DUI Process
Memphis DUI Attorney
If a police officer suspects you to be driving under the influence, then they may pull you over. They will be listening for slurred speech, smelling for alcohol on the driver's breath, and looking for bloodshot eyes or other symptoms of intoxication or impairment.
They may also ask you to perform field sobriety tests in order gather enough evidence for an arrest. It is important for you to know that you can legally refuse this test without incurring any penalties. The DUI process essentially begins with an arrest. If the officer believes that they have enough evidence, then they will arrest you and transport you to jail.
After a certain amount of time, the judge will set bail, and you may be able to be released on your own recognizance in order to focus on building a defense of your case with your attorney. You will then have a court date set, which will generally be between two and six weeks from your arrest.
At this court date, you will be asked to enter a plea, and if you plead not guilty, then your case will go to general sessions court. If the matter is not immediately settled in that court, then it will go to a grand jury. If probable cause is determined in this case, then you will go to trial court where your attorney will argue your case before 12 of your peers.
Seek Representation in Your Memphis DUI Case
It is true that you may represent yourself in trial court; however, it is highly recommended that you seek professional assistance. You will be up against a prosecutor who practices in this area of law on a daily basis.
At the Claiborne Ferguson Law Firm, P.A., our Memphis DUI defense lawyers can provide you with the aggressive legal assistance that you need on your side to effectively pursue a favorable outcome in your situation. We have more than 35 years of experience in handling criminal defense cases, and we can put this experience to work for you.
Contact a Memphis DUI attorney from our office today!
We take the time to answer all your questions, explain your options, and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.
Blog & FAQ Stay Updated
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Will I Go to Trial?Depending on your case and the way that your attorney approaches the case. If you and your attorney are able to reach a resolution through negotiations before trial, that you may not have to go to court. But if a remedy cannot be reached than you will have to go to trial. There are times that a case is dismissed before trial so there is a chance that your will not have to appear in court.
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The Police Are Asking to Search My Car. Should I Let Them?No. As a U.S. citizen, you have rights to protection from unlawful search and seizure, which means that officials must have your consent or a warrant in order to search your person as well as places such as your car, home, or office.
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The Police Officer Says That It Will Go Better for Me if I Confess. Should I?No. It is true that a deal may be worked out in exchange for a guilty plea in some cases; however, it is also important to know that police officers can lie to you in order to elicit information or a confession. With this being said, it is crucial that you do not confess or deny anything until you can speak with a legal representative.
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