Your first DUI court appearance in Massachusetts, as in any other state, is the arraignment. This is simply a time to read the charges against you and determine how you would like to plead in your case: Guilty or Not Guilty. Typically, the court will automatically enter a Not Guilty plea on the arraignment date.
That might seem like a big decision. If this is your first DUI offense (or OUI in Massachusetts), this might even be the first court appearance you’ve ever experienced. Don’t be worried. This event is often seen as something of a formality, and no final determinations or sentencing are intended to occur during the Massachusetts arraignment procedure. Defendants assert their right to a trial by pleading Not Guilty, and the case moves forward.
Here are a few common questions folks will ask—and the things they should know—to prepare for their first DUI court appearance at the arraignment:
We advise our clients to plead “Not Guilty.”
Your attorney will understand your situation the best, but generally speaking, there’s little reason to enter any plea other than “Not Guilty” at the arraignment—even if you remember having some drinks and think you might be guilty of OUI.
It’s common to feel like entering a plea of “Not Guilty” would be untruthful or wrong. Rest assured, the system is working the way it is intended when the state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. You are never committing perjury or being dishonest with the court by pleading “Not Guilty” to criminal charges.
During the arraignment process, the facts haven’t all been laid out, you haven’t been able to study the full police report, and you are (likely) not an expert in OUI law. A plea of “Not Guilty” simply means you don’t have the information you need to make an educated decision about waiving your constitutional rights to have a trial and confront witnesses. In fact, when someone does try to admit to charges at the arraignment, many judges will advise them to pause, take some time, and speak to an attorney before they commit to a “Guilty” plea—it’s in your own best interest.
Don’t hesitate to find legal representation for your Massachusetts arraignment process and first DUI court appearance. Contact an experienced Massachusetts OUI attorney so that they can begin to examine the facts of your case today!