What is a PR Bond?

/in , /by

Today we are going to talk about PR bonds. All hope is not lost if you are charged with a crime, you have pretrial options and one of them is the PR bond. A PR bond, also known as a Personal Recognizance Bond, is when a Judge allows the defendant to be released without any deposit or collateral. Defendants still have to promise to appear in court even though they had their bond conditions removed. These bonds are very rare, and if they are granted then the release is on their personal recognizance.

How are PR Bonds obtained?

To be granted a PR bond, the judge takes in a number of factors such as the type of case it is, if it was violent or non-violent as well as the defendant’s criminal history. Other things the judges look for are if they have a good standing in the community in which they reside. These will be typically granted if the defendant has no criminal history, in other cases the defendant may need to write a one-page letter to the judge explaining the situation. This motion could go through the title of Motion for Personal Recognizance Bond or Motion for Bond Reduction.

After the motion has been submitted you have to request and set a date for evidence to be provided for why the defendant needs the PR bond. The opportunity to receive a PR bond is very rare and aren’t necessarily given out frequently, so defendants must be prepared to give a good case the first time they apply for it.

Should I get a PR bond?

There are many advantages to getting a PR bond. The first is that you are not incarcerated during the duration of your court case, so you will be able to be at home with friends and family and not in jail. The second big advantage is that you are able to avoid a bond deposit. This does not mean however that it’s completely free and you may need to pay additional undisclosed costs such as having to visit a probation officer for a cost or signing up for a class. Since PR bonds are exclusively given out by a judge, you may have to wait and indefinite amount of time until the judge is ready to see you, so you have no guarantee on when exactly you will be out if you go for the PR bond.

Texas Traffic Violations

/in /by

What types of traffic offenses are prevalent in Texas?
There are many different violations and tickets that can cause you to be pulled over and cited within the state of Texas. Some of the more common traffic stops usually result in a traffic ticket for items such as speeding, running a red light, driving without insurance, driving without a valid driver’s license at the time of the stop, not having a license at all, or DWI offenses, just to name a few. Fines for these items can also vary widely depending on which county and city the stop and ticket were issued within, as there can be differing ordinances governing each particular area.

What should you do if police stop you?
This situation can be quite nerve wracking, but the key is to remain calm. Pull to the right and slow down and make a complete stop off the roadway as soon as able. The officer will follow and pull in behind you. Do not get out of the vehicle and keep your hands within plain view as the officer approaches to prevent any issues with the officer thinking you are perhaps armed. The officer will likely ask for your license, registration and possibly insurance verification paperwork. Generally speaking, law enforcement will run this information to see if there are any outstanding wants or warrants for the detained individual. Further, if you are stopped, you may also verify the officer is legitimate by asking him or her to provide a badge or identification number and calling in to 911 to confirm the officer’s identity in case there is a concern. Cooperate with officer instructions and be polite! Chances are, if you follow these guidelines, you will receive a citation and be on your way in short order.

What are the consequences of a traffic citation in Texas?
By and large, most traffic citations result in fines of varying costs depending on the charge presented. Speeding tickets, for example, can range from $500 to several thousand dollars depending upon the location of the infraction (in a construction zone or near a school as opposed to an interstate highway) whereas a mechanical problem such as a non-working headlight can be a simpler and smaller fine overall. Moving offenses such as speeding do occasionally permit users to attend traffic school to remove points from their licenses that could result in an increased cost for automobile insurance or further fines as points accrue.

Are there any other options for traffic citations?
Cited individuals do also have the potential for attend a court hearing to provide their side of the traffic incident and allow a judge to make a ruling on what was occurred. However, should the judge find in favor of the officer, the cited party would then be responsible for both the initial fines levied as well as court costs. It may be advisable to consult with a tax attorney to pursue this course of action if that is desired.

Bail Bond

The Federal Bail Bond System

/in , /by

Federal bail bonds operate in much the same way that other bonds work. Money or collateral is presented to the court for a defendant who is awaiting trial after arraignment. The defendant is then allowed to leave the federal detention center and live normally. Some judges might place conditions of release on the individual that state the person cannot travel or cannot contact certain people. The defendant must be present and on time at every court appearance until the trial has ended. Failure to do so means the federal courts will seize the cash or assets used to secure the bond. That money is not normally returned. The collateral or cash will not be touched if the rules are followed and the defendant makes all court appearances. The bond is dissolved when the trial ends.

