A common question I frequently answer regarding DUI defense in Los Angeles is my clients' responsibilities for attending their DUI court appearances.
As with many aspects of life and DUI defense, the answer to whether you have to attend your court appearances is, “It depends.” Drawing from my twenty-five years of practicing DUI defense, I can provide you with the best practices and procedures. My goal is to ensure that the process is as smooth as possible for you, utilizing my experience to effectively navigate any potential issues.
If you are an out-of-state driver and wish to avoid returning to California to address your DUI matter, we will do our best to accommodate that request in every way possible. We can often negotiate a deal without your presence and complete the paperwork via mail, using a notary.
If you're looking to fight your DUI, your presence is crucial. It's not just about showing the jury that you care about the case and its outcome, but also about being an active part of the process. Your involvement is necessary for any realistic chance of winning.
First DUI Court Appearance
If, on the other hand, you are an in-state driver, then our usual protocol is to attend your first court appearance, pick up the discovery in the case (review it), discuss the case with the prosecutor, and continue the issue so we can get you a copy of the paperwork and plan our strategy.
If, after discussing the matter, we decide to negotiate a resolution with the prosecutor or judge, we will usually have you come to court to finalize everything. This allows you to understand how the prosecutors intend to resolve the case without the pressure of being in the courtroom and making a snap decision.
Our collaborative approach is designed to ensure that you understand and fulfill your responsibilities in a DUI case. When attorneys exclude their clients from the process, it often leads to problems. I've had to step in after an attorney failed to adequately explain a client's responsibilities, resulting in a dropped ball in court. This can lead to embarrassment and disaster for the client, which we strive to avoid. Our collaborative approach, which involves you in every step of the process, significantly reduces the chances of such issues and ensures that you are well-prepared for your court appearances.
If you fail to do something that you are ordered to do in a DUI case, you can be punished for violating your probation. This can lead to jail time, increased fines, cal trans, and a lot of worry and headaches for nothing. It's crucial to understand the potential consequences of not fulfilling your responsibilities in a DUI case, as it can lead to severe penalties and unnecessary stress.
Most problems like this can all be avoided if you are correctly advised, present at the final court appearance, go through everything with the attorney step by step, and know precisely your responsibilities related to your DUI case.
Defending DUI Cases in Court
Is it that scary in DUI court? Most people fear public speaking and being put on the spot. This fear is amplified when they are forced to appear in court to answer criminal or DUI charges. However, this fear can be significantly alleviated when you know exactly what will happen in court and already know the resolution to the case before you set foot in the courtroom. We make it a point to provide our clients with a comprehensive overview of what to expect in court, and our attorneys are there to guide and support you every step of the way, which often helps reduce their anxiety.
Our approach to defending DUI cases in Los Angeles includes providing a comprehensive overview of what to expect in court and ensuring that you know the likely outcome before your court appearance. This preparation can significantly reduce the anxiety associated with court appearances and help you feel more in control of the situation, empowering you to face your court appearance with confidence.
In those rare cases where we do not know the outcome before the court appearance, we have the client wait outside the courtroom while the attorney enters and speaks with the prosecutor and judge. This process ensures that we have a clear understanding of how to proceed, and we then revisit the matter with the client and take the necessary steps in their best interest, providing them with the support and guidance they need to navigate their court appearance.
