Reader’s Question:

A very close friend was arrested for his first DUI in Henderson, Nevada and none of us actually really know what happens after a DUI arrest. All we know is that he would have to attend the DMV hearing first. So what happens after the DMV hearing of his DUI case?

Caden

Henderson, NV

After the DMV hearing of your friend’s DUI case in Henderson, Nevada, the next stage would be the arraignment. This would be his first ever court date and this happens about 30 to 90 days after his DUI arrest. During the arraignment, he would enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest. After that, there would be a pretrial conference wherein his DUI lawyer would discuss his DUI case with the District Attorney and negotiate the best possible plea bargain. The date of the pretrial conference would be set by the Court and his DUI lawyer on his calendar.

After the pretrial conference, the next stage in a DUI case would be the suppression hearing. Some or even all the evidence against him could be suppressed by the Court if his constitutional rights have been violated. The DUI lawyer would file motions to suppress. This usually occurs within six weeks to three months after the pretrial conference. Then after that, the next stage would be the trial. Since this is his first offense, his DUI case is a misdemeanor so he will not be entitled to a jury trial. After the conviction at trial or after a plea bargain is accepted and a plea entered, the Court would impose a sentence. Sentences for DUI include fines, jail time, in-home detention, community service and alcohol classes.

Tags: DUI, DUI arrest, DUI lawyer, DUI trial