The DUI Process in Daytona Beach
What Happens After Being Arrested for DUI?
Many people do not realize that upon being arrested for DUI there are two separate actions that are triggered. The first is the criminal charge that is dealt with by the courts and the second is a civil case concerning your driving privileges with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
It is very important to understand that you have 10 days from the date of your arrest to file a request for a formal review hearing with the DHSMV to challenge your driver's license suspension. Even if the criminal DUI charge against you is dropped, your license will still be suspended by the DHSMV if you fail to schedule this hearing.
The criminal process will start with an arraignment where you will be informed of the exact charges against you and you will be asked to enter a plea. If you plead guilty, the judge will impose a sentence. If you plead not guilty, a date will be set for a pretrial hearing. At this hearing, negotiations can be made with a prosecutor and the judge will be informed of the progress of the case.
If no plea agreements can be made during negotiations at your pretrial hearing, a date will be set for a trial. Most DUI cases do not go to trial as they are resolved before this stage; however everyone has the right to a trial. A Daytona Beach criminal defense lawyer should be hired upon being charged with a DUI. In this way, you can be competently represented for both the formal hearing with DHSMV and in court.
Daytona Beach DUI Attorney – Serving Deland & West Volusia
We at Buckmaster & Ellzey, have experience as both a former state prosecutor as well as in the field of criminal defense. This gives us a unique understanding of every aspect of the DUI process. We know that you are facing complex laws and court procedures in addition to serious penalties that could hurt you and your family. You should not face these alone. Our willingness to fiercely defend against violations of your rights can be used to your advantage.
Being charged with a DUI does not mean that you are guilty. There are numerous defense strategies that can be developed and executed that could lead to a victory in your case. During this trying time, you need a lawyer with both compassion and skill.
Have questions about the DUI process? Contact a Daytona Beach DUI attorney or give us a call for help.
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Former State Prosecutor
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