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The procedures in your case can vary depending on the Court where your charges
are pending.
Contact an attorney at
The Law Offices of THOMAS J. TOMKO and Associates, P.C.
by calling
586-795-8822 (Macomb or St. Clair), or 248-656-7722 (Oakland or Wayne),
to make an in-office appointment, or request a
Free E-Mail Case Analysis.
A summary of the general proceedings is provided here fore reference:
| Arraignment |
An Arraignment may be scheduled in your case to
inform you of the charges, the maximum penalties, to ask how you
plead, and to set bond. In DUI & Drunk Driving cases, this is
often done on the morning after your arrest. If not formally
done, your attorney can many times waive this procedure and
avoid an extra day in Court.
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| Pre-Trial Conference |
In most DUI & Drunk Driving cases, a Pre-Trial is
scheduled to determine whether a plea to a reduced charge will be
offered and whether you will accept this plea. If offered and
accepted, you may appear in front of the Judge, or you may have
a plea and sentence scheduled on a later date. Ask your attorney
for the expected procedure in your Court.
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| Trial |
If there is no plea following the Pre-Trial, then
your case will be scheduled for Trial. You may choose a Jury or
"Bench" Trial. (E.g. one tried by Judge & not the Jury). On the
date for Trial, you may still consider the plea offered, if any.
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| Screening |
Whether convicted by plea or after trial, State law
requires a "Screening." This procedure involves your meeting with
the Probation Department and preparation of a report about your
background with respect to drinking, and a recommendation about
sentencing. You will review the Screening Report with your
attorney prior to Sentencing.
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| Sentencing |
The Court will impose penalties consistent with the
goals of Sentencing: Punishment, Protection of Society, and
Rehabilitation. You will be required to attend at least one alcohol
awareness class. Some Courts impose an awareness weekend, AA classes,
Counseling, Reporting Probation, a Tether, Community Service, Random
Testing, and vehicle immobilization. License sanctions are imposed
by the Secretary of State. (See Drunk Driving License Suspensions.)
You should be prepared to pay all fines and costs imposed.
(Typically $650 to $1,300 for a 1st Offense.)
Ask your attorney for expected penalties and costs.
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The procedures and penalties in your case will vary by Court and by your
background. Don't be left in the dark.
Contact an attorney at
The Law Offices of THOMAS J. TOMKO and Associates, P.C.
by calling
586-795-8822 (Macomb or St. Clair), or 248-656-7722 (Oakland or Wayne),
to make an in-office appointment, or request a
Free E-Mail Case Analysis.
You can know what to expect before going to
Court! Call today.
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