YOU MAY NOT HAVE TO APPEAR IN COURT!  //  CALL US ANY TIME  //  LOCATED DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM VISTA COURTHOUSE

Christoph Law Offices, DUI & Criminal Defense
Criminal Defense 40 + Years Experience

CALL 24/7 – Free Consultation
760-941-5720

Christoph Law Offices, DUI & Criminal Defense
Christoph Law Offices, DUI & Criminal Defense

HIGHEST RATING IN LEGAL ABILITY AND ETHICAL STANDARDS

  • Top Lawyers - San Diego Magazine
  • Former Deputy San Diego City Attorney
  • Former USMC Captain
  • Located Directly Across From Vista Courthouse
  • Over 150 Five Star Reviews on Google and Yelp

Attorneys William R. Christoph & Nicholas W. Christoph

What is a DUI Pretrial or Settlement Hearing?

On Behalf of | May 23, 2016

A DUI Pretrial or DUI Settlement hearing can also be called a Readiness and is after the first appearance or arraignmment.  The purpose of this appearance is for the defense attorney to sit down with the prosecutor and discuss the case and possible settlement.  It is where the plea bargaining occurrs. The facts of a Driving Under the Influence case are very important in negotiating any resolution, but there are other factors considered and include the possible defenses, defendants background and impact the conviction as well as other mitigating factors.
 
The DUI case factors include the dangerousness of the driving, prior record, attitude with the officer, field sobriety test and one of the most important factors is the breath test and/or blood alcohol or drug level.  There are other considerations which which are very important like possible defenses, witness issues, technical problems with testing, detention issues, mitigating factors as well as individual backgrounds and conviction impact.  A DUI defense attorney knows what to look for and what is important in the negotiating process.  Sometimes alcohol or drug treatment, AA/NA meetings, military or combat service can also affect how a case is resolved.  
 
If there are valid defenses, DUI cases may be dismissed, if there are good defense issues then they may be used to get a lesser charge or penalty rather than litigate.  Every jurisdiction is different as are the prosecutors.  Penalties can go up based on whether there is an accident or high blood alcohol as well as other aggravating factors.  These pretrial or readiness conferences can be continued until ultimately the case is settled or goes to trial.  Most cases are settled based on these factors through negotiation and resolved without risking more serious consequences or charges. 

It is important to have an experienced DUI Defense attorney familiar with the DMV proceedures and the Court and prosecutors where your case is being handled.  Call Christoph Law Offices at 760-941-5720 for a free consultation and realistic evaluation of your case.  We have been located across from Vista Courts for over 34 years, providing the highest level of DUI and Criminal Defense in North County.

Categories

Archives

""
Google 5 Star Reviews

Over 150 Five Star Google and Yelp Reviews

5 stars
Yelp 5 Stars Logo

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

I highly recommend Christoph Law Offices to everyone. Nick is a true professional who will go above and beyond for his clients. Thank you!
– Mahir B.

AMAZING ATTORNEYS!

Amazing attorneys! Bill Christoph was very helpful during my case. He was always quick to get back to me about my questions.
– Collin W.

EXPERT IN HIS FIELD

Great experience overall having William Christoph as my attorney. He understands his client, very insightful and is an expert in his field.
– Soheila N.

Defending Against DUI and Criminal Charges Throughout San Diego County

TOP RATED In The Legal Community
Top_Lawyers_2023_badge
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating, Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence
AVVO Rating 10 Superb Top Criminal Defense