In the Garden State, driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that carries harsh penalties such as steep monetary fines, driver’s license suspension, and possible jail time. If you have to fight DUI charges in New Jersey, it’s important to understand how to prepare for your court hearing to maximize your chances of achieving the best possible outcome. Please continue reading to learn the stages of the DUI court process in New Jersey and why connecting with our skilled Bergen County DUI Attorneys is in your best interest.
What Are the Different Stages of the DUI Court Process?
If you have been charged with DUI in New Jersey, you will be taken to the police state and booked. After you are booked, you will have to attend one or more hearings in front of a judge. To prepare for these court appearances, you should first understand the purpose of the hearing and what the prosecution needs to prove to render a conviction. It’s important to realize that proper preparation goes hand in hand with the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Generally, you will appear in court several times for a DUI arrest. The initial court hearing is your arraignment. This is where you will appear before a judge, who will read the charges against you and enter your plea- not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The judge will also decide whether to grant bail and set the amount.
After you plead “not guilty,” you will appear before the judge with the prosecutor for your preliminary hearing. It’s important to understand that not all DUI arrests proceed to trial. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t need a qualified attorney on your side to defend your rights. There is no right to a jury trial in New Jersey. Therefore, a judge will hear and decide your case.
How Can You Prepare for Your Court Appearance for a DUI?
The most effective way to prepare for your court appearance after a DUI arrest is to retain the legal services of a skilled Bergen County DUI attorney who can effectively represent your interests. Our dedicated legal team can challenge chemical test results, negotiate for lesser charges, and guide you through this complex legal process.
Given the unique circumstances of your case, our attorneys will craft a robust defense strategy to shield you from an uncertain future. To build a solid defense strategy, you need to gather as much evidence as possible, including police reports, breathalyzer results, witness statements, and medical records. For instance, it may be possible to challenge breathalyzer results if the officer who administered the test failed to adhere to the 20-minute observation rule.
If you have been charged with DUI in New Jersey, please don’t hesitate to contact a dedicated attorney from the Law Office of Carl Spector, who can effectively fight on your behalf for the best possible outcome.
