What happens at a DUI arraignment in Camden County
You were driving on the Black Horse Pike in Gloucester Township, and a Camden County police officer pulled you over. The officer said you failed a field sobriety test and charged you with driving under the influence. Now you have a piece of paper telling you to appear at the Camden County Municipal Court. You are wondering what will happen when you walk into that courtroom. An arraignment is the first court appearance after a DUI charge in New Jersey. At that hearing, the judge will inform you of the charge, ask how you plead, and address bail or release conditions while your case moves forward. For many people, the process is unfamiliar and intimidating. Understanding what to expect can help you prepare. If you have been charged with DUI in Camden County, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Your options at the DUI arraignment
At your arraignment you generally have three options. You can plead not guilty, which tells the court you intend to challenge the charge. You can plead guilty, which accepts the charge and moves the case to sentencing. You can also, with your attorney’s guidance, enter a plea of not guilty and later negotiate a resolution with the prosecutor. New Jersey municipal courts allow plea bargaining in DUI cases under certain circumstances, though the prosecutor’s ability to reduce a DUI charge is limited. It is important to discuss your options with an attorney before the arraignment, because the plea you enter sets the direction of your case. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel attorneys who handle DUI matters in Camden County appear at Municipal Court arraignments and can advise you on the most appropriate plea based on the evidence and your circumstances.
What to expect at the Camden County Municipal Court arraignment
A DUI arraignment in Camden County takes place at the Municipal Court, located at 101 South Fifth Street in Camden. The court hears traffic and quasi-criminal offenses, including DUI, which in New Jersey is not a criminal charge but is treated as a serious motor vehicle violation. You will go through security and check in with court staff. The judge calls cases in the order on the docket. When your name is called, you or your attorney will approach the bench. The judge will state the charge against you — typically a violation of New Jersey’s DUI statute — and ask if you understand it. Then the judge will ask for your plea. If you plead not guilty, the court will set a future date for a pretrial conference or trial. If there is a question about bail or release conditions, that will be addressed. The entire appearance may last only a few minutes, but its impact on your case is significant. Having an attorney present can ensure your plea is entered correctly and that you do not inadvertently waive important rights.
Potential consequences of a DUI conviction in New Jersey
A DUI conviction in New Jersey carries administrative and financial penalties that can affect your life for years. Under New Jersey law, a first offense is not a criminal conviction, but it results in a loss of driving privileges for a period determined by statute, monetary fines, and mandatory participation in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center program. Additional consequences include an insurance surcharge assessed by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, which can add thousands of dollars to your costs over three years. For a second or subsequent DUI offense, penalties become more severe, including longer license suspensions, higher fines, and the possibility of incarceration. Because DUI is a quasi-criminal matter in New Jersey, you do not have a right to a jury trial; the case is decided by the Municipal Court judge. An experienced attorney can review the evidence, identify procedural weaknesses, and work to protect your driving record and financial interests. Results may vary.
Why Mr. Sris appears at Camden County DUI arraignments
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997 and is a former prosecutor. He understands how the prosecution builds a DUI case because he has been on that side of the courtroom. He appears in Camden County Municipal Court and other New Jersey courts, and he works alongside Of Counsel attorneys who assist with DUI defense strategy. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. That background helps them evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the State’s evidence, challenge the reliability of breath test results, and identify violations of police procedures. Mr. Sris serves clients in Camden County from the firm’s Tinton Falls location. He can attend your arraignment, advise you on your plea, and guide you through every subsequent court date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a DUI arraignment in Camden County?
A DUI arraignment is the first court appearance after being charged with driving under the influence in Camden County, where the judge informs you of the charge and you enter a plea. The arraignment takes place at the Camden County Municipal Court, 101 South Fifth Street, Camden, NJ 08103. It is not a trial; it is a procedural hearing to start the case. If you have not already hired an attorney, the judge may ask if you need time to obtain counsel. The plea you enter at this stage — guilty, not guilty, or no contest — determines what happens next. Having a lawyer present can help you avoid entering a plea that inadvertently harms your defense.
Do I need a lawyer at my DUI arraignment?
You are not legally required to have a lawyer at your DUI arraignment, but it is strongly recommended because your plea and rights are at stake. An attorney can explain the charge, help you decide how to plead, and address bail or release conditions. If you appear without counsel and plead guilty, you could be sentenced that same day and lose the opportunity to challenge the evidence. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel regularly appear at Camden County Municipal Court for DUI arraignments and can advise you on the trusted course of action based on the specific facts of your case.
What happens if I plead not guilty at a DUI arraignment?
If you plead not guilty, the judge will schedule a future court date for a pretrial conference or trial, and your case will move into the discovery and motion phase. The prosecution will provide the evidence, including the officer’s report, breath test records, and any video footage. Your attorney can then file motions to suppress evidence, challenge the stop or the test results, and negotiate with the prosecutor. In New Jersey, while plea bargaining in DUI cases is more limited than in ordinary criminal cases, some charge reduction may be possible under specific circumstances. Your attorney will explain your options before you decide.
