Orange County DUI Attorney

Once the officers determine that you are driving under the influence, they will have probable cause for arrest. Due to this, you will be arrested and detained at the nearest station pending your release on bail or bond.

 While at the station, you will also undergo the booking process, where officers note your name and other important personal details. The information is necessary for future reference and general record-keeping.

Working through your arrest and DUI case alone can be hectic, so retaining a DUI attorney is advisable. Their advice and legal input can pivot your case, giving you a chance to receive an acquittal or a lenient outcome. They will also be available for representation in court or a DMV hearing, which is necessary for a positive result.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the primary office that receives DUI cases in California. It also handles multiple case hearings and works hand in hand with courts to issue determinations. You can therefore expect the officers taking your file to present it to the DMV, especially if you appeal your license suspension soon after your arrest. Your DUI attorney can represent you during DMV hearings, and you will have a chance to issue defenses for your actions.

Once the DMV processes your case, a prosecutor is assigned to prepare a court case, especially if your matter involves criminal elements. You need to make essential preparations ahead of time, including engaging your defense attorney. By doing this, you are in a better position to defend yourself and fight the DUI allegations made against you.

Each case presents different facts; not all defenses will work for your matter. As a result, you should take time to assess possible reasons with your attorney’s help for better chances at presenting successful arguments.

During this stage, your DUI attorney will also introduce the strategies they intend to apply in your case for a positive outcome. They will guide you through any sections you must participate in and ensure you understand how the trial will proceed. If you have information that could affect your defense case, you must present it now to make your attorney’s approach seamless.

A court trial begins with a pre-trial process, whereby the prosecutor handling your case provides details about the evidence gathered against you. They will also confirm that they are ready to proceed and present their list of witnesses, among other important information the court requires.

Similarly, your DUI attorney will provide the evidence they have gathered in your defense and the general approach they will follow during your defense hearing. Full disclosure is necessary during the defense hearing to promote a fair trial, leading to an agreeable case outcome for both parties.

During your court arraignment, the presiding judge requires you to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Presenting your decision is necessary, as pleading guilty means accepting the charges against you. Consequently, there would be no need for a trial, and the judge would move straight into sentencing.

On the other hand, pleading not guilty means you deny the DUI charges, meaning that a trial is necessary to determine the case's outcome. If you intend to counter the prosecutor’s case, you need to plead not guilty so that both the prosecutor and your attorney can present their cases.

The DUI trial begins with the prosecution team presenting their arguments against you, and their goal is to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Subsequently, they will gather all the information necessary to demonstrate that you drove under the influence of alcohol and should therefore face the consequences.

After the prosecutor’s trial, you will then have the chance to counter your argument by presenting your defense case. As your DUI attorneys, we aim to help you cast reasonable doubt and reduce the chances of a conviction. Although the trial may consist of multiple counterarguments from both parties, the judge notes down all important factors and considers the weight of the evidence presented. With a skilled attorney, you are in a better position to receive an acquittal, as they understand the core legal principles to uphold.

After the trial concludes, you will either be found guilty or innocent of the DUI charge, depending on the weight of each case. If you are found guilty, you will be liable to face punishment during the sentencing hearing. During the session, the judge explains their findings and the reasons for the type of punishment you receive.