Q: If I get charged with a DUI, should I expect to appear in court multiple times to defend myself or is it just a one-time
court date?
A: The answer to your question depends on several factors. 1) Are you represented by a lawyer if not you are pretty much guaranteed multiple appearances in any court 2) The court that you are in, 3) The skill of your lawyer, 4) Who wrote the ticket, if a state police ticket expect multiple appearances since lately (last 3 months) the state police have had a hard time complying with discovery requests in a timely manner and have even lost them. 5) Whether an accident occurred and witnesses need to be subpoenaed. In general the higher the reading you have the quicker the cases go as in general less defenses exist. Remember the state can prove intoxication not just with the alcotest but also with your physical results.
Paul Ferrell Jr agrees with this answer
A: Defending yourself in a DWI case is a really bad idea. You are facing around $5,000 in fines, insurance increases and surcharges and a suspension of 12 months, 2 years or 10 years. You may also face jail. If you are planning to plead guilty no matter what, that can be done in one appearance. However the judge will be highly reluctant to accept a plea without you being represented by a lawyer that has reviewed the evidence and knows the sentencing issues. If money is an issue, apply for the public defender.
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