Differences with Commercial Bail Bonds

Although the basic purpose and framework for federal bail bonds seems familiar, there are actually a number of significant difference from what people are used to with commercial bail bonds at the state and county level. The federal system is stricter, slower and less trusting. You should know the main differences:

    • It Can Take Much Longer

The first difference is that it can take a long time to get a federal bail bond. There are many steps involved in securing a bail bond at the federal level. You might spend anywhere from a week to a month trying to get the bail bond. It can even take days to have the defendant released from the detention center after the bond is approved. This makes the federal bail bond process less convenient.

    • No Set Bail Schedules

A major difference is that there are no set bail schedules for federal bail bonds. A schedule is a state or county list of offenses and the bail amounts that every person arrested for those crimes needs to pay. Federal bail amounts are completely arbitrary. The judge decides whether bail is necessary. The judge also decides the amount of the bail bond based on the offense and personal opinions. This means some bail bonds might be exceptionally high for no apparent reason.

    • Full Collateral Is Required

Another prime difference is that full collateral is required from the start. You are not able to pay just a percentage or a small amount to get a federal defendant released. You must have enough money and assets to cover the entire cost of the bail bond. If you do not have the full amount available, then the person remains in custody.

    • Nebbia Hearings

The most glaring difference is that you must go through a Nebbia hearing to prove you have the collateral necessary. You are basically a defendant trying to prove you can secure the bail bond. The Nebbia hearing also forces you to prove that the collateral or cash you are presenting was not gained through illegal activities. The hearing can take a long time to complete.

    • Breaking the Conditions of Release Can Lead To Forfeiture

A final difference is that breaking the conditions of release can lead to forfeiture of a federal bail bond. If a person is ordered not to travel or to avoid contact with a person and the defendant breaks that condition, then the court is free to start forfeiture. This means the collateral and cash will be seized and the defendant placed back in detention.

Suspended/Revoked Licenses: Consequences, Fines and Penalties

/in /by

Simply put, driving with a suspended or revoked license status is a serious matter that is not quickly or easily resolved. We will cover just what are some of the possible consequences, penalties and jail time scenarios confronting those with a suspended or revoked license.

Possible Consequences

Consequences for a first offense vary and depend on the law requirements of each state and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). They also depend on the severity of the violation, the circumstances and if there were any repeat violations for driving with a suspended license. In any case, no state issues a driver license if there is an active suspension in another state; shared licensing information exists in all 50 states.

  • In addition to the costs associated with a first traffic ticket resulting in a license suspension, other hidden fees and expenses may be added and emerge. If the case is severe enough, then the DMV may require an individual to apply for a new driver’s license; moreover, new driving test fees would then apply.
  • It is a matter of fact that car insurance companies consider a suspended driver a bad risk. A suspended license usually results from: several traffic ticket violations, excessive points and/or for more serious offenses such as reckless driving, DUI and fleeing the scene of an accident. Regardless of the reasons, higher auto insurance premiums come almost automatically with a suspension.
  • Typically, the court will mandate defensive driving training/education courses that require tuition costs. If an individual is suspended for DUI, fleeing the scene of an accident and/or drug possession while driving, then courses covering these conditions will also be required in addition to the other mandatory classes.
  • Furthermore, if DUI was behind the suspension, one may have to buy an ignition interlock device that requires passing an alcohol breath test–before an auto can be started.
  • A possible felony charge may result in long-term legal consequences. Should this be the case, such a court-mandated charge could prevent a person from voting, running for office, holding certain business licenses and/or owning firearms.
  • When the time comes for actually reinstating a suspended license, the driver comes under rigid scrutiny by the DMV.

State Laws Determine The Fines

Being that a suspension is a Class 1 misdemeanor, the potential range of punishment is up to 12 months jail time and/or a $2,500 fine. The exact amount of a reinstatement fee depends on the DMV of the particular state in which the offense occurred. Moreover, the severity/reasons for the license being suspended may also determine the fines.

In Rhode Island, for instance, it costs $151.50 to reinstate a license; however, Wisconsin charges a $60 reinstatement fee. In contrast, DUI offenses in any state typically carry much higher penalties.

