For many people facing a Meriden DUI, this is their first experience with the Meriden legal system. As such, it can be overwhelming and confusing. However, it doesn’t have to be. On this page, we will outline all of the steps that you face if you have been charged with a DUI in Meriden. If you still have additional questions, make sure to reach out to our office. A Meriden DUI lawyer at our firm can answer your questions.
If you have been arrested for a DUI in Meriden, you may be released from police custody and asked to appear in court on your own recognizance. However in many situations you will instead face an arraignment hearing, during which a judge will decide if you can post bail and how much the bail will cost. A judge can also determine conditions of release at this time. If you can’t post bail, or if it is denied you, you will stay in prison until your trial. However, keep in mind that it is rare for bail to be denied in DUI cases, especially first offense cases. Arraignment hearings take place in the New Haven Superior Court. Following the arrest, the accused individual will be scheduled for an arraignment hearing. This initial court appearance takes place in the New Haven Superior Court.
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Once your arraignment the place and the charges you face are officially entered into the court, you have the opportunity to enter a plea. Your options are pleading guilty, meaning that you do not deny or contest the charges, not guilty, meaning that you do not admit to the charges you face and want to go through the trial process, or nolo contendere, which is a plea that neither admits or denies guilt. Essentially, when pleading nolo contendere, you are saying that you do not necessarily agree with the charges, but you do not wish to contest them given the evidence against you and other factors. This type of plea is treated like a guilty plea in that sentencing will occur after you enter the plea.
After you enter your plea, your lawyer may enter into negotiations with the prosecution. If a compromise is reached that you are comfortable with, you can take a plea bargain offered by the prosecution. However, if you are not satisfied with the negotiations, you could take your case to trial and ultimately let a judge and jury decide your case.
There are pros and cons to taking your case to court, but rest assured that our lawyers have taken DUI cases to trial and won. We understand the process, from jury selection, to presenting evidence, to cross-examination, and we can help you through this process if you feel that going to trial is your best option. We can also hep you make that decision based on factors such as your prior record, the evidence against you, etc. We are also familiar with the Bridgeport courthouses and their staff members. We can put this knowledge to work for you and help you achieve the best outcome given your situation.
To discuss your case and the potential of going to trial with a Meriden DUI lawyer, contact our team.
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