Are you scheduled for a DUI arraignment in Redwood City, California? The choices you make at this first court appearance can shape the rest of your case and impact your future. At Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, our team brings 30 years of combined experience helping defendants face DUI charges just like yours. Call us today at (650) 299-0500 or contact our office to schedule a consultation.
We know how intimidating and confusing the arraignment process can be, and we’re ready to stand beside you to protect your rights from day one. When facing charges in Redwood City, California, let us help you. Contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, to speak with a Redwood City DUI Arraignment Attorney.
Why Hire Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys If You’re Arrested for DUI in Redwood City, CA?
Having the right team for your DUI arraignment in Redwood CIty, CA, is one of the most important aspects of your case. Clients select Ahmed & Sukaram because we approach every matter with the seriousness it deserves.
- Our team is led by a State Bar Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, so you get expert guidance every step of the way.
- We’ve successfully defended over 50 jury trials and won more than 3,000 cases.
- Our firm has been selected to the National Trial Lawyers top 100, showing our skill and experience.
Handling a DUI arraignment in Redwood City, California, alone can put your future, your license, and your reputation in jeopardy. We’re here to help. Contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a consultation with a Redwood City criminal defense attorney.
Overview of DUI Arraignment in California
A DUI arraignment is your first appearance in court after being arrested for drunk driving in California. The judge formally outlines the charges against you, explains your rights, and asks you to enter a plea. In most cases, this will be not guilty.
The judge will also decide whether you can be released on your own recognizance, which means being released without having to pay any monetary amount, be released with bail, or remain in custody as your case starts. Future dates are set for additional court appearances as well.
When Does the Arraignment Happen?
Your arraignment happens quickly if you’re still in custody, often within a few days of the arrest. If you’ve been released, the process is slower. Arraignment may be scheduled weeks or even months down the road, depending on the court’s calendar.
What Happens Next in the DUI Process?
After your DUI arraignment, your case moves into the next phases.
This usually includes:
Additional Investigation
Your defense attorney examines the evidence gathered by police, possibly requests other documents, interviews witnesses, and goes through the case for errors, like issues with how sobriety tests were given or possible problems with chemical test results.
Plea Negotiations Begin
Early in the process, your criminal defense lawyer may talk with prosecutors to see if a plea deal is possible. This might involve reducing the charges or agreeing on a lighter sentence.
Pretrial Motions
Your attorney can file motions with the court, like a motion to suppress illegally obtained evidence. The goal is to keep evidence out that could be incriminating because it was obtained in violation of your constitutional rights.
Trial
If the prosecutor doesn’t offer you a plea deal that you want to take, your case goes to trial. Both lawyers (the prosecutor and your lawyer) present all the evidence and make arguments about the case, and a judge or jury decides if you are guilty or not guilty/
Working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer is the best way to make sure this process moves as smoothly as possible.
What Are the Penalties for DUI in Redwood City, California?
Penalties for a DUI in Redwood City, California, can be serious and vary based on whether it’s your first offense, your blood alcohol content (BAC), and whether you had any aggravating factors like a high BAC, an accident, or a minor in the car. Even a first-time DUI conviction can have lasting consequences that change your daily life and financial future.
Here’s what you could face:
- Jail or Prison Time: You may be given a short county jail sentence for a first or second DUI, while repeat offenses or those causing injury sometimes bring longer jail time or even state prison time.
- Probation: Most convictions come with several years of probation, requiring strict compliance with court orders and regular check-ins.
- License Suspension: A DUI conviction triggers an automatic driver’s license suspension, which can last months or years, depending on your history and any aggravating factors.
- Drug and Alcohol Assessment/Treatment: The court will require you to complete DUI school, drug/alcohol assessment, and sometimes counseling or treatment programs.
- Ignition Interlock Device: You may need to install an ignition interlock device (IID) that prevents your car from starting until you prove that you have no alcohol in your system. Heavy
- Fines and Fees: A DUI brings significant fines, court costs, possible restitution, and other related costs.
Courts in Redwood City take these cases very seriously, making it critical to work with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible after your arrest.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested for DUI?
If you’re arrested for DUI in California, your lawyer may raise one of the following defenses:
- Illegal Stop: If officers pulled you over without a valid reason, your lawyer can ask the court to throw out the evidence gathered during the stop.
- Faulty Testing Equipment or Procedures: Breathalyzers and blood tests aren’t perfect. Mistakes by officers, failed calibration, or medical issues can lead to false test results.
- Rising Blood Alcohol Level: It’s possible that your BAC was below the legal limit when you were driving, but rose by the time you were tested. This is just a brief overview of possible defenses.
- Plea Deal: Sometimes the best option with a DUI case is to seek a plea deal where you plead guilty to a lesser charge or agree to plead guilty in exchange for less severe consequences.
When you speak with a lawyer about your specific case, they’ll give you a better idea of what they can do to help you beat the charges or mitigate the consequences.
A DUI arraignment is just the first step in what is often a very overwhelming process. Fortunately, you never have to handle it by yourself. Our team takes the time to answer any questions you have and build a strong defense for your case. Contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a consultation with a Redwood City DUI Arraignment Attorney.