Potential Imprisonment

Depending on the facts related to the case, a first-time offense may incur jail time. The second time around for a repeat offense usually will get jail time. If previously charged with driving on a suspended license, then a repeat offense within the last 10 years guarantees going to jail; however, usually it is for a few days and not months.

A third-time offense can bring a state-wide mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail with further offenses meaning longer jail time even up to one year. In some cases, community service time can be arranged in lieu of jail time or in addition to jail time.

Whether it’s a first time license suspension, DUI conviction or whatever the circumstances, licenses that carry a suspension/revocation status trigger serious consequences that can impact the life of those having been charged with such violations.

Austin Hands-Free Laws

/in /by

In response to heightened safety risk and increased public concern about the dangers of driving while dialing or texting, many cities have imposed ‘hands-free’ laws. These laws make it illegal to drive while using your hands for a phone or other device. Instead, people are encouraged to use bluetooth and other hands-free technologies that allow them to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. What exactly do these laws mean for Austin? Will they have a statewide impact?

Details of Austin Hands-Free Laws

Austin recently passed several laws to reduce distracted driving, which is responsible for 421,000 injuries a year. While all forms of driving while distracted cannot be banned, the recent sharp increasing in motor vehicle accidents is believed to be due to an increase in handheld devices. Making it illegal to use a device while operating a moving vehicle will create safer roads.

As of January 1, 2015, Austin drivers are no longer allowed to use a handheld electronic device while driving a vehicle or bicycle. In this law, Ordinance No. 20140828-041, a handheld device is defined to include:

  • cell phones
  • laptop computers
  • GPS/navigation systems
  • reading devices such as the Kindle
  • PDAs (personal digital assistants such as Blackberry)
  • MP3s/handheld music devices
  • pagers
  • personal communication devices that use broadband
  • any electronic computing or gaming devices

In addition, the city of Austin also has made laws specifically regarding text messaging while driving, Ordinances No. 20091022-028 and 20091217-090. These forbid reading, composing, and viewing text messages while driving a moving vehicle. These are also called the “texting while driving” laws.

There are a few exceptions to these laws. First, all of the hands-free laws allow operating devices while at a stop, including while stopped at a light or pulled over to the side of the road. In addition, all allow calling 911 or 311 to report accidents, crimes, and emergency situations while driving, although it is recommended that people pull over to make these calls if this is safe and possible. Last, drivers can still use hands-free systems such as voice operated GPS, Bluetooth, and other systems. In addition, drivers are allowed to use headphones to operate these devices when needed.

The New Consequences of Distracted Driving

Using a device while operating a motor vehicle or bicycle is now a Class C misdemeanor. Drivers who are ticketed for this offense face up to $500 in fines in addition to the fines for any other offenses committed.

Possible Statewide Impact of the Hands-Free Law

Texas is one of only six states that does not have a statewide law against texting and other forms of distracted driving. However, Austin is among 22 cities in the state of Texas that have passed municipal laws in this area. As distracted driving is reduced in the state, city by city, motor vehicle accidents and injuries are likely to fall. In addition, traffic congestion in large cities such as Austin will probably be reduced because of fewer accidents. Austin may also have additional funds due to increased ticketing and fines.

Distracted driving impacts all citizens, so reducing this hazard will create safer and more efficient roadways. It will be difficult for many people in Austin to adjust to the new restrictions, but the effort will be worth it.

Legalized Marijuana and Crime and Incarceration Rates

/in /by

When the public learned that the state of Colorado was legalizing marijuana, there was a mixed reaction. On the one hand, there were individuals who strongly believed that legalizing marijuana would lead to an increase in crime and to an increase in marijuana use among minors. On the other side of the argument, there were individuals who believed that in the same way the legalization of alcohol curtailed prohibition related crimes, so the legalization of marijuana would erase crimes associated with legal marijuana sales. Now, more than one year into Colorado’s legalization of marijuana, what do the statistics show? Has the legalization of marijuana affected crime rates in the state?

The Statistics Two Months In

Just two months after Colorado legalized marijuana, the Colorado Department of Public Safety released data showing that crime had fallen in a number of demographics. When compared to the same time in 2013, the first few weeks of 2014 were met by a decrease in property crime by 14 percent in the city of Denver. Additionally, homicide rates fell by more than 66.7 percent. Robberies decreased by 7 percent. At the same time, other violent crimes remained at their 2013 levels, or increased slightly.

