What Should I Do if I Get Pulled Over By Police?

Posted on February 18, 2022 by admin

At some point in your driving career, you are bound to be pulled over by police. It doesn’t mean that you’re guilty of a crime, or even suspected of one; but nonetheless, cop-stops and traffic violations do happen every day, so it is wise to be prepared and know how to behave if you ever look up and see those flashing emergency lights in your rear view mirror.

Criminal Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Being Pulled Over is Not Always a Bad Thing

It is important to keep in mind that law enforcement is out there to protect us, even if that means from ourselves. So, when you see yourself getting pulled over by police, do not panic. It is very likely that they are pulling you over for something minor, such as a broken taillight. They might be pulling you over to help you with something, like an unscrewed gas cap or dangling license plate.

Courtesy and Cooperation Will Help Your Situation

In all cases of being pulled over by police, the most important thing to remember is that good behavior goes a long way. Whether you are guilty of something or not, if you are 100% cooperative and courteous to the on-duty officer, it is very likely that you will be treated with high regard and that your best interests (including your personal time) will be made a priority by them. Cops are ultimately here to help us and protect us, and if you let them do their job, your police encounter will go by a lot faster and end with a more desirable outcome, even if you are arrested.

Cop Stop Tips

If you are ever pulled over by law enforcement, whether driver or passenger, these are the steps that you need to remember and practice to the best of your ability:

▶ Pull to the Right. Pull over to the right shoulder of the road as soon as you know police are stopping you. Do not pull over to the left side. If you cannot access the right side of the road right away, drive a few feet longer, until you have adequate space to pull over.

▶ Stay Still. Do not move from your seat after stopping. Don’t even unbuckle your seatbelt or grab your purse. Remain perfectly still with your hands on the wheel while you wait for the officer to approach your window. You can reach for your car documents when the officer asks for them.

▶ Be Very Nice. Be polite and answer the police officer’s questions with respect. Although it is up to you on how truthful you want to be with them, the most important thing is that you speak to them in a respectful tone and courteous manner. Do not raise your voice, give attitude, show anger or frustration, call them names, or accuse them of anything. Do not be confrontational in any way.

▶ Oblige the Officer. Along with being respectful and courteous, it is important to oblige the officer by making him or her more comfortable. If it’s nighttime, turn on your interior cabin lights on so that they can see you. You can also do things like turn your car engine off and turn the radio down so that you two can converse more clearly. These little actions can work in your favor.

▶ Keep Conversation Short. It is important that you don’t speak too much when conversing with the police officer, especially if you are concerned that you might be guilty of a crime or have a warrant out for your arrest. It is better to say only what you need, answering the police officer’s questions directly and concisely, but not in excess. Talking too much could cause you to give up too much information, which could potentially incriminate yourself. More importantly, do not admit to any wrongdoing.

Where you recently pulled over by police and wrongly arrested for a crime, or you suspect that your rights were violated? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for superior and aggressive Indianapolis criminal defense you can count on. We can meet over the phone, via online video conference, or in person at our office.

5 Types of Probable Cause for DUI Traffic Stops

Posted on December 20, 2021 by admin

Although the facts will differ among all cases of drunk driving arrests, there is a general guideline that police officers use to determine probable cause in a DUI traffic stop. Continue reading to learn what signs and clues law enforcement look for to establish probable cause in a drunk driving arrest and what to do if you were recently charged with a similar offense in Indiana.

DUI Lawyers Indianapolis IN 317-636-7514

Reasonable Suspicion for Traffic Stops

When it comes to DUI traffic stops, it is important to understand the difference between reasonable suspicion and probable cause. In all cases of traffic stops, whether a driver has been drinking alcohol or not, law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion that a driver has committed a traffic violation or infraction before pulling them over. Once pulled over, law enforcement must then establish probable cause to make an arrest.

In order for a police officer to legally arrest a person for a DUI, there must be probable cause, which is evidence that supports an officer’s reasonable belief that a driver is intoxicated, or under the influence of a drug or controlled substance.

