Whether you are facing your first Norwich DUI or your second or third offense, going to court in the area can be a frightening experience. You can brush up on what to expect from the court experience if you are arrested for a DUI on this page.
One of your first experiences with the Connecticut court system if you have been charged with driving under the influence is the arraignment. This is your first court appearance and it will happen very soon after your arrest takes place. The arraignment determines 1) if you can be released from police custody while your case is pending and 2) what conditions are put into place for your release. Posting bail is not always needed when charged with a crime and in some cases, you may be released from police custody on your own personal recognizance. In this situation, the court trusts that you will get yourself to court when you need to appear.
However, in many criminal cases, the court will ask you to post bail as assurance that you will appear in court when necessary. You get the money you post for bail back as long as you appear in court. Posting bail in order to get out of jail while your case is pending is usually an option that is available for those facing DUI charges, especially if it is your first offense. A judge will determine if bail is appropriate for your case and how much it should cost.
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A judge will also determine if conditions for your release are necessary. These are conditions that ensure that you will not commit any new crimes while you are out of jail on bail and they also ensure that you will come back to court. Common conditions for release might be maintaining your employment, not leaving the state, not driving, not committing any new crimes, etc. If you are caught doing any of these things, your bail may be revoked and you could be placed in police custody while your case is pending.
As you can see, it is very important that you appear for any and all court dates related to your case. If you work with a Norwich DUI defense lawyer, they can keep track of your court dates and make sure that you appear when you need to. They can also appear with you to ensure that your rights are protected.
In many cases, the prosecutor assigned to your case may try to negotiate a plea with you. It is also important to have a lawyer present at this time to ensure that you get a fair plea bargain. A lawyer will know if the prosecutor is offering you a good deal based on the circumstances of your situation. They can advise you on taking the plea deal or not, although the ultimate decision is up to you.
If you do not want to take a plea bargain offered to you, your case will proceed to trial and you will appear before a judge and a jury. Norwich DUI cases are heard in the New London Courthouse. This is another stage in the process when it is important to have a lawyer present. A lawyer can establish the best defense given your situation and make sure that your side of the story is presented in court. To speak with one of our lawyers who has gone to trial in Norwich before, contact us.
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