Oregon Court Appearance Tips
After being arrested for a DUI, you’ll get your court date, place, and time from either the police officer’s citation or from the jail’s release agreement (or both). What can be expected from your first court appearance, called an arraignment, varies on a case-by-case basis. Having an experienced criminal and DUI defense lawyer who practices locally and is intimately familiar with the local courts, such as Jared Justice, can be very helpfu during the proceedings.
During your arraignment, you will be officially charged with a crime. Even though you will likely not even speak, the arraignment is a critical step in the process and you would be well advised not to miss it. If you do, additional charges could arise, and the court will issue a warrant for your arrest to force an appearance. The importance of your arraignment cannot be overstated. While you can go to your first court appearance alone, it is always a good idea to navigate the criminal justice system with a skilled criminal and DUI defense lawyer who is familiar with the court you are appearing at.
The Oregon State Court system encompasses 36 circuit courts, a tax court, an appellate court, and the Oregon Supreme Court—each with their own specific rules that detail proper court etiquette. Generally, you’ll want to appear clean and motivated to present yourself in the best possible light.
Most cases are resolved before ever proceeding to trial. The negotiations that occur between the District Attorney’s Office or City Prosecutor’s Office and your defense lawyer will largely determine the severity of the sentencing, which may be influenced by the manner of your court appearances. Let the experience of criminal and DUI defense lawyer Jared Justice, work for you.
Disclaimer: Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice. For advice on a legal matter, contact an attorney. Contact Jared Justice at 503-722-3981 or jaredjustice@me.com.
Jared Justice is available to practice anywhere in the state of Oregon. He focuses on practicing in the following State Courts: Clackamas, Multnomah, Yamhill, Marion, and Washington Counties. He also practices in the following Municipal Courts: Lake Oswego, West Linn, Newberg, Canby, McMinnville, Troutdale, Oregon City, Beaverton, Milwaukie, Gladstone, and just about every other court in the Portland area.