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Trial

If you do not have a lawyer and you, your family or a friend think you need the help of one, you should contact one BEFORE going to court.

The judge may set your trial for another day (continuance), but only for a good reason.

You have the right to bring witnesses to the trial. If you need the court to help you bring witnesses, the court will give them subpoenas to tell them they must come to court for you.

If you want a jury, you may ask for one; the judge will tell you if the law allows it in your case.

The prosecutor may bring witnesses to tell what they saw and heard. You or your lawyer may ask them questions. The prosecutor has the right to ask your witnesses questions and, if you testify, to ask you questions. (You don`t have to testify if you don`t want to.)

If the judge decides that you are not guilty, the trial is over, and you may leave.

If the judge decides that you are guilty, the judge will tell you what the penalty is and what then to do.

Other Missouri Drunk Driving Defense FAQs

Q: What These Words Mean
A: Traffic Ticket or Summons command by court order to appear in court. Failure to appear may result in a warrant for your arrest Charge what the police … More
Q: When You Get To Court
A: If you don`t know, ask the clerk if your name is on the list for that day, then sit down in the court room. When your name is called, walk up to the judge and answer … More
Q: If You Plead Guilty
A: You may then tell the judge everything that happened. The judge may ask you questions. You must answer them. The judge will tell you how much money to pay as a fine … More
Q: You Should Plead Not Guilty:
A: If you did not do what the police officer says you did. If you are not sure that what you did was against the law. If you plead Not guilty, you will be given a trial. More
Q: Penalties
A: Fine Jail Both fine and jail Other. The judge may include in the penalty an order to go to driver`s school, alcohol safety school or other schools to help you better … More
Q: Appeal
A: Also known as trial de novo which means new trial. If you think what the judge or jury decides is unfair or wrong, you may ask for your case to be sent to a higher … More
Q: Rights
A: Remember, you have the right to: Have a reasonable time after you are charged with a traffic violation to get ready to answer the charge in court. Have a lawyer. The … More
Q: What Is Dui?
A: Driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics (DUI) is a serious offense. If anyone is injured by your actions, you may … More
Q: What Are The Consequences For A First Time Offender?
A: If it's your first offense, and if no injury is involved, the consequences may be as light as a fine and a suspended license or less. But make no mistake, even … More
Q: Will My License Be Revoked Or Suspended?
A: Another consequence of DWI/DUI is the loss of your license. In Kansas and Missouri, if your blood alcohol content is more than .08% in Kansas or .08% in Missouri, the … More