Being arrested for a DUI in Florida can be an overwhelming experience, but knowing what to expect from the process can help ease your anxiety. Browning Law Firm has prepared this guide to Florida DUI procedure to answer some of the common questions clients have about what happens after an arrest.
Pretrial Release
After being arrested you will generally be released in one of two ways: posting a bond or release on own recognizance (ROR). However, when arrested for DUI, you generally are required to remain in jail for a total of eight hours from the time of your arrest.
- Release by Posting Bond. This option requires the posting of the entire bond (in cash or money order) at the jail. These funds will be returned to you at the end of the case, provided you appear for all court hearings as required. The alternative requires that you pay a bondsman a fee (approximately 10%) so that he will post the bond. The bondsman may also require collateral to cover the bond.
- Release on Own Recognizance (ROR). This form of release requires that the judge is convinced that you will appear for all future court proceedings. No bond is required for this release.
You are free to travel while released on bond or ROR, unless a restriction on travel is ordered by the judge or the ROR program. Should you fail to appear for a court hearing, the Court will likely revoke the bond or ROR and issue a warrant for your arrest.
First Appearance
The first appearance is held in the jail within 24 hours of your arrest. You will attend this hearing if you have not already been released from the jail on bond or ROR. At the hearing, the judge will inform you of the charges against you, discuss the hiring or appointment of an attorney, and may consider your release on bond or ROR.
Arraignment
After you are released from jail on bond or ROR, your next court hearing is called the arraignment. When arrested for DUI or another criminal traffic charge, a court hearing date may appear on the ticket. This hearing is also considered an arraignment. You are required to appear at this hearing unless your attorney informs you otherwise.
At the arraignment, the judge will inform you of the charges and may provide an opportunity for you to enter a plea. In the state of Florida, there are three possible pleas at the time of arraignment:
- Not guilty
- Guilty
- No contest
If you plead no contest or guilty at the time of arraignment, the judge will proceed to sentence you. The sentence may include such punishment as incarceration, a fine, probation, house arrest, license suspension, substance abuse treatment, etc.
If you plead not guilty, the case will then be set for a pretrial hearing.
Notice of Appearance
Should you retain an attorney, he will file a notice of appearance on your behalf. This document informs the judge, the prosecutor, and the clerk's office that your attorney represents you. It also directs the prosecutor to forward all future correspondence to your attorney.
Your attorney should also file a written plea of not guilty in order to secure your right to a trial. This does not mean that the case will go to trial, only that you will have a right to a trial if you desire one. There is always the potential to settle a case anytime prior to trial.
Your attorney should also file a demand for discovery. This requires the prosecutor to provide your attorney with certain information, such as police reports and lists of evidence and witnesses. This information is referred to as discovery.
The Discovery Process
After the prosecutor receives your attorney's demand for discovery, he/she is obligated to respond. Once your attorney has received discovery, he will evaluate the information and, if permitted, will schedule a deposition of the prosecutor's witnesses. Your attorney may also obtain any audiotapes or videotapes, which the prosecutor may have.
A deposition involves taking sworn testimony from a witness. Depositions are usually held at a court reporter's office or attorney's office and are attended by the witnesses, your attorney, the prosecutor, and a court reporter. The right to take depositions in misdemeanor cases is limited by law. Therefore, depositions are most often conducted in felony cases.
The prosecutor will not be allowed to take your deposition, as you have the right to remain silent. However, the prosecutor may depose any witnesses that your attorney has listed for your defense.
You are not permitted to attend depositions without the approval of the judge. You should be informed by your attorney of the date of depositions, but unless notified otherwise, you do not need to make arrangements to attend.
Pretrial Hearing
A pretrial hearing will be scheduled several weeks after the arraignment. A pretrial hearing enables the judge to determine whether or not the case can be settled. Most judges require your presence at the pretrial hearing. Therefore, unless you are specifically excused, you must plan to attend.
If you settle your case by a change of plea at the pretrial hearing, the judge will normally impose a sentence at that time.
Trial
You may decide to take your case to trial. If that is your decision, the case may require substantial preparation. Preparation should include the review of all testimony and evidence by your attorney. Please note that a significant number of cases do not proceed to trial; most are resolved through negotiation and plea bargain.
Some criminal offenses, such as a violation of probation, are tried only by a judge. However, most criminal charges entitle you to a trial by jury. In this situation, the judge will decide the questions of law and the jury will decide your guilt or innocence.
You should consult with an attorney soon after you are accused or arrested in order to fully understand your options and your rights.
Contact Browning Law Firm
Respected DUI procedure lawyer Coy Browning serves clients in Fort Walton Beach, the Florida Panhandle, Emerald Coast, and all of Northwest Florida. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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