Law enforcement officials understood that a two-month sampling was too small to be conclusive. There were many factors that could have contributed to the decrease in crimes during the months of January and February in 2014. However, the early results stood in stark contrast to the warnings that were being given to Colorado residents in the weeks leading up to the legalization of marijuana. Both police and community leaders gave dire warnings to the community stating that marijuana’s legalization would lead to a state in chaos.

The Statistics Six Months In

June 1, 2014 was the six-month anniversary of Colorado’s amendment 64. A statement that was released by The Drug Policy Alliance commented on how Colorado’s legalization of marijuana was going better than most had expected it to. Included in the report were statistics that showed a 10.1 percent decrease in overall crime and a 5.2 percent decrease in violent crime. Additionally, in the six-month period between the legalization of marijuana and the release of this document, burglary and robbery rates at marijuana dispensaries dropped drastically. The report touted the economic benefits and the increased tax revenue for the state of California. According to the report entitled Marijuana Regulation Colorado after Six Months of Retail Sales in 18 Months of Decriminalization, taxes from legalized marijuana were estimated to bring in $1 billion during the 2014 fiscal year.

The Statistics One Year In

January 5, 2015, one year and four days after the legalization of marijuana, and its effect on crime seems consistent in Colorado. According to the Denver Police Department, the city of Denver has experienced a 14.6 percent drop in crime since January 1, 2014. Property crime has a dropped by more than 14 percent. Violent crime has seen a 2.4 percent decrease. As a result of what has been seen in Colorado, many other states are looking to put a legal marijuana infrastructure in place.

Law enforcement officials have noted a drop in incarceration rates as drug offenses that were once punishable by arrest are now either no longer illegal or are being punished with citations.

http://www.denvergov.org/Portals/720/documents/statistics/2014/UCR_Citywide_Reported%20_Offenses_2014.pdf
http://denver.cbslocal.com/2013/02/11/sheriff-in-california-says-coloradans-will-regret-legalizing-marijuana/
http://www.drugpolicy.org/sites/default/files/DPA_Status_Report_Colorado_Marijuana_Regulation.pdf
http://www.mainstreet.com/article/the-surprise-impact-of-recreational-pot-since-legalization-on-january-1-2014/page/2

Understanding Your Miranda Rights

/in /by

Miranda Rights, also known as the Miranda warning, is provided when a suspect is arrested by police officials or law enforcement after they are assumed to have committed an illegal crime. It is used to remind the individual of their 5th amendment right to remain silent and prevent incriminating themselves if they wish. The rights are provided when an individual is arrested and are used as a warning.

The Miranda Rights are always used when a suspect will undergo an interrogation, requiring the individual to provide a clear response to the rights. The arrest can not occur without the Miranda Rights stated. Although most people are familiar with Miranda Rights, nearly one million U.S. criminal cases are still compromised due to suspects who do not fully understand how the rights can protect them after an arrest.

What the Miranda Rights States

The Miranda Rights state that the suspect has the right to remain silent and that anything they say will be used in the court of law. It continues by stating that the suspect has the right to an attorney before speaking to the police and that the attorney can be present when the questioning begins. An attorney will be provided beforehand if the suspect can not afford an attorney, only if they desire. The individual has the option to answer any questions without an attorney present and can also choose to stop speaking at any time. The suspect is then asked if they are willing to answer any questions without an attorney present after their rights have been stated. The suspect must give a clear answer and cannot remain silent when asked if they agree to be questioned.

Using the Miranda Rights Wisely

If you’ve been placed under arrest, it’s important to remember that you are considered a suspect and anything that you say will be used as evidence to incriminate you from the prosecutor. Although you do not have to remain completely silent in front of the officers, it’s important to keep what you say to a minimum to prevent saying something that can cause you to appear guilty. Although you are not required to answer any questions about the crime that you’re accused of committing before speaking to an attorney, you still have to provide your name, address, and any information that will help identify who you are to law enforcement.

It’s best to avoid saying anything until speaking to an attorney because there is little that you will be able to say that will benefit you. If you decide to speak to the police without having an attorney present, you can always state that you want to plead the fifth to avoid answering specific questions or providing details.

If the police fail to provide the Miranda Rights to a suspect after an arrest, anything that is said will not be able to be used against you in the court of law as evidence due to a failure to have the warning provided beforehand.

