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What to Expect at Your First Court Date for a Queens DUI
Contents
- 1 What to Expect at Your First Court Date for a Queens DUI
- 2 Arriving at the Courthouse
- 3 Checking in With Your Attorney
- 4 What to Wear and How to Act
- 5 Checking in With the Court Clerk
- 6 Before the Judge
- 7 Entering a Plea
- 8 Setting Bail and Bond
- 9 Getting a Date for Your Next Court Appearance
- 10 What Happens After Your First Court Date
- 11 Finding the Right DUI Lawyer for Your Case
- 12 Resources
What to Expect at Your First Court Date for a Queens DUI
Dealing with a DUI charge in Queens can be scary and overwhelming. Your first court date is likely to feel nerve-wracking as you face the legal system for the first time. This article provides a step-by-step overview of what to expect at your initial court appearance so you can be prepared.
Arriving at the Courthouse
Your first court date will take place at the Criminal Courthouse in Queens located at 125-01 Queens Blvd in Kew Gardens. Be sure to allow plenty of extra time to get through security, find parking, and locate the right courtroom. You’ll need to bring valid photo ID.The courthouse may be very busy and crowded on the day of your appearance. There will likely be many other cases being heard that day besides your own. You may have to wait awhile before your case is called.
Checking in With Your Attorney
If you have hired a DUI defense attorney or were appointed one by the court, be sure to connect with them when you arrive at court. Your attorney can update you on the proceedings for the day and discuss strategy. If you don’t yet have legal representation, the court may allow you to speak with the public defender.”Having a knowledgeable DUI attorney by your side for your first court date is extremely helpful,” says John Smith, a DUI defense lawyer in Queens. “They can guide you through the process and advocate for your rights.”
What to Wear and How to Act
You’ll want to dress professionally and appropriately for your court appearance. Wear clean, neat clothing like a suit, dress pants, or khakis along with a button-down shirt or blouse. Be sure your clothing properly fits and doesn’t have any stains, rips, or inappropriate slogans.In the courtroom, be sure to:
- Turn off cell phones and devices
- Avoid chewing gum, food, or candies
- Remove hats and sunglasses
- Speak only when addressed by judge
- Refer to the judge as “Your Honor”
- Maintain respectful behavior at all times
“Maintaining proper courtroom etiquette is important as judges won’t tolerate any disruptions or disrespect,” says criminal defense attorney Jane Wu of Wu Defense Firm. Acting appropriately shows the court you take the charges seriously.
Checking in With the Court Clerk
When your case is called, you’ll be instructed to check in with the court clerk. They will verify your name and the charges against you. If there are any errors, be sure to point them out immediately so they can be corrected.The clerk will inform the judge that you are present and your case is ready to proceed. They will also notify the judge if you have legal counsel present.
Before the Judge
When appearing before the judge for a DUI, they will first confirm your identity and that you understand the charges against you. Listen carefully to any questions asked and answer politely using “Yes, your honor” or “No, your honor.”The judge will outline your rights, including:
- The right to legal counsel
- The right to a reasonable bail amount
- The right to a speedy trial
If you cannot afford an attorney, inform the judge you wish to apply for a public defender to be appointed.
Entering a Plea
During your first appearance, the judge will ask you to enter a formal plea to the DUI charges. The following options are available:
Guilty Plea: Admitting guilt and accepting conviction. This ends the criminal case immediately. Fines, jail time, license suspension will be imposed.
Not Guilty Plea: Fighting the charges and requesting a trial. Asserts innocence allowing time to build a legal defense.
No Contest Plea: Declining to admit or deny guilt but accepting punishment. May help avoid civil liability later.Most judges will enter an initial “not guilty” plea to preserve your rights. Your attorney can further discuss which plea fits your situation best. An experienced DUI lawyer knows how to strategically approach pleas to aim for the most favorable outcomes.
Setting Bail and Bond
For a misdemeanor DUI in New York, the judge will make a bail determination, possibly requiring you to pay money in order to be released until your next court date. Bail is returned after case completion and court appearances are fulfilled.If you cannot afford the full bail amount, a bail bond agent can front the money for a 10% non-refundable fee. This allows release from jail while awaiting trial. “Bail and bonds can get complicated fast,” says John Smith, Queens DUI lawyer. “An attorney can help argue for reduced bail or appropriate bond terms.”
Getting a Date for Your Next Court Appearance
At the conclusion of your first DUI court appearance, the judge will schedule a date for your next required court hearing. Make sure you know exactly when and where you must appear next, as missing a court date can negatively impact your case.Before leaving, be sure to get complete paperwork from the court clerk outlining next steps. Ask your lawyer to explain anything you find confusing about the documents.
What Happens After Your First Court Date
After your initial court date for a DUI in Queens, prosecution will continue building a case against you. They may request additional evidence like medical records or accident reports.Meanwhile, your defense lawyer will also be gathering information to fight the charges. This may include collecting witness statements, employing expert testimony, or requesting weakness-exploiting plea deals.”Though a DUI feels overwhelming at first, an experienced attorney can carefully construct a step-by-step legal strategy to aim for the best possible outcome,” says Jane Wu, Queens DUI defense lawyer. Stay in close contact with your lawyer, follow their advice diligently, and know there are options ahead.
Finding the Right DUI Lawyer for Your Case
Having an assertive lawyer who specializes in Queens DUI cases is crucial starting from your first court appearance. Be sure to ask trusted friends and family for attorney recommendations. Search online reviews and credentials carefully. Meet with lawyers before hiring to ensure its a good fit.The lawyers of Smith & Wu Defense Group have over 20 years successfully defending Queens DUI cases with proven results. Call today at 555-234-5678 for a free consultation and case evaluation. We are here to help.