Court Process in Uniontown, PA

DUI Court Dates, Arraignment & Final Plea in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the schedule for DUI court dates kicks in once you are officially charged with driving under the influence. Law enforcement will conduct a comprehensive investigation, which involves analyzing your speech patterns, eye color and movement, and the smell of drugs or alcohol, followed by various field sobriety tests. If these tests indicate that your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) exceeds the legal limit, you will likely face a DUI charge and immediate arrest. Following the arrest, you might be held in custody based on legal standards or released on bond, which acts as a promise that you will appear in court for all future scheduled dates.

What is a DUI Arraignment?

Arraignment is the initial court proceeding where you appear before a judge. During this hearing, the judge will read your rights and formally state the charges filed against you. At this stage, you have the option to plead guilty or not guilty. This procedure typically happens shortly after an arrest in Pennsylvania, often in the lower Fayette County court, and may occur without an Uniontown DUI attorney present if you haven’t yet retained one.

The Process of Filing Pre-trial Motions

Before the actual trial commences, both the defense attorneys and the state prosecutors must submit pre-trial motions to establish the boundaries for the legal proceedings. These motions determine crucial aspects of the case, such as:

• Which evidence can or cannot be presented.
• Whether specific witnesses are eligible to testify.
• Whether the case should proceed to trial or be dismissed entirely.

During this pre-trial phase, a Uniontown criminal lawyer can be instrumental. A plea deal is often presented at this time, and having legal representation can significantly impact your decision on whether to accept it. You might secure a plea bargain or receive probation rather than facing jail time. An Uniontown DUI attorney from the Logue Law Group can guide you toward the best possible decision for your situation.

What Happens When the Trial Procedure for a DUI Case Begins?

If a plea agreement isn’t reached and the case proceeds to trial, the next step is jury selection. During this phase, your Uniontown criminal lawyer and the prosecution both have the opportunity to question potential jurors and dismiss those they believe cannot be impartial. Once the jury members are finalized, the official proceedings start.

The trial formally opens with attorneys from both sides delivering their opening statements. The prosecution then presents their case, calling witnesses and introducing evidence to prove guilt. Following this, the defense has the opportunity to cross-examine these witnesses, after which the prosecution may present a rebuttal case. Finally, both sides offer closing arguments before the judge sends the jury out of the room to begin their deliberations. A skilled attorney will fight vigorously during each of these stages.

The Final Outcome

During deliberations, the jurors discuss the case details based on the testimony and evidence presented during the trial. They must reach a unanimous decision on the verdict. If a guilty verdict is returned, the judge will then determine the appropriate punishment that fits the conviction.When you are overwhelmed and facing the stress of DUI charges, it is vital to connect with a legal professional immediately. At Logue Law Group, we conduct adequate research and work tirelessly to build the strongest possible defense for your case. With us by your side, you will never have to face these charges alone. Call us at 844.PITT.DUI to schedule a free consultation with our Uniontown criminal lawyer in our office or any other location in Pennsylvania. We stand by our clients during difficult situations where they need legal assistance to navigate the complexities of the case. We are committed to ensuring you walk free or that the charges are minimized, regardless of severity.