The Criminal Process »view the criminal process chart

After you are pulled over for DUI, the arresting officer forwards your information on to the city or county prosecutor who will file the case. The court case against you begins with your arraignment. In the justice system, this is your chance to hear the charges against you. Except in rare cases, your attorney will enter a NOT GUILTY plea at this time. The judge will order the conditions of your release and will set your bail amount. In the weeks that follow there will be a series of court dates, including a pre-trial hearing, motions hearing and readiness hearing, that may ultimately lead to a trial before a jury. It is during this pre-trial period that your attorney's negotiating skills outside of the courtroom are critical, determining whether you are able to avoid trial by negotiating your case down to a much lesser charge or even win a dismissal. The chart below lays out the process.

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