If I’m appearing in court tomorrow and am representing myself, what should I expect?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

If I’m appearing in court tomorrow and am representing myself, what should I expect?

I plan to plead guilty to my DUI charges and any other charges that may be brought along with it. I’ve never been in court before, so I really don’t know what to expect. How long will my hearing be? How should I address the judge? Is “Sir” respectable or is “Your honor” mandated? I appreciate any and all advice I receive.

Asked on July 1, 2014 under Criminal Law, Arizona

Answers:

Maury Beaulier / MinnesotaLawyers.com

Answered 9 years ago | Contributor

First, a conviction on a plea can have long lasting implications.  Your record should be important enough to seek at least one or two free consultations from experienced defense lawyers.  Accordingly, I would suggest pleading not guilty and seeking a new court date to acquire a lawyer. 

Second, a DUI may carry with it jail time, fines and significant license revocations.  In many states, short timelines are in place to challenge the licesne revocation.  If you miss that deadline, you will, for all intents and purposes, have an alcohol related violation onyour record.  


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption