If you were arrested for a DUI, your first court appearance will be an arraignment. You will be notified of the official charges against you at arraignment. If you miss your DUI court hearing in Louisiana, your failure to appear in court will likely result in an issuance of a bench warrant for your arrest. The bench warrant will be a public record and most law enforcement agencies will have access to it. Additionally, anyone with access to a public records database, like a landlord or employer, may also see your bench warrant through a third-party background check.
The Impact of a Bench Warrant
If you miss your DUI court hearing, it may result in going back to jail and a revocation of your previous bond. Then, it may cause you to post additional bail money to be released. Turning yourself in on a bench warrant can be tricky in some jurisdictions. Some courts will allow defendants to make appearances after missed court dates with little or no consequences. Some courts are harsher with the penalties of missing court and may require processing at the jail. Hiring an attorney who will know the difference is important.
Although you are not required to hire an attorney, you will miss out on several major advantages by failing to do so. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be familiar with courthouse procedures, clerks, and the judges. Given the amount of discretion a judge has in such legal procedures, an attorney who is well-versed in DUI law is an invaluable asset.
If you attended your arraignment, but missed a subsequent court date, it will still result in a bench warrant for your arrest, so it is crucial to keep track of your schedule. You do not want a bench warrant on your record, or it can impact your ability to find employment, housing, and more. You also want to avoid being arrested on that bench warrant when you are unprepared, like while driving with your children in the vehicle, or on the way to work. With an experienced DUI attorney on your side, however, you can mitigate the damage and put this incident behind you.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Today!
If you were arrested for a DUI or missed your court hearing, you must hire skilled legal representation as soon as possible to give yourself the best possible chance of beating these charges and protecting your future. At Dewey & Braud Law, LLC, our DUI criminal defense team has more than 25 years of collective legal experience and a track record of proven success. You can rely on our aggressive and knowledgeable team to fight diligently on your behalf, so you can move on with your life. We understand what it takes to effectively challenge the evidence in a DUI case and will build a strong defense to prove your innocence.
Secure the skilled legal counsel you deserve today and contact Dewey & Braud Law, LLC at (225) 953-8330 to schedule a free initial case evaluation and learn more about what we can do for you.
