Local Law Firms Home > DUI DWI Drunk Driving Overview > Driving While Intoxicated > DWI Preliminary Hearing DWI Preliminary Hearing After you are arraigned for a DUI charge, your next step is probably going to be a preliminary hearing. This is the last step before a pre-trial motions and a trial. In fact, you may not have to make it trial depending on what happens during the preliminary hearing. Depending on the facts surrounding your case, your DWI defense attorney may have been able to suppress much of the evidence against you. If this is the case, the judge will have to determine during the preliminary hearing whether or not there is even enough evidence against you to hold a trial. It is the role of the judge to decide if the prosecution can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime you were charged with. If the judge believes that the prosecution has not presented enough proof against you as far as evidence is concerned, the judge will know that a jury cannot convict you. Were you or a loved one arrested for driving while intoxicated? Contact a DWI attorney in your local area today for more information. Our drunk driving lawyers assist those injured in drunk driving accidents, but in other cases, can represent those who are facing DWI charges. For those facing charges, our lawyers can offer legal assistance and services regarding:
Your attorney will explain that a preliminary hearing is similar to a real trial. The prosecution will make arguments to prove that you were driving under the influence and then the defense will make arguments on your behalf. Witnesses can be called to the stand on both sides and may be cross examined for questioning. If the prosecution was able to obtain chemical test results and field sobriety test results, they will use this as evidence during the preliminary hearing. Unless a plea bargain is an option, the prosecution will try to convince the judge that you committed the crime of drinking and driving and show that there is probable cause to make you stand trial before a jury. The defense will try to expose any weaknesses in the prosecution’s claims such as if your chemical test results were tainted or not administered properly by police or medical staff. Have you or someone you love been charged with a DWI? No matter what your situation may be, our drunk driving attorneys can help! Contact a DWI lawyer in your local area for help today. |