Minnesota DUI Arraignment Process

Following a DUI arrest, you will need to make your first court appearance, which is called an arraignment. The outcome of your case largely depends on the results of this critical step, and a DUI defense attorney could help guide you through it or represent you on your behalf.

For more information on how the Minnesota DUI arraignment process works and what you will need to do to prepare, meet with our seasoned legal team today.

What Is a DUI Arraignment?

The arraignment in a DUI case is the arrestee’s first appearance in court, potentially resulting in either sentencing or a trial process.

The courts hold arraignments to inform individuals of the charges they face while giving them the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty. At this time, a judge can also decide on the size of your bond if bail is required and schedule future hearings.

By entering a guilty plea, individuals skip the trial process completely and go directly to sentencing. Meanwhile, a plea of not guilty will indicate that individuals wish to dispute the charges, buying them more time to collect evidence and possibly resulting in a trial. Others may also opt to plead no contest, which is essentially a guilty plea that will not impact a civil lawsuit.

Even before the DUI arraignment process, a Minnesota defense attorney could advise individuals on which plea to submit. Attorneys may also be able to represent their clients in court on their behalf.

How To Prepare for the DUI Arraignment Process

There are some basic steps to take to prepare for the entire DUI arraignment process in Minnesota.

Hire an Attorney

One critical step to take before proceeding with any aspect of your case is to consult a defense lawyer. Someone with experience handling DUI cases could help in several key ways, including:

• Negotiating reduced charges or sentences
• Determining which plea to take based on the specifics of the case
• Complying with the strict protocols for the DUI arraignment process
• Reviewing all available evidence pertaining to a case, including any potential procedural errors or violations of a person’s rights

Legal counsel could review your specific case to determine the best defense strategy.

Collect Information

With an attorney, individuals could collect and review all of the relevant information in their cases, including arrest reports, breathalyzer and blood test results, and the arrestee’s notes discussing what happened leading up to, during, and after the arrest.

Develop a Strategy

A lawyer could also advise you on whether to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. In most cases involving first-time DUI offenses without aggravating factors, individuals will plead not guilty, which gives them time to identify and establish a potential defense.

Be Punctual and Dress Appropriately

If an individual appears at the arraignment, it is important to show up on time and appropriately dressed. Dressing professionally is often ideal, which will entail wearing suits, blouses, or other conservative attire instead of casual or revealing clothing. Being respectful to all courthouse staff is also critical in giving a good first impression.

One of our attorneys could closely work with you to build a strong defense strategy and avoid a conviction.

Consult a Dedicated Minnesota Attorney About the DUI Arraignment Process

When dealing with the Minnesota DUI arraignment process, it is in your best interest to speak with an experienced attorney who knows how to navigate DUI cases. A good lawyer could help you prepare beforehand and build a strong defense, potentially getting your case dismissed or reducing the charges against you.

Contact our attorneys today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal needs.