Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charges can significantly impact your life. You could be fined, lose your license, and if convicted, these charges could become part of your driving and criminal record. To avoid serious penalties for these offenses, our Northwest Indiana OWI attorneys at The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC will defend you from OWI charges and work to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
OWI Charges in Indiana and Their Penalties
Operating any type of motorized vehicle while intoxicated, not just cars, is subject to an OWI charge. According to IC 9-30-5, drivers who are in control of a vehicle when their blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08 or higher is subject to a Class C misdemeanor. Individuals who have a blood alcohol content of 0.15 or higher face a Class A misdemeanor. OWI charges can also be issued for drivers under the influence of a Schedule I or II controlled substance. Charges may increase if a driver has prior OWIs, drives with passengers under the age of 18, or causes another person’s death.
Steps to Take Following an Arrest for an OWI Offense in Indiana
Indiana takes OWI charges very seriously and can penalize you with fines, jail time, and license suspension. While you may want to explain or defend yourself after an arrest, this could actually make your situation worse. Knowing what to do after an arrest to protect yourself and your freedom is crucial so you can mitigate the impact of these charges on your life.
Remain Silent and Hire a Lawyer
The first step you should take after an arrest is to hire an OWI lawyer. While you should remain compliant with requests by law enforcement, you do have the right to remain silent until your lawyer arrives and can speak on your behalf. A lawyer ensures that you do not incriminate yourself while they protect your rights and defend you. They will also guide you through the legal process so you know how to proceed.
Gather Evidence
With the help of your lawyer, gather evidence that can be used to support your defense or challenge the prosecution’s case against you. Forms of evidence that can be used include testimonies, video footage, documentation, data showing discrepancies in BAC or field sobriety tests, mishandled processes, and more.
Cooperate Under the Guidance of Your OWI Lawyer
After an arrest, you will be required to attend one or more hearings, take specific actions, or adhere to certain stipulations. With the guidance of your lawyer, cooperate with law enforcement and follow all judgments or conditions that are issued. Failing to do so could result in harsher penalties for violations, especially if your freedom is contingent on them.
The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC Helps You Fight OWI Charges
Facing OWI charges can be overwhelming, but taking these steps and hiring a lawyer from The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC can help secure you a better outcome. Our team will evaluate your charges and build a strong defense, challenge procedures, and leverage weaknesses in the case against you. Schedule a free consultation with our team today to get started and let us protect your rights and freedoms.