Reasons You Might Have Been Pulled Over for Drunk Driving

Both reasonable suspicion and probable cause can be a means to a DUI arrest. Police officers can use either principal, or both, to conduct a legal traffic stop and establish an arrest. The types of probable cause or reasonable suspicions can vary depending on each situation of intoxicated driving. However, these are the top 5 reasons why police officers pull people over and arrest them for drunk driving:

❶ Traffic Violations

Traffic violations are one of the top reasons why people are pulled over, regardless of alcohol involvement. Common traffic violations include expired license plates, illegal U-turns, illegal parking, failure to use turn signals, ignoring traffic signs, running red lights or stop signs, and most recently, texting and driving.

❷ Reckless Driving

Poor driving is another common reason why police officers pull people over. If a person is exhibiting bad or reckless driving, a cop can legally pull them over to conduct a traffic stop. Examples of reckless or bad driving include speeding, following too closely, failing to yield, ignoring traffic signs, driving too slow, and similar risky behaviors.

❸ Car Accidents

Speaking of risky behaviors, law enforcement can use the occurrence of a car accident to establish reasonable suspicion to question a driver. Whether you are at fault for a car accident or not, police can question you, and if it comes down to it, arrest you for a DUI. They would need to make some observations to establish a legal basis for arresting you, though. See below to learn more.

❹ Mid-Stop Observations

Once a police officer has pulled a driver over, they can continue their investigation by keeping their eyes open for tells or signs that a person has been drinking alcohol or using illicit drugs. A cop can establish probable cause and make a DUI arrest if they smell alcohol on your breath, hear you admit to having a drink earlier, see alcohol containers in your car, catch you in a lie, and more. Other signs that officers use as evidence of drunk driving include slurred speech, glossy or red eyes, dilated pupils, slowed movements, incoordination, insubordination, crying, and hostility.

BAC Testing

To really seal the deal and come in with some valid evidence to support their reasonable suspicion and probable cause, law enforcement relies on field sobriety testing and blood-and-alcohol (BAC) testing. Also known as chemical testing, a breathalyzer is one of the most common devices used during traffic stops to determine a driver’s level of alcohol in their system, and therefore, reveal how much they’ve had to drink within a 24 hour time period.

The legal limit is 0.08 percent BAC. If you blow this or more, you will be arrested on DUI charges. Upon being arrested, and with your consent, law enforcement will request to have your blood drawn and tested to confirm a precise BAC value.

Field sobriety testing is another strategy used by law enforcement to establish probable cause for a DUI arrest. Walking the line, touching the nose, and following the pen with the eyes are typical phases of a field sobriety test.

Were you recently arrested for a DUI or similar offense in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for aggressive and skilled DUI criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our teams work around the clock to reduce or dismiss your DUI penalties and avoid jail!

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514 — Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Police Breathalyzers

Posted on November 24, 2021 by admin

If you have ever been administered a breathalyzer test, you are familiar with how it works. Simply blow into the tube until you hear the beep. Then after a minute, a reading will appear. If a person is over the legal limit for alcohol, they will be arrested and detained for intoxicated driving. If they are not over the legal limit, they are generally issued a warning, or the police officer may choose to investigate further. Either way, it is important to know what a breathalyzer is and its purpose in law enforcement. Many people have questions about chemical tests, understandably, and are curious to find the right answers.

Continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions about breathalyzer testing, and who to trust for DUI criminal defense in Indiana.

DUI Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Indiana Breathalyzer Testing FAQS

What is a Chemical Breath Test and What are They Used For?

If you are a licensed driver, you should be aware of Indiana DUI laws. When a person is pulled over for suspicion of intoxicated driving, one of the first things a police officer will administer is a chemical test, also known as a breath test. And these tests are implemented with a device called a breathalyzer.

Although they are likely to perform field sobriety tests as well, it is the breathalyzer that truly defines a driver’s toxicity levels, which is why they are used so predominantly in the force. In fact, the Indiana legislature has an entire administrative code (260 IAC 2-1) section drafted specifically for chemical testing. It addresses everything from how they are certified and how they should be administered, to who can administer them and more.

