After an arrest for drinking and driving, seeking information to understand the process is the most effective way to defend yourself against the charges. The first formal step in court proceedings after an arrest for driving under the influence is arraignment.
During the Junction City DUI arraignment process, the judge will read the charges and potential sentencing and allow you to enter a plea. Schedule a meeting with a well-practiced DUI attorney for more information and help to prepare.
The Arraignment Process
Being prepared for the DUI arraignment process is essential. The alleged defendant will receive a Notice to Appear after the arrest, which documents the date and time of the proceeding.
The Hearing
The judge will formally set forth charges the individual faces, including the specific offense and potential penalties. The judge informs them of their rights to an attorney and asks if they plan to hire one or require a court-appointed lawyer.
Securing representation before the arraignment is highly recommended. A lawyer familiar with the Junction City DUI arraignment procedure could help a person navigate each step while protecting their legal rights.
Plea Entry
The judge will ask the individual to enter a plea, and they can enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Consulting with legal counsel before entering a guilty or no-contest plea could have severe and lasting negative consequences.
Not guilty means the case proceeds to trial. After entering the not-guilty plea, the criminal court judge will schedule future court dates and address issues, such as driving restrictions and bail conditions, if applicable.
The Administrative License Hearing
The individual must also attend an administrative driver’s license hearing if they wish to pursue a restricted license, separate from the criminal case. They must request the hearing with the Kansas Department of Revenue Administrative Hearing Officers.
A process server will deliver a notice of certification and driver’s license suspension request for the hearing by mail or electronic facsimile. A diligent lawyer who has previous experience with the DUI arraignment process in Junction City could answer questions and provide advice, support, and guidance.
Convictions for DUIs can result in severe penalties and other lasting consequences, such as the driver having the violation on their permanent criminal record. Sentencing depends on the type of offense and ranges from first-time DUI offenders to involuntary manslaughter, which results when a drunk driver causes a crash, leading to fatalities.
First-Offense
First-time DUI offenses include sentencing of up to 100 hours of community service, alcohol course, and driver’s license suspension.
Second-Offense
A second conviction could mean up to 90 days in jail, $1,500 in fines, loss of driver’s license for one year, and a requirement to install an ignition interlock device.
Third-Offense
A third-offense DUI conviction sentencing includes up to one year in jail, fines of up to $2,500, a drug and alcohol treatment program, and a driver’s license suspension of up to one year.
Involuntary Manslaughter
Involuntary manslaughter conviction penalties include from 38 to 172 months of imprisonment and a felony offense on the driver’s permanent record.
A skilled DUI lawyer in Junction City could review the possible sentencing guidelines before the arraignment and help prepare a solid defense strategy.
Meet With an Experienced Attorney for Questions About the DUI Arraignment Process in Junction City
An arrest for any criminal offense is unnerving, mainly when a conviction could result in harsh penalties, such as intoxicated driving, and could cause issues in many areas of your life. From start to finish, understanding the criminal and administration processes will help you navigate the system, defend your legal rights, and complete sentencing requirements as necessary.
A qualified lawyer, seasoned in the Junction City DUI arraignment process, could provide legal advice and support and guide you through the challenging process. Call today to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.
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