Understanding Court Dates for a West Virginia DUI

Facing a DUI charge in West Virginia can quickly make your life feel incredibly stressful and overwhelming. Did you happen to miss a stop sign while you were driving? The moment law enforcement officers notice any signs indicating you might be intoxicated behind the wheel, they will pull your vehicle over and issue a charge. From that moment, the legal process begins to take its course.

What Happens During the Arrest

When making an arrest, law enforcement will do everything in their power to gather evidence proving you were driving under the influence. Here are a few things you might experience during this process:

• Officers may listen closely to see if your speech is slurred.
• They might closely examine your eyes for signs of impairment.
• Your car could be searched to uncover any additional evidence against you.
• You will likely be instructed to blow into a breathalyzer and participate in a field sobriety test.

If you go through these steps and the police determine your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is over the legal limit, you will be arrested, and a bond will be prepared for court. In these serious situations, it is highly recommended to seek the guidance of a knowledgeable Wheeling DUI attorney to help you navigate your charges. At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, our team is ready to assist you.

The First Court Date: DUI Arraignment

Your initial hearing in court is known as the arraignment. On this day, you will be formally informed of the specific charges brought against you. You will also be advised of your legal rights, after which you or your legal counsel will have the opportunity to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.

Filing the Pre-Trial Motion

Next, the state prosecutor and the defense will file pre-trial motions. This phase involves arguments over discovery motions and pre-trial hearings, which allow you to challenge evidence or file a motion to dismiss. Having an experienced Wheeling criminal lawyer manage these complex legal procedures is vital. Based on their counsel, you can make informed decisions regarding any plea bargains offered before the trial officially starts.

The DUI Case Goes to Trial

If your case proceeds to trial, both parties will participate in selecting the jurors. Once the jury is chosen, the trial commences. Both sides will present their opening statements to frame the case. The prosecution will then introduce evidence and call witnesses to the stand. Your dedicated Wheeling DUI attorney will have the chance to cross-examine these witnesses, followed by the defense presenting its own case. After all counter-arguments are made, both sides will deliver their closing statements.

Awaiting the Final Verdict

Once the court has heard the closing arguments, the jurors will convene privately to deliberate. After reviewing all the provided evidence and witness testimonies, the jury will return with a verdict. If you are convicted, the judge will determine and announce your sentence.

Contact Mountaineer Criminal Law Group Today

Reach out to an experienced professional at Mountaineer Criminal Law Group to secure the right representation for your legal battle. If you require assistance with other legal matters, do not hesitate to contact a skilled Wheeling criminal lawyer from our team. Call us today at (304) 832-8350 to schedule your free consultation.