What happens if I plead guilty at the arraignment?
If you plead guilty, the judge may sentence you immediately or schedule a sentencing hearing, and you will face the mandatory penalties for a DUI conviction under New Jersey law. Those penalties include a license suspension, fines, surcharges, and mandatory participation in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center. A guilty plea results in a conviction on your driving record, which can increase your automobile insurance premiums significantly. Because a DUI conviction is not a criminal offense in New Jersey, it does not create a criminal record, but the administrative consequences are serious. You should consult with an attorney before pleading guilty to understand all of the direct and collateral consequences.
Where is the DUI arraignment held in Camden County?
DUI arraignments in Camden County are held at the Camden County Municipal Court, located at 101 South Fifth Street, Camden, NJ 08103. The court is part of the New Jersey vicinage system, and Municipal Court judges handle all DUI cases. There is secure public parking nearby, and the court is accessible by PATCO and NJ Transit bus lines. You should arrive early to go through security and find your assigned courtroom. If you are represented by counsel, your attorney will advise you on exactly where and when to appear.
How long does a DUI arraignment take?
The arraignment itself usually takes only a few minutes once your case is called, but you may need to wait at the courthouse for a longer period while other cases are heard. The Municipal Court docket can be busy, and cases are called in the order they are scheduled. When your case is reached, the judge will briefly address you, and you will enter a plea. If you plead not guilty, the total appearance time is typically under ten minutes. Your attorney can handle everything on your behalf, which often allows the hearing to move more quickly.
What should I bring to my DUI arraignment?
You should bring the summons or complaint you received, a form of identification, any documents your attorney has provided, and a method to pay any court costs if required. You may also want to bring a pen and notebook to take notes. Do not bring weapons, large bags, or anything that could delay security screening. If you have hired an attorney, they will tell you exactly what to bring. If you have not yet retained counsel, it is wise to contact an attorney before the arraignment to discuss whether you should bring additional documentation concerning your license, prior offenses, or treatment programs.
Can I get a public defender for my DUI case?
You may be eligible for a public defender if you face a consequence of magnitude — generally a potential for incarceration — and if you meet financial indigency guidelines. Because a first DUI in New Jersey can carry a possible term of imprisonment, you may request a public defender application at the arraignment. The judge will ask about your income and assets. If you do not qualify, you will need to hire private counsel. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients facing DUI charges in Camden County, and you can request a consultation to discuss representation.
What are the possible outcomes after the arraignment?
After a not-guilty plea, the case proceeds to pretrial conferences, possible motion hearings, and ultimately a trial before the Municipal Court judge if no resolution is reached. Your attorney may negotiate with the prosecutor, but as noted the range of plea options in DUI cases is narrow. Possible outcomes include dismissal if the State cannot prove its case, conviction on the original charge, or in some limited cases a reduced disposition. Many DUI cases resolve without a full trial. The specific outcome depends on the evidence, your driving record, and the skill of your attorney. Results vary; prior outcomes do not guarantee a similar result.
Is a DUI in New Jersey a criminal offense?
A standard DUI charged under New Jersey law is not a criminal offense in New Jersey; it is a motor vehicle violation handled in Municipal Court. This means a conviction does not give you a criminal record. However, the penalties are still severe, including license suspension, fines, surcharges, and potential incarceration. Because it is not a crime, you do not have the right to a jury trial. Certain aggravating circumstances — such as a DUI resulting in injury or a third or subsequent offense — can elevate the charge to an indictable offense in Superior Court. Your attorney can explain how this classification affects your case.
How does a DUI conviction affect my New Jersey driver’s license?
A DUI conviction results in a mandatory license suspension, the length of which depends on your prior record and the circumstances of the offense. New Jersey treats license suspension as an administrative penalty that begins immediately upon conviction. At the arraignment, if you plead guilty, the judge may order the suspension to start that day. You will also face insurance surcharges and may be required to install an ignition interlock device before your license is restored. An attorney can help you understand the specific suspension period applicable to your case and, in some instances, may be able to argue for a reduced suspension period.
Can I avoid jail time after a DUI arraignment?
Whether jail time is imposed depends on the facts of your case, your prior record, and the discretion of the Municipal Court judge. For a first DUI offense with a lower blood alcohol concentration and no aggravating circumstances, jail is not mandatory and is rarely imposed. However, for higher BACs, repeat offenses, or cases involving an accident, the court may order a period of incarceration. Your attorney can present mitigation evidence and argue for alternative sanctions. It is critical to have experienced counsel at your side when jail is a possibility.
For a full statutory breakdown of New Jersey DUI law, see our comprehensive analysis at SRISlawyer.com.
To discuss your DUI charge and the upcoming Camden County arraignment, contact Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey Location44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
(609) 983-0003
By appointment only. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.
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