What happens at a DUI arraignment in Union County

When you receive a DUI summons in Union County, the document will direct you to appear at the
Union County Municipal Court at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07207.
An arraignment is the first formal court appearance. The judge reads the charge—typically under
N.J.S.A. 39:4‑50 (driving while intoxicated)—and you enter a plea:
guilty or not guilty. A guilty plea can lead to immediate sentencing,
while a not‑guilty plea sets the case on a path toward pretrial conferences and, if necessary, trial.
In New Jersey, DUI is a traffic offense, not a criminal matter, but the penalties
are still serious: fines, license suspension, ignition interlock requirements, and possible jail
time for repeat offenses. Having an experienced attorney at this stage can help you understand the
options and start building a defense. To request a consultation about your DUI arraignment in
Union County, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Happens Inside the Courtroom: The Arraignment Step by Step

On your court date, you check in with the municipal court clerk before the session begins.
The judge calls cases individually. When your name is called, you stand before the bench.
The judge will confirm your identity and then read the charge aloud. You will be asked how you
plead. A not‑guilty plea means the case moves forward; the court will schedule a
pretrial conference or a trial date, which in Union County usually falls within several weeks.
A guilty plea leads to the judge imposing sentence right there, unless the court
orders a sentencing hearing. For a first‑offense DUI, the judge will consider factors such as your
blood‑alcohol concentration and any prior record. If you have an attorney, the attorney can enter
the plea on your behalf and handle procedural matters. Union County’s municipal court operates
under the Superior Court of New Jersey, Union Vicinage. The judges in this
district are familiar with DUI cases, and the prosecutors regularly negotiate plea agreements
when appropriate.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Approach a DUI Arraignment

Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands how the other side builds its case. He and his
Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. begin by reviewing the summons, the police report,
and any breath‑test or field‑sobriety evidence. At the arraignment, they can enter a not‑guilty
plea and immediately request discovery—all of the state’s evidence against you. They will also
identify any potential constitutional or procedural issues, such as whether the traffic stop was
valid or whether the breath‑testing equipment was properly calibrated. While plea bargaining is
limited in DUI cases because N.J.S.A. 39:4‑50 does not permit a reduction to a non‑alcohol‑related
offense, an attorney can still negotiate the terms of the sentence—such as the length of license
suspension—or challenge the admissibility of evidence that could weaken the state’s case.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to DUI matters in Union County.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in
1997 and is admitted to practice in New Jersey, as well as Virginia, Maryland, the District of
Columbia, and New York. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Sris has firsthand knowledge of courtroom
procedure and case preparation. He is joined by Of Counsel attorneys who bring extensive combined
legal experience to traffic and DUI defense. Together, they serve clients in Union County from the
firm’s New Jersey location. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel oversees the strategy for DUI matters, and he and
his Of Counsel work toward favorable outcomes under the circumstances. To discuss your
DUI arraignment with the team, call (888) 437‑7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer for a DUI arraignment in Union County?

You are not legally required to have a lawyer present, but doing so can help protect
your rights from the very first court appearance. A DUI charge in New Jersey carries
serious penalties, including license suspension, fines, and possible jail time for subsequent
offenses. An attorney can explain the charges, advise you on a plea, and begin gathering evidence
immediately. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle DUI arraignments routinely at Union County
Municipal Court and can appear with you to enter a plea and set the case on a defense track.

What should I bring to my DUI arraignment?

Bring your summons, a photo ID, and any documents related to your arrest.
You should also bring a copy of any bail paperwork if you were held, as well as proof of
residence. If you have already hired an attorney, your attorney will typically bring the
necessary documents and can advise you on what else the court may require. For Union County,
the court does not require anything beyond what the summons states, but having your paperwork
organized helps the process move smoothly.

What happens if I miss my DUI arraignment?

The court will likely issue a bench warrant for your arrest. Because DUI is
a traffic offense, not a criminal charge, the warrant is limited to the failure to appear, but
it will appear on your record and can lead to additional penalties, including the suspension
of your driving privileges. If you missed your date, contact an attorney immediately. A lawyer
can move to recall the warrant and reschedule the arraignment. Mr. Sris’s team can help you
address a missed Union County court date.

Can I change my plea after the arraignment?

Yes, you can typically change your plea afterward if the court allows it.
If you initially plead not guilty, you may later negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor
and then enter a revised plea. If you pleaded guilty at the arraignment without an attorney,
you may be able to withdraw that plea under certain circumstances—for example, if the judge did
not properly inform you of the consequences. An attorney can assess whether a plea change is
appropriate in your case.

How will a DUI affect my driver’s license in New Jersey?

A DUI conviction results in a mandatory license suspension.
For a first offense with a blood‑alcohol concentration (BAC) between 0.08% and 0.10%, the
suspension is generally three months; for a BAC of 0.10% or higher, it is seven months to
one year. The ignition interlock device is required for all first‑time offenders. Because
DUI is a motor vehicle violation and not a crime, the conviction appears on your driving
record but not on a criminal record. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can explain the specific
impact on your license and any options to challenge the suspension.

Are DUI checkpoints legal in Union County?

Yes, sobriety checkpoints are legal in New Jersey as long as they follow
constitutional guidelines. The New Jersey Supreme Court has established that
checkpoints must be conducted according to a predefined plan, with minimal intrusion and
notice to drivers. If you were stopped at a checkpoint and then charged with DUI, an
attorney can review whether the stop complied with these guidelines. Procedural defects
can sometimes lead to the suppression of evidence.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.