What are the Legal Limits for Alcohol and Driving in Indiana?

There are three specific limits to alcohol levels in the system when operating a motor vehicle, but one of them is not legal at all. For minors, a driver is considered legally intoxicated if they test over 0.02% blood alcohol level. If they test below this number, they are still breaking the law since they are not old enough to drink. But they cannot be charged with a DUI since they did not blow over the 0.02% limit. As for adults, the legal limit is 0.08% and under, and for commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04 percent.

Who Can Order and Administer a Breathalyzer Test?

Although as a driver under investigation for drunk driving, you can certainly request a breath test over a field sobriety test, but this does not mean the officer will always oblige. The only authority that is allowed to order and administer a chemical test is a police officer or someone employed by the police academy.

How are Qualified Authorities Trained in Breath Testing?

In order for officers and other authoritative figures to be certified in breath and chemical testing, they must pass a training program that covers several topics. Topics include the legal aspects of breath testing, the pharmacology and toxicology of ethanol, the operation, maintenance, and theory of breath testing equipment, and the ethanol-water and ethanol-gas industry standards for using chemical testing instruments. Authorities must be re-certified every two years and maintain good-standing employment.

Who Should You Talk to About Your Breathalyzer Rights?

Contact an experienced and trusted Indiana criminal defense attorney in your city for accurate information regarding your rights under law enforcement detainment. If your breathalyzer was administered improperly or unjustly, it could be thrown out of trial. A licensed criminal lawyer can help you protect your rights and your freedoms after being pulled over for drunk driving in Indiana.

Are you facing OWI charges in Indiana and wish to dismiss or reduce them? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a skilled and aggressive DUI defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Act fast so that you may avoid the maximum penalties for your charges!

Do I Need a Criminal Lawyer to Reinstate My Suspended License?

Posted on November 2, 2021 by admin

Has your license been suspended? Whether your license was suspended recently or some time ago, it is never too early or too late to fight it. If you wish to have your driving privileges reinstated, your best chance at success is to retain the counsel of a skilled and experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer.

Continue below to learn why a lawyer is important to the outcome of your driving future and freedoms, as well as how to get started on your petition to turn around your suspended drivers’ license in Indiana.

Indianapolis Indiana DUI Lawyers 317-636-7514

Facts About Suspended Driving Privileges in Indiana

Drivers’ licenses are suspended for a variety of reasons, most commonly, serious traffic violation citations and excessive speeding tickets or accumulated points. Another frequent reason licenses are suspended are due to intoxicated driving arrests. If a person is arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or other controlled substance, they will likely be subjected to a suspended drivers’ license as part of their sentencing.

Also, if a driver refuses a breath or chemical test from a law enforcement officer, the driver’s driving privileges are instantly suspended for 6 months in Indiana. At the time of registration, all drivers agree to this penalty. You must sign in accordance with this regulation if you want to be a legally, registered driver.

Most drivers’ license suspensions fall between 90 days and 6 months, but some can be ordered to up to 5 years, including probationary driving terms. Additional reasons why drivers’ licenses are suspended:

▷ Lack of Auto Insurance
▷ 18+ Active Points
▷ Driving While Suspended
▷ Failure to Appear for Court
▷ Past Due on Indiana Traffic Ticket
▷ Failure to Pay Traffic Fine

How to Reinstate a Suspended Drivers’ License

First and foremost, to anyone who has been charged with a DUI/OWI, you only have 10 DAYS from the time of arrest to protect your driving privileges. Act FAST and contact an Indianapolis criminal attorney as soon as you have access to a phone. Those charged or convicted of a DUI may be entitled to a “hardship” or “probationary” license, which is now referred to as specialized driving privileges (SDP).

For all other suspended drivers’ license cases, it is still required to hire a skilled criminal lawyer for help recovering your driving privileges. They will ensure that all proper forms and documents for license reinstatement are completed properly and on time, and then fight for your driving rights and freedoms in Indiana traffic court and appellate court.

