For a misdemeanor DUI case in Vista or anywhere in California, you or an attorney need to be present in Court for your Court appearance. If you hire an attorney, he can make all the appearances for you on a misdemeanor case. If the Case goes to trial, then your appearance is generally required. Sometimes, even on misdemeanor DUI cases, especially if there is high BA (blood alcohol) level or priors, a Judge may require you to appear at some point. No one else, other than an attorney can appear for you. Failure to appear results in bail forfeiture, a warrant, possibly an additional charge for failure to appear and possibly a hold on your license.
Many times people are arrested while vacationing from out of state, the case can be handled by attorney while they return home. If there is a conviction, penalties can be usually structured to be able to be completeted out of state. Fines, schools and community service are available everywhere. Normally, the attorney appears at the first Court date, enters a not guilty plea and continues the case for several weeks to review the reports and evidence with his client. The next Court date is a negotiation date which can also be continued again until the case is settled through a plea baragin or a jury trial is confirmed. You must be present for all appearances if it is a felony DUI because of an accident or a 4th offense within 10 years.
In addition to tourists, military personnel are often transferred or only here temporarily so it is important that they have an experienced DUI Defense Attorney to handle there case in there absence. Call Christoph Law Offices for a free consultation and evaluation at 760-670-3885. We have provided the highest level of personal and professional representation in over 3000 DUI cases and have been located across from Vista Courts for over 30 years.
