One step in the criminal justice process after you are charged with drunk driving is going through the arraignment. This is the first courtroom proceeding that you will go through. By this point, you will have been arrested and booked into jail. You will likely already have been given a bail amount.
What is the purpose of the arraignment?
The arraignment is the chance you have to enter a plea in your case. You must think very carefully about this because it has a big impact on your case. You can plead not guilty and move toward the rest of the criminal justice process. You can plead guilty and this will likely be your last court appearance for this charge.
What happens at the arraignment?
At the arraignment, the judge will read the charges that are placed against you. He or she will find out if you have or need an attorney. You will be asked for your plea, any bail issues might be addressed and any future court dates that are necessary might be set.
Why would I enter a guilty plea at the arraignment?
Some people who are facing drunk driving charges will opt to plead guilty because there is significant evidence against them. There might not be much room for a plea bargain. If you plan on pleading guilty, make sure that you understand the charges against you and the penalties that you face. Without a complete understanding of these points, you can't make informed decisions about your defense and how you want your case handled.
