Allentown criminal defense attorney
If you've been caught and charged with "driving under the influence" ("DUI") or "driving while intoxicated" ("DWI"). While you'll unquestionably need a attorney at law to defend you in court, it can make things a lot lessdifficult tofind out what's going to come about in court before you talk to a lawyer.
Arraignment
The first hearing in your DWI case is sureto be an arraignment. After reading through the charge against you, the judge willask you whether you plead guilty or innocent. Unless you're represented by an attorney and have talked it over carefully with your attorney, you'll choose to plead "not guilty."
If you aren't already represented by an attorney, the judge willmake a decision whether you arequalified to apply for a government-appointed attorney at law, known as a "public defender." Being appointed a lawyer fulfills your constitutional right to the assistance of counsel in criminal cases where you might possibly be deprived of your liberty.
{Motions in an Allentown a PA Driving Under the Influence Case
Your attorney will likely bring movements to have specific damaging evidence kept out of the trial. Examples of evidence that defense lawyers work hard ateliminating from a DWI trial at the pretrial motionstep include things like:
- Physical evidence such as alcohol bottles confiscated from the car
- Blood alcohol content testing results
- Any incriminating statements or confessions you may have made to the arresting officer(s)|
Trial for a DUI
Although many DWI cases are resolved short of going to trial, it'sconceivable you'll find yourself at trial. If so, the trial may proceed in a predictable manner, with:
- Jury selection (unless it is a trial by judge, which is fairly unusual in DWI trials)
- Opening statements by your attorney and the prosecutor, outlining the evidence each intends to present
- Testimony from witnesses
- Cross-examination of the witnesses by both attorneys
- Motions from your attorney after the prosecution has presented its case, sometimes asking the judge to dismiss the case for lack of evidence
- Closing arguments from both lawyers summing up the evidence, and arguments about how the law applies
- Jury instructions (by the judge) on the law the jury must apply
- Jury deliberation
- Jury verdict|
Sentencing for a DUI
If you're convicted for Pennsylvania Drunk Driving, the judge may sentence you to:
- Pay fines
- A short jail stay
- A long jail term if you were involved in an accident where you injured or killed someone
- Probation or a suspended sentence, with conditions on where you can go and actions you're prohibited from (such as drinking)
- Community service, working with local non-profit community organizations
- Drug or alcohol counseling or outpatient or intensive inpatient rehab
- Install an "ignition interlock" device on your vehicle}
You'll really want a experienced Allentown DUI trial lawyer to defend you prior to and during trial. It's best to find a legal professional you trust as soon as possible immediately after being charged with a offense.
For help with an Allentown PA DUI, call a DUI lawyer Allentown Pennsylvania.
