A misdemeanor DUI does NOT require you remain in California for Court. California Law allows an attorney to make your appearances in Court on your behalf for misdemeanors without you. The retained attorney can also set up and handle any DMV Hearing. If you do not have an attorney, then you must physically appear, no one else can appear for you and your failure to appear will result in a forfeiture of bail or bond, a warrant for your arrest, suspension of your license, and possibly an additional charge for failure to appear.
Retained Counsel will make the first appearance or arraignment, simply enter a plea of “not guilty” to the charges, request the police reports and any additional discovery, and set the case for a pretrial or negotiations date several weeks away. This negotiation date can be continued. This gives the attorney time to review the reports, forward them to an out of state client, get any information and background from the client and discuss options and possible resolutions with the client. The attorney can then get the necessary forms signed by the client authorizing the case settlement agreed to by the client and the atorney. There are out of state programs that can fulfill the Courts requirements for programs but do not satisfy California DMV. Those issues would be discussed with the client and may not be a problem for the client depending on the circumstances.
Contact Attorneys Nicholas and William Christoph at Christoph Law Offices for a free consultation at 760-941-5720. With over 40 years in combined experience, having handled over 3000 DUIs and located across from Vista Courts for over 30 years, we have the experience to help you get the best resolution in your case.
