DUI Sentencing Hearing: What to Expect

If you find yourself facing driving under the influence (DUI) charges, you should know that DUI cases follow five stages. Arraignment is stage one, which usually takes place five days following arrest. Next comes the pre-trial hearing, which is a meeting between the prosecuting attorney and your defense attorney. The third stage is the motion hearing. This is when the court considers different aspects of the case against you, or you enter a plea bargain.  If unable to work out a plea bargain, the next step is to go to trial. Since a DUI charge carries with it penalties of incarceration, you have the right to a trial by jury. The prosecution must prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 

If you plead guilty to lesser charges or are found guilty at trial, the court will hold a sentencing hearing.  At this point, the judge hears from the prosecutor, the defense attorney, and the defendant. Judges have a great deal of discretion in sentencing, and there is a range of penalties they can impose for DUI.  Sentences depend on many questions, for example: are there associated charges; what are the facts of the case; do you have a prior DUI record; and what are the mandatory sentencing laws in Ohio? Sentence possibilities include fines, license suspensions, license revocation, restitution, probation, ignition interlock requirements, community service, mandatory programs, and counseling.  A knowledgeable DUI attorney will help you through every step of this process, and will work with the court to help mitigate the damage a conviction might have on you.

Your attorney is the person who is on your side throughout this process. Having a well-versed attorney you trust through this process will help ensure that you and your interests are protected.  How your case is handled can potentially impact the rest of your life. Finding the right attorney to represent you ensures your rights will be protected during each stage of the process.

DUI Lawyer Columbus, OH:

The Maher Law Firm will provide you with an attorney who knows how to protect your rights throughout the DUI court process. This process is complex and can lead to bad results for the defendant if you don’t have a skilled, experienced lawyer on your team. The Maher Law Firm has a proven track record of challenging the accuracy and legitimacy of the evidence the government will try to use against you.  Founding attorney, Colin Maher, is a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) certified practitioner for field sobriety testing, which is the same training police officers take. This training helps him evaluate and challenge the evidence collection process.

Call The Maher Law Firm today for a free consultation at 614-205-2208 or contact us online.