. This is known as an arraignment and is where you will hear the charges against you and enter either a guilty or not guilty plea. If you plead not guilty, your drunk driving case will then proceed to a pre-trial conference with the District Attorney’s Office where negotiations can occur regarding your case and potential outcomes. If no agreement is reached during this conference, your case will then go to a trial.
Going to Trial
At the trial, you have the right to present evidence on your behalf, including witnesses or other documentation. You will also be able to cross-examine any witnesses presented by the prosecution in order to challenge their testimony. After all parties have had a chance to present their cases and make their arguments, the judge or jury (depending on your specific circumstances) will determine whether or not you are guilty of DUI charges. If found guilty, sentencing may occur immediately following the verdict or at a later date set by the court.
Sentencing Stage
Sentencing for a drunk driving conviction can include penalties such as jail time, fines and fees, probation, alcohol education classes, community service hours, ignition interlock devices and more.
Once the court process is complete, you may be able to appeal the verdict or sentence if there were any errors in the proceedings. You will need an experienced attorney to help guide you through this process and represent your best interests.
Having a Defense Lawyer Handle Your Case
No matter what stage of the court process you are currently in, it is important to seek out experienced legal representation that can provide sound advice and defend your rights. An experienced DUI attorney can help ensure that your case is handled fairly and efficiently throughout each step of the process. By using a driving under the influence defense attorney to represent you in court, they may be able to have your charges and fines reduced or even have the case dismissed under some circumstances. This could make a major impact on your future, so it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible.
Navigating the court process after being charged with driving under the influence in Pennsylvania can be difficult and intimidating. It is important to understand your rights and options throughout each step of the process, which an experienced attorney can help you do. With the right legal representation, you can ensure that all of your rights are protected under the law.
Travis Law Firm: Serving DUI Clients
You or someone you know who is charged with DUI may qualify for assistance through the Travis Law Firm. It’s extremely difficult to navigate these laws alone, so you should seek legal representation. Contact Attorney Grant C. Travis today in the D.C./Maryland metropolitan area at (814) 277-2222 to schedule a free consultation. Please feel free to contact us online as well.