DUI Arraignments

Lawyers Defending Clients in Jacksonville and Surrounding Areas

A Florida DUI typically involves two separate legal actions. A driver license suspension by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is determined through the administrative law process, while the DUI charge is prosecuted by the state attorney through the criminal justice system. A DUI arraignment is one of the initial court proceedings in the criminal case. If you have been arrested for drunk or drugged driving, our Jacksonville DUI lawyers can represent you at your arraignment. At Ellis and Bryant, we have the skill to defend your interests at all stages of the case, including DUI arraignments.

Overview of DUI Arraignments in Florida

When a person is accused of a crime, they have the right to know of the charges against them. An arraignment is a court proceeding at which the defendant is formally advised of the criminal offenses they have been charged with. At a DUI arraignment, the prosecution will provide the specific DUI offense brought against the defendant. For example, the judge may inform the defendant that the prosecution has formally filed charges for a first-time DUI, driving under the influence of a controlled substance, aggravated DUI, or DUI with a minor in the vehicle, among other offenses. This allows the defendant to understand the severity of the offense and the potential penalties if convicted. The defendant will have the opportunity at a DUI arraignment to enter a plea to the charges.

Entering a Plea at DUI Arraignments

Following a DUI arrest, the arraignment is one of the first opportunities you have to defend against the charges. There are three possible responses when entering a plea to a DUI charge:

“Not guilty” means that you formally deny that you committed the DUI offense charged against you. You may also request a trial before a judge or a jury. After entering a not guilty plea, the defense will have time to investigate the facts and evidence, engage in the discovery process, and/or negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution.

“Guilty” means that you admit to the court that you are guilty of the crime charged by the state. When you plead guilty to a DUI offense, you may be subject to criminal sentencing immediately. It is important that you understand the potential consequences before entering a guilty plea at a DUI arraignment, particularly if you do not have an attorney.

“No contest” means that you are not going to fight the DUI charge. No contest pleas often arise in cases involving a DUI plea bargain. In Florida, pleading no contest to a DUI will be viewed as prior conviction for purposes of a subsequent charge.

Representation at DUI Arraignments

A DUI arraignment is typically scheduled several weeks after an arrest. If you do not have a lawyer at the time of the arraignment, you can still hire one afterward. However, you must attend the DUI arraignment in person, on the date that it is scheduled. Failing to appear in court for an arraignment may result in the judge issuing a bench warrant for your arrest.

If you have retained legal representation at that point, a notice of appearance filed by counsel will excuse you from attending a DUI arraignment in most circumstances. Your defense attorney can appear at the arraignment on your behalf and enter your plea, or the arraignment may be waived or rescheduled for a later date.

Contact a Lawyer in Jacksonville

If you have been arrested for a DUI, an attorney can protect your rights and represent you at the arraignment. At Ellis and Bryant, our experienced lawyers can answer any questions you may have about the process. We handle DUI arraignments in Jacksonville, Middleburg, Orange Park, and many other locations in Duval and Clay Counties. Request a free initial consultation to discuss your DUI arrest or drug charge by calling (904) 551-4120 or contacting Ellis and Bryant online.

Client Reviews

She took the time to listen to our concerns and advise us accordingly. She fought for us until the case was done and after the case was complete followed with us. She is one of the few attorneys I have encountered who really care.

Lorraine

After leaving the office I knew I had made the right choice choosing Ellis and Bryant. Their honest and in-depth knowledge gave me a new perspective about my circumstance. Not only were they looking out for me but also my family and things that could play out in the future.

Brian

During the entire process I felt safe and secure that my most important matter was just as important to her. She along with her firm worked very diligently to ensure that my rights were met and decision deliberated by the court was the appropriate and fair judicial action in regards to my case.

Anonymous

We had an excellent experience with TJ as our Lawyer. I couldn't be happier with the out come for my daughter's case. He was able to have her new charges along with her violatation of probation dropped. I highly recommend TJ to anyone who is looking for an honest & hard working lawyer. Thank you...

Reneé

Ms Ellis took advantage of every detail and applicable law in the handling of a very contentious child custody case. Both she and Mr. Bryant were courteous and prompt in all of our correspondence. She communicated effectively with opposing counsel to facilitate a fair and equitable outcome. Highly...

Anonymous

Free Initial Consultation

Available 24/7 (904) 551-4120