Misdemeanor & Felony Traffic Offenses

/in /by

There is a difference between being charged with misdemeanor traffic offenses and felony type offenses. Simple violations are called infractions where the accused is given a ticket to appear in court to pay the fine. Misdemeanor offenses are usually more serious, involving an appearance in court to answer for the charges.

The accused can be subject to paying a higher fine for the charge, sentenced to probation for 6 to 12 months and having points against them on their license. Some violations that are included in misdemeanor violations are:

  • Driving in a reckless manner
  • Driving without any insurance coverage
  • Driving without license on person
  • Failing to stop for an accident
  • Driving while intoxicated with alcohol or under the influence of drugs

Increased Penalties For Misdemeanor Violations

Those accused of repeat misdemeanor traffic charges usually see increased penalties for violations. They can include suspension of driving privileges for a year or more, increased fines with court cost, probation and probationary fees, community service and alcohol and drug counseling classes that they must pay for.

The judge in court has sole discretion on what he might place upon the accused as punishment for their violations. Some states have strict policies about punishing repeat offenders severely for returning to court on similar charges.

Felony Traffic Violations

These violations are the most serious ones that people can be accused of. They involve higher penalties across the board. Most people charged with felony traffic offenses must serve time for the offense. Some of the offenses that fall under felony traffic violation are:

  • Multiple driving under the influence convictions
  • Repeat offenses of driving under suspension of licenseVehicular manslaughter
  • Driving under the influence causing vehicular death of occupants or other drivers
  • Use of vehicle in commission of a serious crime
  • Hit and run accidents

Felony Traffic Violation Consequences

Everyone convicted of a felony traffic offense and misdemeanor traffic offenses should retain the services of a reputable attorney. Any charges filed will be on a criminal record under the violator’s name. Traffic felony charges are the most serious crimes committed behind the wheel of a vehicle. Fines can be high, usually into thousands of dollars with jail and prison time for the accused.

Misdemeanor traffic charges can be prosecuted as felonies with repeat violations. An attorney must be hired to represent the violator in any felony traffic violation case. Some of the repercussions of felony traffic charges are:

  • Losing the right to vote in elections
  • Losing the privilege to drive a motor vehicle
  • Difficulty in finding employment due to a criminal driving record
  • Loss of financial gains
  • Losing ownership of a vehicle
  • Permanent criminal driving record
  • Unable to own firearmsLong jail or prison sentence

Driving Records Affect Driving Privileges Everywhere

There is no such thing as having a bad driving record in one state and moving to another state to drive freely without penalty. Driving records follow bad drivers from state to state through the enactment of the Driver License Compact (DLC). Violations in one state are reported to the driver’s home state where they live. Moving to another state to acquire a license will show up on a national computer base that the person has past criminal driving activity in another state.

Most of the states will act upon finding this information on a driver to apply it in their state against the driver. Basically, if a driver is showing suspension of driving privileges in one state, the state they have relocating to will uphold the suspension and place them under that in their state also. Some states may reduce the severity of the punishment, but won’t issue a driver under restriction of driving privileges a license.

Going To Court

People accused of either felony or misdemeanor traffic violations better retain the services of a lawyer to represent them. The privilege to drive is at stake and possible financial livelihood. It makes little difference in how they act upon entering a courtroom. Most people accused of traffic violations are guilty of those charges. The best action for someone accused of serious traffic violations is allowing their attorney to handle the case in court while they remain silent. An attorney is the only option for getting a fair decision on the outcome of the case in a court of law.

All About Traffic Tickets

/in /by

Nobody looks forward to getting a traffic ticket. The easiest way to avoid them is to know some of the reasons they are given. Listed below are the five most common types of traffic tickets issued. By knowing about these tickets, we can all ensure that we do our best to avoid getting issued them.

Speeding Tickets

This is the first type of ticket that comes to everyone’s mind when they think of a traffic ticket. Speeding tickets, by far, are the most commonly issued traffic violation ticket in the United States, as well as in several other countries. While most speeding tickets are given due to drivers exceeding the posted speed limit by at least seven miles per hour, there several tickets issued for driving too fast for conditions. This violation, which is still considered a speeding offense, occurs when a driver exceeds a speed considered safe on a road which is different from normal driving conditions, usually for weather conditions such as snow, rain, or ice. Speeding tickets have also been issued more in construction zones than ever before, with most states doubling the fine amounts for drivers doing so.