During the reinstatement process, your attorney can help get your active points reduced or eliminated from your driving record, direct you on how to pay fines and make restitution, help you enroll in a driver’s safety program, and even have your name removed from the Previously Uninsured Motorists registry.

Not sure who to trust with your drivers’ license reinstatement legal needs? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to connect with one of our esteemed criminal defense attorneys in Indianapolis, Indiana. We can meet over the phone, via online video conference, or in person at our office.

Top Myths About Breathalyzer Tests

Posted on August 20, 2021 by admin

Whether it is a breathalyzer test or an intoxilyzer test, law enforcement knows that there is no way you can trick a breath-testing device. However, many drinkers mistakenly beg to disagree. There are several myths circulating through society about breathalyzer testing and how to pass a breath test after drinking alcohol; but believing these myths can and will get a person in trouble.

Continue reading to learn the top myths about breathalyzer tests, and how to protect yourself if you were recently charged with A DUI or OWI in Indiana.

Indiana DUI Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Breathalyzer Testing Myths and Misconceptions

Sucking on a Penny

For many decades now there has been a rumor going around suggesting that if you suck on a penny, you can pass a breathalyzer test. But this is very false. Furthermore, coins are incredibly unsanitary, so you should never put them in your mouth. Besides, if a police officer catches you with a penny in your mouth before they administer their breath test, it can be used against you by the prosecutor who may suggest that you knew you are guilty and were trying to conceal your intoxication.

Refusing a Breath Test

Many people believe that if you refuse a breathalyzer, law enforcement has no way to retrieve blood alcohol content (BAC) evidence against you, and therefore, cannot charge you for an intoxication offense. Not only is this completely untrue but refusing a breathalyzer when requested by law enforcement is a separate offense in itself and will immediately suspend your driver’s license for six months without any questions. Here in Indiana, when you register your vehicle, you automatically consent to breathalyzer testing, and agreed to driver’s license suspension in the event that you refuse one.

Drinking Vodka

There is a rumor that suggests that if you drink vodka over all other alcoholic beverages, the smell cannot be detected on your breath by law enforcement if you are ever pulled over or stopped for questioning. But this rumor is untrue as well. Any sort of liquor will have a distinct scent on a person’s breath, and when you’ve been drinking you become nose blind to the smell. Just keep in mind that officers are sober, which means they have a heightened sense of smell for things like liquor and marijuana.

Were you recently arrested for an intoxication offense in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for aggressive and skilled DUI criminal defense in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our teams work around the clock to reduce or dismiss your DUI penalties and avoid jail!

You Should Also Read:

Advice for Parents Whose Kids Drive Drunk
What You Should Do if You are Pulled Over for a DUI
When You Might Go to Jail for a DUI

Use These 3 Tips to Avoid Being Pulled Over By a Cop

Posted on August 11, 2021 by admin

Nobody wants to be pulled over by the police, whether for a routine traffic stop or a drunk driving offense. To avoid being pulled over by police, there are some certain things you can do. Continue reading to learn the top three ways you can prevent yourself from being stopped by a cop, as well as what to do if you were recently pulled over and charged with an offense in Indiana.

Criminal Defense and Appeals Indianapolis IN 317-636-7514 — Criminal Defense Lawyers Indianapolis IN 317-636-7514

Your Rights During a Police Stop

Law enforcement officers are not permitted under law to stop just anyone they want at any time for no reason at all. They must have probable cause to stop and question a person for purposes of determining whether or not a crime is being or was committed. Although law enforcement can stop a person and detain them without arrest, they cannot detain them for an unreasonable amount of time or indefinitely without making an arrest and filing charges.

This violates our constitutional right against unreasonable searches and seizures. To arrest them, they must have probable cause or a warrant. So, although it might seem like a police officer stops someone for no reason, professional training and strategies used by law enforcement can allegedly spot the signs of suspicious or criminal behaviors.

