Navigating the fallout of a DWI is an incredibly daunting process, one which carries serious implications should an individual be convicted. However, understanding each step of the road ahead can greatly alleviate stress.
At this point, you’ve already gone through the arrest and booking stages, which means you’re likely going to receive a notice of arraignment by mail if you weren’t already given one at the time of your arrest. The arraignment is your first court hearing, where you’ll have the opportunity to hear the charges against you and tell the court if you wish to plead guilty or not guilty.
By hiring an experienced DWI attorney, you’ll have the chance to discuss the court process with a professional to ensure no stone is left unturned. Your future is worth the fight—or at the bare minimum, a thorough analysis of your case and your options. Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty.
You can always request a court-appointed attorney to represent you, but your chances of getting the charges dismissed are far greater with a local, experienced criminal defense attorney like Matt Schlake.
Next steps will include posting bond and possibly special conditions like an ignition interlock (a “blow-and-go”), as well as an ALR hearing should you try to save your driver’s license.
During a plea entry, the judge will lay out charges against you and give you the choice to plead guilty or not guilty. If you decide to plead not guilty, the case will go to trial. If a jury then finds you not guilty, you can have the charge removed from your record without any conviction or penalties. If you plead guilty, you’ll skip the trial process and go right to sentencing—and will have a DWI charge on your criminal record. DWIs can’t normally be expunged, either, which means they will show up on any background check going forward.
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