What happens at a DUI arraignment in Bergen County

If you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Bergen County, New Jersey, your first court appearance is the arraignment. The arraignment takes place before a municipal court judge at the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage, located at 10 Main Street in Hackensack. During the arraignment, the judge will inform you of the charges against you and any companion citations. You will be asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or, in some circumstances, to have the matter carried for a later date. If you enter a plea of not guilty, the court will schedule a pretrial conference or trial date. Because a DUI conviction in New Jersey can lead to significant penalties—including license suspension, fines, mandatory attendance at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, and possible jail time for repeat offenses—it is essential to understand what happens at this stage. If you have been charged with DUI in Bergen County, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you prepare and appear in court. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What to Expect at Your DUI Arraignment in Bergen County

The arraignment is held at the Bergen County Municipal Court, located at 10 Main Street in Hackensack, within the Bergen Vicinage of the New Jersey Superior Court. On the date listed on your summons or release paperwork, you should arrive early, dress professionally, and bring any documents you have received from the police. The judge will call your case, ask you to confirm your identity, and read the charges against you. The court will also inquire whether you are represented by an attorney or whether you need time to hire one. For those who cannot afford private counsel, the court may inquire about eligibility for the public defender. You will then be asked to enter a plea.

If you plead not guilty, the court will schedule a pretrial conference or trial date. If you plead guilty, the judge may proceed to sentencing on the same day, though consulting with counsel before entering a plea is strongly advisable, as a DUI conviction carries license forfeiture, fines, and other obligations. The judge may also set conditions of release—such as a requirement that you not drive, submit to alcohol testing, or install an ignition interlock device—and may set bail if there are aggravating circumstances. Plea bargaining is allowed in New Jersey municipal court, and an attorney can discuss possible resolutions with the municipal prosecutor after the arraignment. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has an experienced team that regularly appears in Bergen County courts and can help you navigate the process from this first appearance through resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a DUI arraignment in New Jersey?

The DUI arraignment is the first court hearing after you are charged with driving under the influence. The municipal court judge reads the charges and asks you to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or to have the matter carried to a later date. This proceeding takes place at the Bergen Vicinage courthouse in Hackensack. The judge may also address conditions of release, such as a requirement that you not operate a motor vehicle while the case is pending. Because a DUI is a quasi-criminal offense in New Jersey, the arraignment follows procedures similar to a criminal matter, but without a right to a jury trial.

Do I need a lawyer for the arraignment in Bergen County?

You are not required to have an attorney at the arraignment, but having one is beneficial. The judge will ask whether you have counsel or need time to hire one. If you qualify, the public defender may be appointed, but private counsel can begin working on your case immediately. An attorney can explain the charge, the potential consequences of a guilty plea, and any procedural defenses that may apply to your matter. If you hire a lawyer before your court date, the attorney can appear with you and begin working toward a favorable resolution. For guidance, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Can I plead not guilty at the arraignment?

Yes. Entering a not-guilty plea is your right, and it tells the court that you wish to contest the charge. Once you plead not guilty, the judge will schedule a pretrial conference, during which your attorney and the municipal prosecutor can discuss the case, exchange discovery, and explore the possibility of a plea agreement. A not-guilty plea preserves all your options—including the opportunity to challenge the stop, the arrest, or the breath-test results—and does not obligate you to take the case to trial.

What if I plead guilty at the arraignment?

If you plead guilty, the judge will typically impose sentence on the same day. For a first-offense DUI, that can mean a license suspension, fines, and mandatory attendance at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center. For repeat offenses, jail time or longer suspension periods may be ordered. Because a DUI conviction creates an immediate administrative and financial impact, you should talk to a qualified attorney before entering a guilty plea. If you were not represented at the arraignment, you may ask the court for a brief adjournment to consult an attorney.

Will I go to jail at the arraignment on a first-offense DUI?

For most first-offense DUI charges in Bergen County, the judge will release you on your own recognizance or set minimal bail. Jail at the arraignment is uncommon unless there are aggravating factors such as an accident causing injury, a high blood alcohol concentration, an active warrant, or a history of failing to appear. The judge may impose conditions of release to protect public safety but a routine first-offense DUI typically does not result in incarceration at this stage.

What happens after the arraignment if I plead not guilty?

After a not-guilty plea, the court will schedule a pretrial conference and later a trial date, depending on the court’s calendar. Your attorney can request discovery—including police reports, video evidence, and breath-test calibration records—and file motions to challenge the admissibility of the evidence. Many DUI cases in New Jersey resolve through plea negotiations before trial, with an attorney working to reduce the charge to a lesser offense such as reckless driving, which carries fewer penalties and points. The timeline varies based on the complexity of the case and the court’s schedule.

Is a DUI arraignment in Bergen County different from an arraignment for other traffic tickets?

Yes, because a DUI is treated as a quasi-criminal offense in New Jersey, while standard moving violations are civil infractions. The arraignment is still held in municipal court, but the stakes are higher: a DUI conviction can result in license loss, fines, surcharges, and, for repeat offenders, jail time. The judge may also impose pre-trial conditions that are not typical for a speeding ticket. Because of these differences, having legal representation at an early stage can be important to protect your rights.

What if I miss my DUI arraignment?

If you fail to appear at your scheduled arraignment, the municipal court judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. Additionally, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission may be notified, which can lead to a suspension of your driving privileges. You could also face separate charges for failure to appear. If you realize you have missed the date, contact an attorney and the court immediately to address the warrant and reschedule the proceeding.

Can the DUI charge be reduced or dismissed at the arraignment?

The arraignment itself is not the appropriate stage for charge bargaining. The judge will only take your plea. However, after the arraignment, your attorney can meet with the municipal prosecutor to discuss the evidence and any legal issues that might support a reduction or dismissal. Cases are occasionally resolved at the pretrial conference if, for example, there was an unlawful stop or insufficient evidence. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team work toward favorable resolutions for their clients; Results may vary. Depending on the specific facts of each case.

How can I prepare for my DUI arraignment in Bergen County?

Start by writing down your court date, time, and the address: 10 Main Street, Hackensack. Bring your summons, any release paperwork, and a form of identification. Dress respectfully and arrive early, as the courthouse opens at 8:30 a.m. On weekdays. If you have not already hired an attorney, call a lawyer before your appearance so you can receive guidance on what to say and how to plea. To speak with Mr. Sris about your matter, call (888) 437-7747.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal and traffic defense since 1997. He is licensed to practice in New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New York. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to DUI and traffic matters. Results may vary. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas, with over 93% favorable outcomes. The firm’s New Jersey location is at 44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724, and serves clients throughout Bergen County and across the state. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

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

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