Jacksonville, FL asked in DUI / DWI for Georgia

Q: What exactly is a bench trial and is it common to go right from arraignment directly to one for a DUI? Pleas anywhere?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Glenn T. Stern
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Answered
  • DUI & DWI Lawyer
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Licensed in Georgia

A: A bench trial is a judge trial, where the judge makes the ultimate determination as to whether you are guilty or not. This is opposed to a jury trial, where a jury of citizens is brought in to listen to the case, and they make that decision.

Unless you (or your attorney) have filed pre-trial motions that need to be heard, it would not be unusual for your case to come up next on a bench trial calendar. Criminal trials are complicated, and DUI trials are particularly so; I would urge you to consult with a local attorney and not to show up at your bench trial without a plan on how to proceed.

Good luck!

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