If you are facing DUI/OWI charges in Crown Point, Indiana, having a skilled Crown Point criminal defense attorney is extremely important. A DUI/OWI conviction carries serious consequences, such as a license suspension, hefty fines, and potential jail time.
At The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC, we can help. Founding partner Joseph M. Roberts and his team are dedicated to building strong legal defenses protecting the rights of our clients.
You do not have to face a DUI or OWI charge alone. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and to learn more about how we can help.
The Importance of Immediate Legal Representation In DUI/OWI Cases
Given the severity of the potential penalties for an OWI conviction, it is imperative that after an OWI arrest, you take immediate steps to mitigate the consequences and gather evidence that can be used to defend the charges. The most important thing you must do is hire an experienced DUI/OWI defense lawyer in Crown Point who understands Indiana’s DUI laws and can help you navigate the complex legal process that will ensue.
At The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC, our approach to defending OWI charges includes a thorough case evaluation, challenging the prosecution’s evidence, and negotiating for reduced charges or alternative sentencing. Attorney Joseph M. Roberts has both the knowledge and experience to achieve the best possible outcome in the most complicated OWI cases.
Understanding DUI/OWI Charges in Indiana
According to Indiana Code § 9-30-5-1, operating a vehicle while intoxicated is a Class C misdemeanor. Indiana law defines Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) as operating a vehicle while you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or with any amount of a Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance, or while impaired by any amount of alcohol or drugs.
The law also makes it a criminal offense for anyone under the age of 21 to operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.02% or higher.
Depending on the circumstances involved, an OWI conviction can result in stiff fines, jail time, community service, mandatory substance abuse programs, and additional collateral consequences. This underscores the importance of a skilled Crown Point DUI/OWI defense lawyer to help mitigate the consequences of the charges you face.
The Potential Penalties for DUI/OWI Convictions in Indiana
OWI in Indiana can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony crime, depending on the circumstances involved.
Misdemeanor OWI
In Indiana, misdemeanor OWIs are classified as either:
- A Class C Misdemeanor; or
- A Class A Misdemeanor
OWI with a BAC of 0.08 % but less than 0.15%, or while intoxicated by any amount or combination of drugs or alcohol, is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail, or both.
OWI with a BAC higher than 0.15%, or while intoxicated by any amount or combination of drugs and alcohol, and aggravated by endangering someone’s life is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and up to 366 days in jail, or both.
Felony OWI
OWI in Indiana can be charged as a felony offense if any of the following conditions exist:
- A Previous Conviction within seven years: If you were convicted of OWI within seven years of the current charges, you could be charged with a level 6 felony, which carries six months to 2.5 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $ 10,000.
- Minor in the Vehicle: If you are at least 21 years old, had a BAC of 0.15 or greater, or were operating the vehicle in a manner that endangered the lives of others, and you were carrying a passenger who was a minor (under the age of 18), you can be charged with a level 6 felony.
- Serious Bodily Injury: If you were intoxicated with any amount or combination of drugs and alcohol, and you caused serious bodily injury to another, you can be charged with a level 5 felony. You can be charged with a level 4 felony with a prior within five years.
- Death: If you were intoxicated by any amount or combination of drugs and alcohol, and you caused a fatality, then depending on the circumstances involved (e.g., your BAC level and other aggravating circumstances), you could be charged with a level 5 felony carrying six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, or a level 4 felony, punishable by 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
In addition to the criminal penalties an OWI conviction carries, you will face additional civil and collateral consequences, like increased insurance premiums, installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), and the loss of commercial driving privileges if you are a CDL holder.
The bottom line is that an OWI conviction, be it a misdemeanor or felony, can have a lasting impact on both your personal and professional life and must be dealt with swiftly and effectively.
Contact The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC for a Crown Point DUI/OWI Defense Attorney
If you or someone you care about has been charged with an OWI in Crown Point, Indiana, take immediate action by contacting The Law Offices of Joseph M. Roberts. Call us today at (219) 779-9187 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
The sooner you get us involved, the more we can do for you. We are committed to providing an aggressive and personalized defense strategy tailored to your unique situation.