San Jose Criminal Process

San Jose DUI Defense

A San Jose DUI Defense criminal case begins with an arraignment.  The date for the San Jose DUI arraignment can be found on the citation issued to you by the arresting agency following your arrest.  Failure to appear at this San Jose DUI arraignment will likely result in a warrant being for your arrest.  Even if your San Jose DUI case is not filed at the date listed on your citation, you must still make the appearance.  If you hire a skilled San Jose DUI Defense Lawyer to represent you at your court hearing then they can obtain a stamp from the clerk indicating their appearance. 

Arraignment for a San Jose DUI

At the arraignment, the charges against you will be presented.  A qualified San Jose DUI Defense Attorney can make all court appearances on your behalf if the charges are misdemeanors and will likely continue the arraignment for a few court appearances in order to work with the District Attorney to obtain a favorable disposition in the case.  At the arraignment you or your San Jose DUI Lawyer will have to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest.  If you enter a plea of not guilty the matter will be set for pre-trial.