Many people charged with an OWI in Indiana for the first time wonder if they need to hire an OWI attorney. While we highly suggest that you hire an attorney, you do have the ability to represent yourself, Pro Se. However, It’s important to know that an Indianapolis OWI attorney offers some distinct benefits to first-time offenders—benefits that can work for your best interests. At the Law Office of B.D. Williams, Esq., we are an experienced defense law firm has been serving clients throughout the state of Indiana. If you are in the need of criminal defense, give us a call at (317) 458-9911 today.
What Is An OWI In Indiana
What is an OWI charge in Indiana? The term “operating while intoxicated” or (OWI) instead of “driving under the influence” (DUI) is formally used in Indiana. It is still referred to as a DUI by a number of individuals. Indiana laws are very specific as to what is called an OWI. An OWI in Indiana has occurred when a person is operating any vehicle:
- With a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or more
- With any amount of a schedule I or II controlled substance in their system, or
- While actually intoxicated by drugs or alcohol
If you are arrested for suspicion of being under those conditions you are going to need a good defense. You need results. Call a top criminal defense lawyer when you need results. Criminal defense lawyers help clients who have been charged with either a misdemeanor OWI in Indiana or a felony OWI in Indiana.
Penalties for an OWI in Indiana
If you ever what happens when you get an OWI, you can expect for a license suspension, several thousand dollars in fees and fines, possible jail time, and many other things. If you are charged, then call an attorney that handles OWI cases in Indiana as soon as possible.
Have An OWI In Indiana?
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Investigate Pretrial Issues
Either you or your attorney will thoroughly investigate your case to determine whether the arresting officer followed proper procedures mandated under the Constitution. Your case can be dismissed If the arresting officer has made violations which are:
- Constitutional
- Statutory
- Procedural
Type Of Procedural Issues
Often, there are a number of procedural violations that occur when you are charged with an OWI in Indiana. Some of the procedural violations that commonly occur include:
- Insufficient reasonable suspicion for investigative stop
- Incorrect administration of field sobriety tests
- Not properly obtaining breath samples
- Not maintaining chain of custody in a blood draw
- Failure to obtain warrant prior to forced blood draw
- Copy/Paste police report
Get The Indiana OWI Charges Reduced
You may be able to get the charges against you reduced. Generally, if you have an attorney, you can expect for your lawyer to work closely with you, as well as with prosecutors, to lessen the severity of the charges you’re facing. Again, this is something that you can also do on your own. You can utilize the fact that a first-time offense is a prime opportunity for reducing charges as you’ve never had such an experience before and, hopefully, won’t again.
Get OWI Penalties And Punishments Reduced
It’s no surprise that OWI’s in Indiana come with pretty severe penalties and punishments. These can range from fines and license suspension to significant jail time. There are times when the prosecutor will negotiate to get you the lightest penalties possible, again, we are always going to recommend that you get an attorney. If this is your first offense, there’s a strong chance for a solid case for lessened punishment.
If You Have An OWI In Indiana
If you’re up against an OWI in Indiana charge, call the Law Office of B.D. Williams, Esq., at (317) 458-9911 to schedule a strategy session with an OWI attorney. When you hire an OWI attorney, you are giving yourself a fighting chance against the charges you’re facing.
