Piscataway DUI Arraignment Process

If you were arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI), you have to make an appearance in court. For many people, this becomes the first and only visit to the courtroom because they plead guilty. For others, it could be the first step in court proceedings.

The way you act during the Piscataway DUI arraignment process defines the next steps in the case. By that time, you should already have a skilled DUI attorney by your side. If you do not have a lawyer, the court can assign a public defender to your case.

What Happens at the Arraignment

A DUI arraignment in Piscataway is usually a quick procedure. It consists of the following steps:

Explaining the Charges

The judge reads the ticket and tells you about the charges. If you do not have a lawyer at this point, the court may enter a not guilty plea on your behalf and schedule a return date. This gives you a chance to hire an attorney and prepare. However, it is always better to do so before the arraignment.

Entering a Plea

The most important part of the arraignment is telling the court how you plead:

• Guilty
• Not guilty
• No contest (accept the conviction without admitting guilt)

If you plead guilty at arraignment, the judge may impose a sentence immediately. However, the majority of DWI defenders prefer to plead not guilty. If they do so, the case moves to pretrial.

If you hire an attorney before the arraignment, they can send a letter to the court and waive your appearance by entering a plea remotely. However, some judges may still demand your presence.

How to Behave at the DUI Arraignment

The way you behave at the DWI arraignment in Piscataway can have an impact on the outcome of the process. Some things to consider are:

• Arrive early: Give yourself extra time to find the right courtroom and go through security. Tardiness frustrates judges and makes a bad impression
• Dress respectfully: Your clothing should show the court that you take the matter seriously. Avoid casual wear like shorts or graphic T-shirts
• Stay polite and calm: Address the judge as “Your Honor” and avoid raising your voice. Even small signs of disrespect can hurt your case
• Listen carefully: Pay close attention to what the judge says. Do not interrupt, even if you disagree. Your lawyer should speak on your behalf
• Speak only when asked: Answer questions clearly and briefly. Do not volunteer extra information

If you already have an attorney, they can guide you through the process and make sure you do not make any mistakes.

Next Steps After Arraignment

If you plead not guilty, the court sets return dates for discovery, pretrial motions (suppression, testing chain of custody), and conferences.

Talk to a Skilled Piscataway Attorney about the DUI Arraignment Process

The best course of action, as soon as you are arrested for a DUI, is to contact an attorney. Having an experienced lawyer by your side can have a significant effect on the speed and outcome of the Piscataway DUI arraignment process.

At the Law Office of Jennifer Marshall, we have decades of experience handling DUI cases in New Jersey. Contact us for a consultation today.