DUI court dates in West Virginia commence once official charges for driving under the influence are faced. Following a comprehensive investigation, which includes analyses of speech patterns, eye color, drug and alcohol tests, as well as other sobriety examinations, if it is determined that your BAC level exceeds the permissible limit, you may be confronted with a DUI case, resulting in instant arrest. Depending on legal protocols, you may be held in custody or released through a bond guaranteeing your future court appearances.
Arraignment signifies the court procedure in which you are brought before a judge who outlines your rights and the charges against you. During this time, you may choose to plead guilty or not. This process typically occurs when you are arrested in West Virginia in the lower county court without the presence of legal representation.
Prior to the trial commencing, defense and state lawyers must submit pre-trial motions to establish guidelines for the legal proceedings. Such motions determine whether certain evidence should or should not be presented, if a witness can be summoned, and ultimately, whether the case should proceed to trial or be dismissed.
During the pre-trial motion phase, a plea deal may be offered with the assistance of a Weirton DUI lawyer by your side. The decision to accept or decline such a deal can have a significant impact. A plea bargain may result in probation instead of a jail sentence. The Mountaineer Criminal Law Group’s attorneys are available to help guide you towards the best course of action.
If the case proceeds to trial, the next step is the jury selection process. The lawyers may question potential jurors and dismiss them accordingly, with the prosecution attorney following the same procedure. Once the jury is chosen, the proceedings commence.
The trial process begins with the attorneys delivering their opening statements, followed by the prosecution presenting their evidence and calling witnesses. Then, the defense conducts cross-examinations of the witnesses, while the prosecution may present a rebuttal case. Both sides may present closing arguments before the judge leaves the room for deliberations to begin.
The jurors deliberate the case based on the evidence presented during the trial and announce their decision, determining the appropriate punishment based on the verdict.
If you are troubled and facing Weirton DUI lawyer charges, it is crucial to seek the assistance of a professional Weirton criminal lawyer as soon as possible. At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, we conduct thorough research and work diligently to build the strongest defense for your case. With us, you will never feel alone during this challenging time. Call us at (304) 381-3656 to schedule a free consultation with our lawyers at our Weirton office or any other location in West Virginia. We are committed to standing by our clients and providing the legal assistance needed to navigate the complexities of their case. Our goal is to ensure your freedom or minimize the charges, regardless of their severity.