If I'm appearing in court tomorrow and am representing myself, what should I expect?

Question Details: I plan to plead guilty to my DUI charges and any other charges that may be brought along with it. I've never been in court before, so I really don't know what to expect. How long will my hearing be? How should I address the judge? Is "Sir" respectable or is "Your honor" mandated? I appreciate any and all advice I receive.

Asked on 7/1/2014 under: DUI / DWI Arizona

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Maury Beaulier / MinnesotaLawyers.com Answered 5 years ago | Contributor

First, a conviction on a plea can have long lasting implications. Your record should be important enough to seek at least one or two free consultations from experienced defense lawyers. Accordingly, I would suggest pleading not guilty and seeking a new court date to acquire a lawyer.

Second, a DUI may carry with it jail time, fines and significant license revocations. In many states, short timelines are in place to challenge the licesne revocation. If you miss that deadline, you will, for all intents and purposes, have an alcohol related violation onyour record.

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