Terre Haute DUI/Drunk Driving Lawyers
Drunk driving is a more serious offense than it might first appear to be. In most criminal prosecutions, a conviction will result in a term of probation, or possibly fines and/or a jail sentence. These consequences are present with DUI, but even more is at stake. You can lose your driver’s license for up to two years, even if it’s your first offense. If driving is required as part of your job or is necessary to get to work, you could lose your job as well. Other penalties and fees make drunk driving one of the most expensive offenses, when compared to other crimes in the same class.
Drunk driving arrests should be taken seriously. You likely have options to avoid the harshest penalties, and a skilled attorney can find and present available defenses that could keep you free of a criminal conviction. Call an experienced Indiana DUI lawyer as soon as possible after an arrest for the best chances at a positive outcome. In Terre Haute, call the Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm for a free consultation.
Assisting People Arrested for Drunk Driving
The criminal defense lawyers at our firm represent persons charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OVWI). A conviction for drunk driving, also referred to as DUI or OWI, can result in penalties and even significant jail time, including a suspension of your license. The consequences of a conviction for drunk driving can be significant, and because the penalties increase sharply for a second offense, even a charge for a first offense DUI should be taken seriously.
Indiana Drunk Driving Statutes
As a person who is pulled over by Indiana law enforcement under suspicion of drunk driving, you can be required to submit to a test of your blood alcohol content (BAC), and a level of .08% is enough to be arrested for DUI. Even if your blood alcohol is less than .08%, you could still be charged if there is evidence you were driving while intoxicated, such as if you were seen moving in and out of traffic or crossing the center line and failed sobriety tests.
If convicted of OVWI on a first offense, you could be fined anywhere from $0 to $5,000 and even sentenced to jail from 60 days up to one year. Your driver’s license can also be suspended for up to two years. If you have a previous conviction within the last seven years, you could be fined up to $10,000 and sentenced for a period of six months up to 2 ½ years.
There Are Ways to Fight OVWI Charges
An experienced Indiana OVWI attorney will look at your case and determine what defenses are available. There may be ways to get the case thrown out because of the stop or the testing procedures. It is possible in many instances to have the case dismissed, reduced to reckless driving or otherwise reduced. If working out a plea agreement is best for you, our criminal lawyers might be able to work out a suspended sentence and a minimal license suspension.
Hire a Lawyer With Proven DUI Experience
A DUI conviction can impact your life in a variety of ways. It can affect your employment, professional licenses, and insurability. If required to carry a commercial driver’s license (CDL), your livelihood could be severely impacted. Do not make any statements to law enforcement or plead guilty in court until you speak with an experienced DUI lawyer at our firm.
Help Is Available for DUI in Terre Haute
For help after a drunk driving arrest in Terre Haute, call the Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm at 812-232-7400 for a free consultation.
