Serious Advocacy In Tough Cases

Legal Support For DUI Charges In Indiana

DUI, or Driving Under the Influence, is a serious offense with potentially life-altering consequences. At Harwell Legal Counsel, we believe that understanding the nature of DUI is the first step toward avoiding it and making informed decisions if you ever face such charges.

In Indiana, DUI typically refers to operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. However, it’s essential to recognize that impairment can result from various substances, not just alcohol. This includes illicit drugs, prescription medications and even over-the-counter remedies that can impair your ability to drive safely.

Benefits Of Hiring Our DUI Lawyers In Indianapolis

Hiring an experienced Indiana criminal defense lawyer can help ensure that the legal process is handled correctly and efficiently. First, a DUI attorney will be able to provide you with advice and guidance throughout your court case. They understand all the nuances of DUI law and can help you build a strong defense strategy. Additionally, they can help negotiate plea deals or mitigate sentencing if necessary.

With their knowledge, experience and negotiation skills, a DUI attorney may even be able to get your charges or penalties reduced or even dropped entirely! Lastly, an attorney’s legal representation in court can give you peace of mind during this stressful situation. Knowing that you have someone on your side who understands the law and is advocating for you can make all the difference in getting through the process unscathed.

DUI Arrest Process

If you are arrested for DUI, it’s crucial to understand the typical process that follows. This often includes being taken into custody, undergoing sobriety tests and possibly chemical tests to measure your BAC. Understanding this process can help you know your rights and make informed decisions during a DUI arrest.

Sobriety Tests And Chemical Tests

Law enforcement officers use various methods to determine if a driver is impaired. These include field sobriety tests, such as walking in a straight line and standing on one leg, and breathalyzer tests or blood tests to measure BAC. Knowing your rights regarding these tests and how they may impact your case is essential.

Defenses Against DUI Charges

Our experienced legal team at Harwell Legal Counsel understands DUI defense strategies. We can help you explore possible defenses, such as challenging the validity of sobriety or chemical tests, examining the circumstances of your arrest or identifying any violations of your rights during the process. We defend clients throughout Hendricks, Hamilton, Johnson and Hancock counties.

Impact On Driving Records And Insurance

A DUI conviction can have long-lasting consequences, affecting your driving record and insurance rates. It may lead to increased premiums, restricted driving privileges or even the suspension of your driver’s license. Understanding these potential consequences is crucial for making informed decisions.

Always Take DUI Charges Seriously

If you are found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit of .08%, you may be charged with a DUI. Additionally, if you are a minor or under the age of 21, you may also face charges associated with the unlawful possession and use of alcohol. DUI charges can be complicated, and the circumstances of your case will determine how you are charged.

For example, if this is your first offense, you may be charged with a misdemeanor, whereas if you have past DUI convictions or other compounding factors, you may be facing felony charges.

Our Indianapolis DUI lawyers can help fight your drunk driving charges involving the following and more:

Underage drinking
DUI with a minor in the vehicle
Injuries resulting from a DUI incident
Alcohol-related DUIs
First offense DUI arrest
Second or subsequent DUI arrest
Drug- and controlled substance-related DUIs

DUI In Indiana First-Offense Penalties

For a first-offense OWI in Indiana, you could be facing either a misdemeanor or felony charge. The charges are as follows:

Class C misdemeanor: Intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, BAC was between .08% – .15%, or intoxicated by a Schedule I or II substance punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine
Class A misdemeanor: BAC of .15% or more, endangered another person by their driving is punishable by up to one year in jail and $5,000 fine
Level 6 Felony: At least 21 years old, had BAC of .15% or more, endangered another person by their driving, or had a passenger under 18 present is punishable by up to 2.5 years in jail and $10,000 fine

If you have been arrested under suspicion of DUI, you may be feeling overwhelmed and scared. You are not alone. Indiana prosecutors are particularly aggressive when pursuing DUI charges. However, you do have options. Our skilled DUI lawyer in Indianapolis can help you understand the charges brought against you and can provide you with the guidance you need.

Is DUI A Felony In Indiana?

DUIs are usually a misdemeanor and can be a felony in Indiana depending on the circumstances. Factors such as you having prior DUI convictions, catastrophic injury or serious bodily injury to a person, you can be charged with a felony.

Is OWI Or DUI Worse In Indiana?

In Indiana, OWI refers to operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs from prescription drugs, narcotics, pills or marijuana. DUI refers to operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. You can get an OWI while the car is idle and not moving, you can still get an OWI in your own driveway, private land, as long as the engine is on and you are on the driver’s seat.

We Work Hard To Protect Client Rights

At Harwell Legal Counsel, we believe in providing customers with aggressive yet compassionate legal representation. We treat every case with care and every client with respect. Our Indianapolis DUI attorney can help you with every aspect of your case from start to finish. We can also help with post-conviction services, including appeals. When you need a reliable DUI lawyer in Indiana, call us.

Harwell Legal Counsel is a modern practice for modern clients. Contact us online today or by calling 317-344-9085 to speak with our DUI attorney in Indianapolis!