Court Process

Getting a DUI can be extremely upsetting and turn into a much longer process than anyone may expect. Once a DUI case is in the court system, the prosecutors, judges, and clerks in the courthouse that the case is in gain control of it. Each courthouse moves at a certain pace, and the individuals that handle the cases and the number of cases at any given time can affect the amount of time it takes to settle a DUI.

Unfortunately, many cases are delayed for weeks and sometimes months because of the courthouse caseload and the time that the lawyers on both sides need to evaluate the case and negotiate. Patience during this process is critical to getting the best outcome possible.

The New Britain Court Process

Many times the delays of the court process can be worsened when attorneys need to request continuances, or “delays,” for the case. These delays are extended periods of time that can allow lawyers time to obtain more information that is needed to move the case forward. Continuances are very common and usually necessary for the lawyers to work out the details of a case and review all of the materials available.

There are different classifications for cases, but DUIs are handled as criminal cases in the state of Connecticut. Each DUI case is handled in a Superior Courthouse in the area where the alleged DUI occurred. The section of each courthouse depends on its geographical location and hears cases that allegedly occurred in the towns that are designated to that geographical location. New Britain cases are held in the town of New Britain, which is geographical location 15.

Prosecutors, often called DAs in television and movies, are called State’s Attorneys in Connecticut. They represent the state, or in other words, the people of the state. They work to prosecute those that they believe have committed a crime in the state. Prosecutors will often work with the police to obtain the evidence that they need to prosecute a case, such as video footage, police reports, and statements made to police. On the other side, defense attorneys represent their clients, the defendants, and make sure that their clients’ rights are not violated while also being an advocate for their clients.

Types of Crimes

At the most basic level, crimes are broken up into different categories that are grouped together based on level of seriousness and what minimum consequences can be imposed. These groups are felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions.

Felonies, the most serious group of crimes, are punishable by prison sentences of a year or more. Misdemeanors, which are considered less serious than felonies, are punishable by a prison sentence of up to one year. Infractions are the least serious crime. They are not punishable by incarceration. Instead, they are punished by fines. Infractions often do not even require court appearances, but can be settled by sending in a plea and the fine associated in the mail. However, even infractions can carry consequences that can greatly affect a person’s life and may have issues that can be negotiated with the prosecutor.

Presenting Yourself in Court

The outcome of a case does not depend on whether or not someone comes to court with a nice professional dress or a suit jacket and tie. But it can, however, impact the way that the prosecutor and judge view a defendant because putting time into appearance shows a person’s respect and comprehension of seriousness for the court case. Factors like demeanor, speech, and clothing are all subtle things that people handling a case in the courthouse will take notice of, and it can be something that could make a difference in a case. When appearing in court, a defendant should act respectfully and be aware of the seriousness of court and the legal system.

Additionally, dressing appropriately, such as wearing a dress shirt, dress shoes, and other business professional or business casual attire is recommended. Defendants should not appear in court wearing jeans, hats, t-shirts, or clothing that has inappropriate language or offensive content on it because the court will take notice of this.

Refraining from using offensive or vulgar speech is equally as important. Defendants should also refrain from speaking to someone in the courthouse or to anyone about their case without speaking to their lawyer first. Often the prosecutors and judges will only speak to a defendant through his or her lawyer, and the lawyer will speak for his or her client because this is part of legal representation.

Navigating the DUI court process can be stressful, and that is why having a trustworthy attorney advocating for you throughout the process is so important. If you have been arrested for a DUI in New Britain, call Lady DUI to speak with an attorney today.