Drunk driving puts everyone on the road at risk of serious accidents, which is why police are diligent in apprehending motorists who violate the law. The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) reports that almost 21,600 people are arrested for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) every year, many of whom face charges because they had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit of .08 percent. However, many cases are based upon impairment, in which the individual’s ability to drive is diminished without proof of BAC. Regardless of the basis for the arrest, there are severe penalties if convicted of drunk driving in Indiana.
Fortunately, there are strategies for avoiding a conviction or obtaining another positive result in an Indiana OWI case. An arrest is just the start of the case, so you can count on the Bellinger Law Office to defend your rights at other stages of the legal process. Please contact us to schedule a case assessment with a drunk driving attorney in Angola. Some background about the laws is also informative.
With drunk driving cases based either upon BAC or impairment, the penalties are the same. They also increase with subsequent offenses, like other criminal laws. A first-time conviction is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 60 days in jail, a fine up to $500, or both. In addition:
There are ways to beat the charges, and a drunk driving attorney in Angola will explore all possibilities. Defenses may include contesting an unlawful stop, fighting issues of probable cause, and even attacking BAC test results.
However, there may be other options for obtaining a favorable outcome if a complete defense is not available. The Bellinger Law Office will explain how probation works, especially for first-time offenders. Plus, you may negotiate an agreement with the prosecutor, including one based upon a “wet reckless.” The penalties and other consequences are not as severe, but you will be required to plead guilty in a plea bargain.
If you were arrested for violating OWI laws, please contact the Bellinger Law Office to discuss details. We are in the best position to leverage defenses at the earliest stages of your case, so set up a consultation with a skilled Indiana OWI defense lawyer today.