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.

What Jared's Clients Say

"Jared was all I could ever ask for in an attorney. He was able to bring my case to what I believe was the best possible resolution. Throughout what has been the hardest time of my life, he was kind, compassionate and understanding of the difficulties facing me. He made everything a little less scary and helped to put everything into perspective for me. I hope to never have to call him again, but I will be recommending him to anyone in need of legal aid in Clackamas county"

"Jared successfully helped me with an old case that was never settled. I hired him immediately after meeting him because he showed a genuine care and interest into finding the best possible outcome for me. He was honest and upfront with all of the outcomes to prepare me for anything, he responded promptly to all of my emails and phone calls, and he was professional yet personable the entire time. I recommend Jared because he not only settled my case successfully, he worked with me and made sure that I was fully prepared and taken care of. Thank you again!"

"Jared was recommended to me and I'm glad I used his help. No nickle and dimes every time something came up he was very transparent with the process and helped make me feel at ease as we went through my case. The case was dropped and we are now getting it expunged from my record."

"Highly satisfied with my experience. Jared was a thorough professional. He educated me on what to expect, what the likely outcome would be and then he achieved it! I would highly recommend Jared Justice to anyone needing a criminal defense attorney. Everything turned out better then I had expected. Thanks again!"