There are different stages of a DUI case in Santa Ana. At the Law Offices of Thomas Tears, we are committed to high-quality legal counsel and dedicated client service through the entire process of defending our clients' DUI charges in the Santa Ana area. If you would like to learn exactly what a Santa Ana DUI defense attorney at our firm can do to help you, we welcome you to contact our offices at any time to undergo a free, confidential consultation.
Following is a brief outline of the stages of a Santa Ana DUI case (for a misdemeanor DUI offense):
- Arrest - the criminal process begins when the driver is arrested for DUI.
- Booking - after the arrest, the driver will be brought into custody, take mug shots, fingerprints and process the driver to place him or her in a holding cell until bail is set.
- Bail - bail is an amount of money determined by the court that a person must pay in order to be released from custody. After the defendant shows up to all scheduled court appearances, bail will typically be returned.
- Arraignment - this is the defendant's first court appearance in the Santa Ana DUI process. At this time, the judge will inform the defendant of the charges he or she faces and the defendant will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest.
- Plea Bargain - at times, the prosecuting attorney may wish to offer the defendant a plea bargain, which involves the defendant pleading guilty in return for facing lesser DUI charges and penalties.
- Pre-Trial Motions - before the trial, the prosecuting and defense attorneys may introduce motions to suppress evidence, motions to submit evidence, etc.
- Trial - the trial is where both the prosecution and defense will be able to submit their cases to the court. Examination and cross-examination of witnesses, opening and closing statements, and evidence will all be taken into account and a guilty or not guilty verdict reached by a judge or jury.
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Sentencing - if the defendant is found guilty of DUI, the judge will determine sentencing (DUI penalties) based upon the particular circumstances of the case.
Santa Ana DUI Lawyer
Find out more about what we can do to protect your interests through the Santa Ana DUI process, both in criminal court and at your DMV hearing. Contact a Santa Ana DUI lawyer at our firm today!