Pre-Trial Procedures

Arrested? Get a Bakersfield DUI Lawyer on Your Side

Pre-trial motions are the next step in the DUI defense process after a defendant has pled “not guilty” at their initial arraignment hearing. This stage involves the defense and prosecution filing motions, exchanging evidence, and negotiating plea bargains before a trial is set to begin.

If you are facing criminal charges following a DUI arrest, an aggressive Bakersfield DUI defense attorney from Campbell Whitten can protect your best interests in court and vastly improve your chances of achieving a favorable outcome for your situation.

What Are Pre-trial Proceedings?

In simple terms, pre-trial proceedings are a collection of court procedures that provides both sides the opportunity to negotiate with each other and exchange relevant information. In felony DUI cases, this stage involves a California preliminary hearing in which a judge and defense determine if there is enough evidence to for the case to go to trial.

Your lawyer can seek to have any evidence against you that was obtained in an illegal manner suppressed from trial during this stage. Additionally, if you have any previous offenses on your record, a skilled defense attorney may be able to challenge their validity in pursuit a lowered sentence on your behalf.

What is a Plea Bargain?

The prosecution may offer you a plea bargain, or a reduced sentence in exchange for you submitting a guilty plea. Compromising with the prosecution can be desirable if there is considerable evidence against you, such as a blood test showing a blood alcohol concentration well above the legal limit.

Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to have your charges reduced to a less serious “wet reckless” charge – a much less serious offense than DUI. Our firm’s attorneys can advise you on whether or not it would be wise to accept a plea bargain in light of the existing evidence.

If you are facing charges, our Bakersfield DUI lawyers can provide the results-driven aid you need during this difficult time. Having handled more than 10,000 cases, we can give you the edge during the pre-trial stage and fiercely pursue a reduction or dismissal of your charges on your behalf.