Though it sounds like a confusing legal term, an arraignment is a routine affair. As the loved one of someone arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI), it's important to know what might be happening. The arraignment provides your loved one with the opportunity to make several big decisions and the way things turn out could affect your actions, too. Read on and find out more. 

What Happens at the Arraignment?

1. Usually, those arrested for DUI are placed in confinement for several hours and allowed to, if necessary, sober up. Those under the influence don't make good decisions, so loved ones may find themselves waiting for a time. The timing of the arraignment varies because some locations may not carry out these hearings on the weekend. In that case, the appearance will have to wait for Monday. Usually, though, defendants come before a judge for an arraignment anywhere from a few hours to a few days after an arrest. Here is what else to know:
2. Don't attempt to attend the arraignment. They are often held at the jail using a closed-circuit connection to the judge. Some, however, can be viewed from home (streaming) or at the jail. Phone the jail to confirm the time of the arraignment and how to view it.
3. Your loved one will need an attorney, and it's a good idea to help them with that task as soon as possible. They probably only need to have an attorney present at the arraignment if their bail is likely to be denied. Those with extensive criminal records or those accused of violent felonies may not be offered bail. Most DUI charges will be at the misdemeanor level, but some charges rise to the felony level if an accident with injuries or a death is involved.
4. Your loved one will be informed of their charges and asked to enter a plea. Most criminal law attorneys advise their clients to plead not guilty at this hearing. This is a common plea and has no impact on anything that might happen later.
5. If bail is offered, the amount is set. In some cases, the bail is high. You might consider paying for a bail bond rather than paying the full cost of the bail. It's pennies on the dollar cheaper that way.

When your loved one has been arraigned, you can phone the jail for more information about bail, where they are being held, and more. To help your loved one fight the DUI charges, talk to a criminal law attorney. Call and set up an appointment so that your loved one can visit them as soon as they are released on bail.