November 28, 2022 | DUI
In most cases, you won’t receive a first court date until close to 30 days after you’ve been arrested. However, if you have been arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Cincinnati, you can expect your first court date to be set within five days of your arrest. This allows the court to address the license suspension that will probably be imposed.
No matter how long it takes to get your first court date, it is important that you begin preparing for your case as soon as possible. Hiring an experienced DUI attorney should be at the top of your list. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you and develop a strong defense.
First Court Date – Arraignment
At your first court appearance is known as an arraignment. In addition to handling your potential license suspension, you will be formally charged with a DUI and will have the opportunity to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Your attorney will also have a chance to address the court and ask for limited driving privileges in the event that your license is suspended.
The Importance of Hiring a DUI Attorney
A DUI conviction can have far-reaching consequences, both in the short term and long term. In the short term, you may face jail time, loss of driving privileges, community service, installation of an ignition interlock device, costly fines, and more. In the long term, a DUI conviction can stay on your record for years and make it difficult to get a job or rent an apartment.
The sooner you hire an attorney, the sooner you can start preparing your defense. A DUI lawyer can help you in many ways, including the following:
Improve Your Chances of a Favorable Outcome
Working with an experienced DUI lawyer will give you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in your case. A good lawyer will know how to investigate the facts of your case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and find holes in their argument. This could lead to charges being reduced or dismissed altogether.
In some cases, it may be possible to get your case thrown out before it ever goes to trial. Additionally, your lawyer may be able to help you obtain limited driving privileges, which can be incredibly beneficial if you need to get to school, work, or run errands.
Developing A Strong Defense
Two of the most common legal defenses in DUI cases include:
The “Rising Blood Alcohol” Defense
One common defense to DUI is that your blood alcohol level was not actually over the legal limit at the time you were driving. Instead, it rose after you stopped driving and continued to rise as the police were conducting their investigation. This can happen when alcohol continues to be absorbed into your bloodstream after you stop drinking.
The “Improper Stop” Defense
Another possible defense is that the police officer who stopped you did not have a valid reason to do so. To pull you over, the police officer must have had what is called “reasonable suspicion.” This means that the officer had a reasonable belief, based on observable facts, that you had committed a traffic violation. If the officer did not have cause to stop you, then any evidence obtained during the stop (including your blood alcohol level) may not be admissible in court.
Get An Experienced Advocate on Your Side
A good DUI lawyer will have a thorough understanding of the laws in your jurisdiction and will know how to navigate the court system. This can be invaluable when it comes time to negotiate a plea bargain or fight your case at trial. Building a strong defense is incredibly important.
If you’ve been charged with a DUI or have any questions about driving under the influence or, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Contact the Cincinnati DUI Attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC For Help Today
For more information, contact the DUI attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC give us a call today at (513) 333-0014 or visit us at our Cincinnati law office.
Suhre & Associates, LLC – Cincinnati
600 Vine Street, Suite 1004
Cincinnati, OH 45202
United States
