Getting arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) or operating while intoxicated (OWI) in La Porte, Indiana can be a scary, confusing time. It is critical to know what to say and do if you are charged with this crime to protect your rights. The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC can provide exceptional criminal defense and advocate on your behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation with a La Porte criminal defense lawyer.
Why Choose Us for La Porte DUI/OWI Defense?
- Attorney Roberts has worked hard to surround himself with a team of knowledgeable support staff and a network of fellow attorneys to give his clients top-tier representation.
- We have extensive experience handling DUI/OWI cases and related charges, including felony cases, DUI/OWI involving drugs, drunk driving car accidents, and vehicular manslaughter.
- Our law firm exclusively practices criminal defense. This means we have in-depth legal knowledge and extensive trial experience in the La Porte criminal courts.
How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney in La Porte Help You?
A drunk or drugged driving conviction in Indiana could have a major impact on your life, including taking away your driver’s license, job, relationships, and physical freedom. Hiring a La Porte DUI/OWI defense lawyer can help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case to minimize its effects on your future.
An attorney can evaluate your case and the evidence the prosecution has against you. Then, your lawyer can craft a personalized legal strategy to challenge the evidence, negotiate for reduced charges and penalties, represent you in court to pursue an acquittal, or even have the case dismissed. Your attorney will work hard to achieve positive case results when it matters most.
What Must Be Proven for a DUI/OWI Conviction in Indiana?
According to the state’s driving under the influence law, Indiana Code 9-30-5-1, it is a Class C misdemeanor to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level at or above 0.08. This crime can be escalated to a Class A misdemeanor if there are aggravating circumstances, such as a BAC at or above 0.15, bodily injuries caused, or a minor in the vehicle.
If an arrest is made on suspicion of DUI/OWI, the prosecutor has the burden of proof. This means the government must prove the required elements of the crime as true beyond a reasonable doubt. These elements include operation or actual physical control of a vehicle, and intoxication or impairment from drugs or alcohol.
Can You Fight a DUI/OWI Charge in La Porte?
Yes, you can, and should, fight DUI charges in La Porte. You have legal rights that you can protect by knowing what steps to take after an arrest, including contacting a La Porte criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. If you can, here’s what to do:
- Use your right to remain silent during the traffic stop.
- State that you will not answer questions without an attorney present.
- Do not give the police permission to search your vehicle.
- Do not agree to participate in a field sobriety test.
- Cooperate with the arrest and remain polite with police officers.
- Contact a DUI/OWI defense lawyer in La Porte immediately.
Note that since Indiana is an implied consent state, if you decide not to submit to chemical testing, you will automatically have your driver’s license suspended for one year. The sooner you consult with La Porte DUI/OWI defense attorney, the stronger your defense may be.
Exceptional DUI/OWI Defense You Can Trust | Contact Us for a Free Case Review
If you or a loved one is facing driving under the influence charges in La Porte, contact us at The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC and call(219) 779-9187. Attorney Roberts will review your case at no cost or obligation to hire us. After hearing your story, he will provide personalized legal advice you can trust about how to move forward. Learn more by calling, texting, or sending us a message today.