Bridgeton Office
196 East Commerce Street
Bridgeton, NJ 08302
Tel: 856-497-9000
Fax: 877-445-7105
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1-877-HELMER1
1-877-435-6371
After a DUI/DWI arrest in New Jersey, the legal process moves quickly. Here is what you can generally expect once you have been ticketed in a drunk driving arrest:
At some point before the end of your encounter with the police, you most likely received a summons (this is your “ticket”). The summons should identify the traffic offenses with which you are being charged, and it should state the date of your first court date, which is called an “arraignment.”
The arraignment happens quickly—usually within a week, and often with a few days of the arrest. During the arraignment, a judge will read the charges against you, inform you of the potential penalties and advise you to seek legal representation (if you have not done so already). Unless your attorney advises you to waive the arraignment and files the necessary paperwork, it is extremely important that you attend.
When you hire a DUI lawyer to handle your DUI/DWI case, either before or after the arraignment, one of the first things your lawyer should do is request information from the prosecution. This part of the process is known as “discovery.” In a typical case, a DUI/DWI defense attorney will request information and records such as:
In addition, depending upon the circumstances involved, your attorney may conduct an independent investigation. This could involve hiring an investigator to take photos of the scene, talking to witnesses and collecting any other evidence that could support your defense.
Once the discovery process is underway, your attorney and the prosecutor will meet to discuss your case. Depending upon the facts and nature of your case, these discussions may result in the prosecutor offering a downgraded charge. If you receive an acceptable offer and the court approves of the lesser offense, your case can be resolved prior to trial. If not, your attorney will continue fighting on your behalf.
If it appears that any of the evidence against you was illegally obtained, your attorney may move to have the evidence suppressed (excluded) from your trial. Your attorney will also file any motions necessary to challenge any other violations of your legal and Constitutional rights.
DUI trials are fairly rare. More often than not, DUI cases are resolved by motions. Still, once all of the pretrial matters have been resolved, your case may end up going to trial before a judge (which is known as a “bench trial”). Your attorney will present your defense strategy, and the prosecutor will argue for conviction. If the judge is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of the offense (or offenses) charged, you will be sentenced immediately. If the judge finds you not guilty, you will be free to go.
Have you been arrested for drunk driving in New Jersey? If so, contact Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. now for a free consultation. To speak with a DUI/DWI defense attorney in confidence, call 1-877-435-6371 or submit your case online today.
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Fax: 877-445-7105
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