DUI Arrest: Find out when and what happens at your Initial Court Appearance

  
August 4, 2011
By James E. Novak, P.L.L.C. on August 4, 2011 7:12 AM |

Scottsdale criminal defense | Scottsdale DUI Lawyer
A major factor in getting a successful outcome for you is early retention of a criminal or DUI defense lawyer who defends cases in Scottsdale AZ.

After a DUI arrest in Scottsdale Arizona you will have your Initial Appearance before the court within the next 48 hours. It is important that you or someone on your behalf has consulted a criminal defense attorney or DUI lawyer who defends charges in Scottsdale AZ on a regular basis.

Initial Appearance in Scottsdale Court
The initial appearance is the first phase through the Scottsdale criminal justice system. You will appear before the judge in the Scottsdale court if that is where you were arrested following your DUI stop. There, the following will take place:
1) You will be read your formal DUI or criminal charges (or complaint).
2) You will be given your release conditions.
3) You will be given your next court date, time and location.
4) You will let the Judge know you plan to or will be retaining a private criminal or DUI attorney to defend you and provide their contact information to the court. If you are unable to retain private legal representation, the court will allow you to fill out an initial screening questionnaire to determine if you qualify to be assigned to a court appointed attorney (public defender).

Tips to Follow After Your Initial Appearance in Scottsdale Court
• Do not discuss your case with anyone accept your own criminal defense Attorney
• Do not discuss your case with any police officer or investigator, no matter how polite or courteous they may seem. Simply let them know you are being represented by a defense attorney, and advise them to contact your attorney. Any statement you make to them can damage your defense and be used against you.
• Do not discuss your case with family or friends by phone, or in person. Anything you say even to family members, friends, or acquaintances can be used against you in court. And those persons can be subpoenaed to appear in court to testify against you.
Your chances of getting your DUI or criminal charges dismissed, sentencing reduced, evidence suppressed or other favorable outcome, significantly increase when you hire a private criminal defense or DUI lawyer who defends charges in Scottsdale AZ. One thing most Good Criminal Attorneys in Scottsdale agree upon is this: A major factor in getting a successful outcome for you is early retention of a criminal or DUI defense lawyer.

Before you make your decision, find out as much as you can about that attorney. For more articles and useful formation on how to hire an attorney visit http://www.arizonacriminaldefenseattorneyblog.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?search=how+to+hire+the+best+attorney+Scottsdale&IncludeBlogs=401&search=

If you have been arrested for DUI or criminal charges in Maricopa County contact the Law Office of James Novak, for your Free Consultation at (480) 413-1499. Speak directly with experienced Arizona criminal Defense and DUI Defense Attorney and James Novak (Former Prosecutor). Also visit www.arizonacrimialdefenselawyer.com for helpful DUI and criminal defense information.

The Law Office of James Novak is devoted to defending DUI, Drug & criminal charges in Arizona, valley wide within Maricopa County including the cities of Chandler,, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert and Phoenix Arizona, Phoenix Metro, and Phoenix East Valley Arizona.

This post was intended to provide general information only and is not intended as specific legal advice. You should not rely upon this information alone, but should consult legal counsel regarding the application of the laws and regulations discussed and as applied to your specific case or circumstances.