I have to go to court for a D.U.I in Tennessee. I have been told that I will have more than one court date. Like mine is Next Tuesday, but I evedently have to go back several more times. Is this true, and is there a way to speed it up? Its my first and LAST offense of any kind. So Im new to all this. I am moving to Wisconsin Aug 20th, thats why I need to know how many times I would have to have a court date. Thanks!
2006-08-03 09:28:26 · 5 answers · asked by matt.james 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I suggest getting an attorney also but if you can't you can go by yourself.
The first time you go you will be sentenced then they will set another date to go back and show you did everything you were supposed to do. You can avoid the second date by taking your proof to the clerk prior to your 2nd court date. Make sure they give you a receipt showing you have completed everything.
In Hamilton County you would get: 24 hrs in jail, 24 hours community service (picking up trash on the side of the road in a glow in the dark vest with big black letters across the back that says "I AM A DRUNK DRIVER"), file SR22 for insurance, 12 hours DUI school (heard this was being increased to 24 hrs), and loss of license for 1 yr. When you go to court be sure to ask for a restricted license. They will only allow you to drive during predetermined times and only back and forth to work. But they are flexible. I think that's it.
You need to make sure Wisconsin will recognize a restricted license. Some states wont.
2006-08-06 12:22:02 · answer #1 · answered by Karen R 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you don't have a lawyer you should get one. If this is your first DUI and no other charges were involved, it's DUI only, then the quickest way to speed it up is to plead guilty to it. Unless you feel you're innocent in which case you'll have to go to court and that could take quite a while. You should talk to a lawyer, or public defender if you can't afford one, to find out what you should do. Most states have special programs for first time offenders that will let you have the charge expunged if you complete the program or probation successfully.
2006-08-03 09:43:35 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You MUST get a lawyer. A lawyer can help with the court dates and help you with your charges. A DUI conviction will follow you around for many, many years and will affect everything from employment applications to your insurance.
A lawyer can help get you on a deferral program, if your community has such a progam. (A deferral program 'defers' your conviction for set period of time and if you meet the terms of the program, no conviction...) If you are able to get on a deferral program, the money you'll save in car insurance alone will be with the cost of an attorney.
But, never, never, never go to court without an attorney. Good Luck.
Reichman2007 - not everyone has money for attorneys, that is why is free representation for people accused of crimes!
2006-08-03 09:41:06 · answer #3 · answered by vbrink 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you can usually speed it up by pleading guilty. That might not be a smart move, however. Consult with your attorney and consider his or her advice in deciding what to do.
Most misdemeanor cases will involve 2 or 3 trips to court at least.
2006-08-03 09:41:34 · answer #4 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do people assume everyone has money to throw around for lawyers?
2006-08-03 09:45:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