What Is a DUI Pre Trial Conference in Pennsylvania?

Pretrial conference in a Pennsylvania DUI case

Pennsylvania criminal procedure statutes permit the use of a pre-trial conference in cases regarding driving under the influence (DUI). Not all courts in the commonwealth utilize pre-trials, however. Therefore, if you find yourself involved in a DUI case in Pennsylvania, you must check with the court clerk or the judge's administrative assistant to ascertain whether a pre-trial conference will be scheduled in your case.

Function

The function of a pre-trial conference is to address, prior to trial, outstanding issues regarding the admissibility of evidence, finalize exhibit and witness lists and otherwise ensure that the case is positioned to proceed to trial. A pre-trial conference also provides you and the prosecuting attorney a chance to see if a settlement and plea deal can be reached in your case to avoid a trial.

Time Frame

There is no specific time frame mandated by Pennsylvania law as to when a pre-trial conference is conducted. Typically, a court schedules a pre-trial conference between three and four months after your arrest. The time line varies depending on the specifics of your case.

Benefits

Multiple benefits derive from a pre-trial conference. Through the discussions and decisions made at a pre-trial conference, the trial in the case moves more smoothly. There are fewer objections and surprises at a trial because many potentially controversial issues are dealt with at the pre-trial conference stage. Additionally, for many DUI defendants, a plea bargain is the best resolution. You usually have the chance to continue plea negotiations at the pre-trial conference.

Pre-Trial

Absent a settlement of your DUI case during the pre-trial conference, Pennsylvania law requires the judge to issue a pre-trial order. The pre-trial order provides an outline for the manner in which the trial will be conducted. The order addresses the manner in which outstanding matters will be resolved prior to the trial date.

Expert Assistance

A conviction in a DUI case results in serious consequences. Additionally, the different stages of a DUI case, including a pre-trial conference, can be complex. Therefore, consider retaining an attorney. The Pennsylvania Bar Association maintains a directory of attorneys in different practice areas, including DUI law. Contact the organization at:

Pennsylvania Bar Association
100 South St.
Harrisburg, PA 17101
800-932-0311
http://www.pabar.org/

References

• Pennsylvania Code: Title 234--Rules of Criminal Procedure
• Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: DUI Law Summary
• Pennsylvania Code: Title 234--Rules of Criminal Procedure--Pre-Trial Procedures

Resources

• Pennsylvania DUI Association: Pennsylvania DUI Resources
• Pennsylvania Bar Association