The purpose of arraignment is to advise you of your legal rights, to check if you have a lawyer and to appoint one if you can't afford, to announce the criminal charges against you, to ask how you wish to plead to your charge such as, guilty or not guilty or no contest and to announce future court dates.

1. DUI / DWI Process<br />Unfortunately most people do not know the DWI or DUI process until it actually happens. The best way to avoid the situation is to not drive under the influence. Still, it does happen and we are here to help when it does. Also, you should at least know and understand the process so that you know what to expect.<br />Arraignment:<br />The purpose of arraignment is to advise you of your legal rights, to check if you have a lawyer and to appoint one if you can't afford, to announce the criminal charges against you, to ask how you wish to plead to your charge such as, guilty or not guilty or no contest and to announce future court dates.<br />The date to when you should attend the arraignment is given in your ticket.<br />Pre-trial conference:<br />The pre-trial conference is where your lawyer meets district lawyer to negotiate plea bargain. Your lawyer will collect all the discovery materials that serve as an evidence for your case. This may take several visits to the court.<br />Suppression hearing:<br />If your lawyer suspects that your constitutional rights have been violated, he or she will file various motions to suppress evidence against you. Most often, the DUI criminal case will come to an end at this stage, if the plea bargain is accepted. If not, you need to face the trial.<br />Trial:<br />A trial takes place at the district court where the jury or a judge will examine all the evidence and witness testimonies of your case to decide whether you are guilty or not guilty. Almost in every state you have a right to a jury trial. In the jury trial, the jurors will decide if you are guilty or not and the judge acts upon it.<br />Sentencing:<br />If you are found guilty, the court imposes a sentence at the sentencing hearing which is at the same day as trial. Sentences may include fines, jail time, community service, alcohol classes and ignition interlock device.<br />