What happens at a sentencing hearing?

A sentencing is when the Court sets punishment and imposes other requirements intended to help you avoid committing similar offenses in the future. Much preparation is required by you and your lawyer before your sentencing proceeding. A judge often has many sentencing options from which to choose when imposing an appropriate sentence. Some examples include prison, partial confinement such as house arrest, probation, a combination of prison and probation, fines, costs, counseling and, other rehabilitative tools like educational classes. The length of your sentence will determine where you are imprisoned and by whom you will be supervised. In addition to these sentencing options, there may be collateral consequences which your case will trigger, such as a license suspension or revocation.

Related: Why is there a preliminary hearing in my case? 

If you are convicted at trial, or if you negotiate a plea agreement that is acceptable to you, a sentence for DUI may include jail time, in-home detention (“house arrest”), public service, alcohol classes, and/or fines. The maximum period of time for which a county can jail and/or supervise most offenders ranges from six months to five years. The length of sentence depends on previous convictions, any need for treatment, and the like. Additionally, in DUI cases, all repeat offenders must have their cars equipped with an ignition-interlock restriction system for at least one year. A new offense is created for driving without a required ignition-interlock system when alcohol is present in driver’s system.

Related: What is a preliminary hearing?