Running a Red Light

This traffic violation has been aided by the addition of thousands of cameras being installed all over the U.S. at traffic crossings. Most red light violators are unaware that they have been caught until about a week later when they get a ticket in the mail with a photo of them speeding through the intersection. Most of these cameras have been set up at busy intersections and those that have been identified as crash investigation zones. You don’t need a police car behind you to get in trouble for running a red light anymore.

Unsafe Lane Changes and Reckless Driving

This offense is sometimes very subjective, but many tickets are issued nonetheless. Reckless driving usually consists of swerving, not using a turn signal when changing lanes, accelerating or braking excessively, and many other offenses that may be considered unsafe on the roadway. These tickets can often cost a driver many points and excessive fines, and judges are not usually lenient on violators.

Cell Phone Usage and Inattentive Driving

Many states have combined their new cell phone charges with inattentive driving charges. Several studies have shown that, even if you are watching the road, your attention is stretched when you are talking on a cell phone, even a hands free device. Several states and cities have passed ordinances against the use of cell phones while driving, and police are cracking down. Using a cell phone includes talking on the phone by holding the device, texting while driving, and even, in some cases, using a hands free device with headphones. It is also illegal to drive with headphones on, no matter if you are listening to music or your phone, in almost every state.

Seat Belt Violations

Many states have started “Click it or Ticket” campaigns to get motorists to wear their seat belts. Many people believe this is just the government trying to control their lives, but the real issue is that every person who dies or is injured in an accident that could have been saved by wearing a seat belt costs the state, the county, and the taxpayers money. Many police give seat belt tickets after they have pulled drivers over for another offense and witness the driver unbelted. Just remember to click it or you will most likely get a ticket.

There are several other violations that motorists get traffic tickets for, but the ones mentioned above are by far the most common in almost every state. Knowing what these tickets are given for is the first step in avoiding them altogether.

What You Need to Know About DUI

/in /by

DUI means driving under the influence. DWI means driving while intoxicated. Either way, it means you’re driving drunk, and if you’re driving drunk in the State of Texas, you can be in big trouble. Texas takes its drunk driving laws very seriously, and so should you. A DUI/DWI can put you in jail, lighten your wallet, and erase a perfect driving record.

DUI Tests

If you are stopped on suspicion of a DUI in Texas, as in all states and the District of Columbia, you will probably be asked to take a sobriety and a breathalyzer test. You may be “asked” to take these tests, but in reality you can’t refuse. If you do, your refusal will count against you if your case goes to court. The sobriety test usually involves some activity, such as trying to walk a straight line, which is surprisingly hard to do if you’re drunk. Then you may be “asked” to take the breathalyzer test. You can’t refuse that either. Texas has an implied consent law, which says a refusal can mean a fine and loss of license for a specified period. The breathalyzer test involves breathing into a machine to measure the amount of alcohol in your blood. A BAC (blood alcohol level) of .08 or higher can result in a charge of DUI.

Conviction Penalties

If you are convicted of a DUI in Texas, your fine may be up to $2,000, your license may be suspended for 12 months, and you may be in jail for up to 180 days. Those are penalties for your first DUI offense. If you’re found guilty on a second DUI within 10 years of the first, you might be behind bars for a year. You will probably lose your license for two years and your maximum fine will be $4,000. Penalties get much harsher for a third DUI. You’ll lose your license for another two years, but fines rise to $10,000 and you could be behind bars anywhere from two to 10 years. Even tougher might be the impact on your record, which will now permanently carry a conviction charge.

That means you might find it difficult getting a job. It also means you will have to pay a “license reinstatement” fee of $2,000 for the next three years, and you’ll be paying up to three times more each year for auto insurance. Texas makes it tough on DUI offenders.

The best advice for any driver in Texas or any state is “don’t drink and drive.” However, if you do and you are charged with a DUI offense, the second best advice is to call an experienced Texas DUI lawyer. You need the best defense possible to defend yourself against these charges. A Texas DUI lawyer can steer you through the complex laws that govern DUI offenses. You and your lawyer may decide to plead your case before a judge, called an arraignment. If you plead guilty, your lawyer may be able to have your fine or jail time reduced. Get the help you need for a DUI charge. Make that call now.