Sacramento Criminal Court Process

The criminal Process for a Sacramento DUI will differ depending on if the charges are filed as a misdemeanor or a felony.  A misdemeanor Sacramento DUI charge, generally violation of Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a), driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and violation of Vehicle Code section 23152 (b) driving with a Blood Alcohol Content of over .08% are charged in a misdemeanor complaint by the District Attorney.  If there was an accident or injury or prior Sacramento DUI offenses, additional counts may be added to the complaint.  For a Sacramento misdemeanor DUI charge the arraignment date is listed on the citation.  In most Sacramento DUI cases you will be detained for 6 to 8 hours and then released on your own recognizance.  This means that you will not have bail set and will not have to contact a bondsman.  If however, your Sacramento DUI is charged as a felony or there are additional felony violations then you will likely be detained and will have to post bail.  This bail is assurance to the court that you will show up for your arraignment date.  No matter if you are released on your own recognizance or are required to post bail following a Sacramento DUI arrest, failure to appear at a required court date will result in additional sanctions including potential jail time.  It is vital that after being arrested for a Sacramento DUI you contact a qualified Sacramento DUI attorney to advise you on your case.  In most cases a Sacramento DUI Lawyer can make all appearances on your behalf, meaning you may never have to appear in court.