What To Expect In The Court Process When You’re Facing DUI Charges

Following an arrest or citation for driving under the influence (DUI), the accused will face a multistage legal process in court to determine his or her innocence or guilt (the criminal justice process in court is independent from the administrative hearing with the Colorado DMV during which loss or retention of driving privileges is determined).

At every step of the DUI court case process, it is essential that you have experienced legal counsel defending your rights and representing your interests in order to minimize the chance of conviction and/or any possible DUI penalties you may face.

How The DUI Court Case Process Unfolds

The DUI court case process starts with a court summons that requires you to go to court in order to face the complaint (i.e., charges) against you. Once you have received the summons detailing when and where you are to appear, the next steps of the DUI court case process are as follows:

• The arraignment will be the first time you confront a judge and the prosecutor. During the arraignment, the charges filed against you will be formally read, and you will be required to enter a plea (i.e., not guilty, no contest or guilty).
• When a “not guilty” plea is entered, a pretrial hearing will take place. During these proceedings, your DUI defense attorney will meet with the prosecutor to try to come to a plea agreement, which can involve either lesser charges or a less harsh punishment. These hearings attempt to settle the case before going to trial in an effort to save time and the expenses associated with the trial process.
• If a plea agreement is not reached, a suppression hearing may follow. During these hearings, your lawyer can argue that certain evidence be omitted from the trial and/or challenge the results of blood tests or field sobriety tests.
• The trial will be the next step; during trial, your attorney can present your defense either before a judge who will solely adjudicate the case or before a jury who will decide the verdict.
• Should a guilty determination be made, the sentencing process will follow. Depending on the nature of the case, your attorney may appeal a guilty verdict.

At Flesch & Beck Law our accomplished Denver DUI attorneys have proven records of successfully defending those accused of DUI. We believe that our clients are innocent until proven guilty, and we will work tirelessly to build them the strongest possible defense case at every stage of the Denver DUI court case process. Our fierce litigating skills — coupled with our comprehensive knowledge of Colorado DUI law and our steadfast dedication to our clients — consistently help us achieve the most favorable possible outcomes to our clients’ cases.

Contact Flesch & Beck Law today!