Getting arrested for driving while intoxicated can change your life in an instant, leaving you to face an intimidating legal system completely unprepared. The stakes are high as Indiana enforces some of the strictest drunk driving penalties in the nation.
At The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC, our Westville DUI/OWI defense attorney provides the aggressive advocacy you need. Work with our Northwest Indiana criminal defense attorney to preserve your freedom.
Why Choose Us at The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC?
If you are facing criminal charges, the experience and reputation of your defense attorney matter. Our firm has established a strong track record of providing strategic defense services throughout Northwest Indiana.
- Trial-Ready Advocacy:Local prosecutors know we treat every case with rigorous trial preparations. We do not settle for the first plea deal offered.
- Local Experience: Founding attorney Joseph M. Roberts has deep roots in the area and networks with local judges, court staff, and prosecutors throughout the region. This gives us an edge in understanding local court dynamics and common procedures.
- Honest and Open Guidance: We provide an honest assessment of your situation from the beginning. We will not sugarcoat your situation, but will give you direct answers and trustworthy advice so you can be fully prepared.
Our team stands ready to help advocate for your rights and pursue the best possible outcome in your case.
What Could Happen If I’m Found Guilty Of DUI/OWI?
If you are found guilty of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), you can be charged with a misdemeanor or even a felony, depending on the unique circumstances of your arrest. You could be charged with an OWI if you are found to be impaired by prescription medications, controlled substances, or a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
- First-Time Offense (BAC 0.08% to 0.14%): Typically a Class C misdemeanor, carrying up to 60 days in jail and up to a $500 fine.
- First-Time Offense (BAC 0.15% or Higher): Elevated to a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
- Repeat Offenses: If you have a prior OWI conviction within the past five years, a subsequent offense is automatically charged as a Level 6 felony, which carries mandatory minimum jail time and up to 2.5 years in prison.
Additionally, an arrest triggers an immediate administrative suspension of a driver’s license by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). If you refuse to take a certified chemical breath or blood test, your license can be automatically suspended for up to one year.
Common Defenses Against DUI/OWI in Westville?
Getting arrested for an OWI does not mean you will necessarily be convicted. There are several highly effective legal strategies an experienced defense attorney can use to challenge the state’s case. For example, we may be able to challenge the legality of your traffic stop. Law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over. If the officer lacked a valid reason to stop your vehicle, any evidence gathered afterward may be ruled inadmissible.
Roadside tests are also notoriously subjective, and breathalyzer equipment must be calibrated precisely. We will examine whether the testing equipment was faulty or if the officer lacked the proper certification to administer the test.
When Should I Contact a Chesterton DUI/OWI Defense Lawyer?
You should contact a Chesterton DUI/OWI defense lawyer as soon as you can after your arrest. Waiting to secure legal counsel just gives the prosecution a head start in building the case against you. Reaching out to a local defense attorney right away gives us time to help during your initial hearing and protect you against accidentally self-incriminating during questioning.
Call a Westville DUI/OWI Defense Attorney Today
Contact The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC today to schedule a free consultation. We can review your case and answer any questions you may have.