What Happens When You Get a DUI in Indiana?
Being arrested for a DUI can dramatically impact your life. Not only will you be forced to deal with the legal consequences of a DUI if you are convicted, but your criminal record will always reflect your negative history.
Below, we explain what happens after you are arrested for an Indiana DUI and what defense options could be available to you.
What Are the Penalties for a Guilty Drunk Driving Verdict?
In Indiana, a drunk driving charge is known as an OWI, or operating a vehicle while intoxicated. An OWI conviction is a very serious charge and the state-imposed significant penalties, even for first-time offenders.
There are a number of factors that will determine the consequences of a guilty OWI verdict, including whether you harmed someone else, your blood alcohol level, and how many prior offenses you might have.
In any case, a person convicted of drunk driving can expect to spend time in jail or prison, be sentenced to community service, have their license suspended or revoked, be placed on probation, pay a hefty fine, be required to complete a driver retraining and/or alcohol rehabilitation program, and have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in their vehicle, among other penalties.
Furthermore, a DUI conviction will remain on your criminal record indefinitely if or until you are able to obtain an expungement. This could dramatically affect your ability to find a quality employer or a decent place to live. For these reasons, it’s critical that you do everything possible to avoid an OWI conviction.
Dodging an Indiana DUI Conviction
There are a few defense strategies you may be able to use to avoid being found guilty. First, we can question whether the police officer who pulled you over in the first place has reason to do so. This reason is known as probable cause.
Were you driving over the speed limit? Speeding? Did you have a headlight out? If the cop had no reasonable cause to pull you over that night, your DUI charges could be dismissed.
When you were pulled over, you likely had to participate in a field sobriety test or blow into a portable breath test (PBT), also known as a breathalyzer. Perhaps you even had your blood alcohol levels taken chemically through blood or urine when you were booked.
Another defense strategy in DUIs is to argue that these tests results were invalid or inaccurate. If law enforcement failed to administer the test accurately, or if the lab made a mistake with your samples, we could establish reasonable doubt that you are guilty of drunk driving.
Get in Touch with an Indiana DUI Lawyer
A drunk driving conviction on your record is something you want to avoid at all costs. For help defending yourself and obtaining the acquittal you need, reach out to an committed Indiana DUI lawyer at Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm.
We can be reached by phone at 812-232-7400 or through the contact form below when you are ready to schedule your free consultation.
