Following an arrest for an alcohol and/or drug-related offense, the first court
appearance is called the “arraignment”. At the arraignment, the defendant will be formally charged with the alcohol and/or drug-related offense and asked to enter a plea of either “guilty” or “not guilty.”

According to the Prompt Suspension Law, judges have the authority to suspend your license at the arraignment pending prosecution. However, the court may grant a hardship privilege to allow you to drive under specific and limited circumstances if an extreme hardship can be demonstrated.

Another way suspension may be postponed is by requesting a Pringle Hearing. Your license will not be suspended at least until after the conclusion of the hearing. If requested, the court is required to hold a hearing at which you will have the opportunity to present evidence to dispute the finding that a valid chemical test result was obtained and that there was reasonable cause to arrest the defendant for DWI.

The arraignment is a critical stage in the legal process and it is important to be familiar with all of its implications. If you have questions about an arraignment and are facing DWI charges, contact one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys today for a free case evaluation.

Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 518-218-7100 or email us at info@tullylegal.com.