Reader’s Question:

I know that on my first court date for my DUI charge here in Los Angeles, California, I would have to plead guilty or not guilty for the charge. What other things usually happens during the first court hearing?

Izzie

Los Angeles, CA

Aside from the advisement of your rights, reading the charges against you and entering a plea of guilty or not guilty, there are some other things that would happen on your arraignment or first court date for your DUI charge in Los Angeles, California. This is when the court will decide whether or not to set bail, or whether any preliminary bail amount set by the police must be changed.

You driver’s license will also be confiscated and your California driving privileges will be suspended. If you have refused a blood alcohol test, the judge will schedule an administrative hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles to determine if your privileges should be revoked for refusing the test. During the arraignment, the court will also schedule a future date and time for further proceedings regarding your DUI case. The judge would specify what the reason is for the next court appearance or proceedings. The reasons could include a preliminary hearing, a pre-trial conference, pre-trial motions, or trial.

Tags: DUI, DUI arrest, DUI lawyer, DUI trial