How to Be a Non-Target for Law Enforcement

As for pulling people over, law enforcement’s top priority is to ensure the safety of all drivers and passengers on the road. Mostly, they are looking for intoxicated drivers, drug traffickers, reckless speeders, and similar offenders. Whether you are doing something illegal or not, in order to avoid being arrested or cited for a traffic offense, follow these three important tips:

❶ Stick to Your Car’s Routine Maintenance Schedule

One of the most common reasons for being pulled over unexpectedly is for automotive defects like a dimmed taillight, broken turn signal, or some other type of illumination or equipment defect. In many cases, a minor traffic offense leads to additional officer suspicions, thus resulting in additional charges like DWI’s, drug possessions, suspended license, and more.

So, be sure to stay current on all scheduled car maintenance according to your car’s owners’ manual. This will prevent your vehicle from experiencing any sort of unanticipated equipment malfunctions or automotive defects that can lead police officers to pulling you over. For instance, if your head or taillights are not illuminated brightly enough, law enforcement will be inclined to pull you over insight you.

❷ Stay Compliant With All Local and State Regulations

It is also very common to be pulled over if your plates or driver’s license is expired, or if you have not renewed the license plate stickers. Furthermore, if the cop runs your plates and learns that your vehicle is not properly insured or registered, they will also pull you over. So, to avoid being pulled over for these minor infractions, it is wise to ensure that you are always in compliance with all local and state automotive regulations.

❸ Drive Mostly in the Daytime

If you restrict the majority of your driving during the daytime only, you can avoid being pulled over by police significantly. Not only can you see police officers better, but you can also see the roads better, which can reduce your chances of making any driving errors or traffic mistakes that bring attention to you.

Were you recently pulled over and arrested for a crime in Indiana? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for the best chance at reducing or dismissing your Indianapolis IN criminal charges. Our legal team specialize in DUI charges, drug possession crimes, drugged driving charges, and similar criminal traffic offenses. Consultations are free so act now and get started on your defense today!

You May Also Like:

Do I Need a Lawyer for Traffic Court?
Do Not Fall for These OWI Arrest Myths
Facts About Police Stops and Pat Downs

How Your Lawyer Might Defend Your DUI Charges

Posted on June 17, 2021 by admin

Being arrested and charged with a drunk driving offense is serious, whether you are guilty or not. A DUI conviction can drastically impact a person’s life, as well as their spouses, kids, and loved ones. For this reason, it is imperative that you seek immediate criminal defense counsel to build the best case against your drunk driving charges. A criminal defense attorney who is well-versed in drunk driving cases will know exactly how to defense your charges, and therefore, provide the best chance at reducing or dismissing them altogether.

How will your attorney defense your drunk driving charges? Continue reading to learn the top 4 most common and reliable defenses against DUI charges.

Indianapolis Indiana Drunk Driving Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

DUI Charges and What They mean

Depending on the county you were arrested and, your charges may be referred to as a DUI (driving under the influence), OWI (operating while intoxicated), OUI (operating under the influence), or DWI (driving while intoxicated). As you can see, these abbreviations are different, but they all represent the meaning of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or any type of mind/muscle altering substance, such as prescription medications, sleep medications, cough syrups, and similar legal medicines.

Challenging DUI Charges

A criminal defense lawyer can use several approaches to defend the clients DUI charges. In most cases, they will challenge different aspects of the arrest, including the chemical and breath testing, the field sobriety testing, Miranda readings, and the lawfulness of the traffic stop.

▷ Your Miranda Rights

The only situation in which law enforcement is required to read a person their Miranda rights is if custodial interrogation is going to take place. This means if police officers intend to interrogate and question a suspect for the purpose of making an arrest, they must read the suspect their Miranda warnings first before questioning them. If your arresting officer failed to read you your Miranda rights before placing you in custody, your criminal defense attorney will very likely use this law enforcement error as part of their defense to reduce or dismiss your DUI charges.

▷ Chemical and Breath Tests

Another, defense used by criminal defense attorneys in a DUI case will be to challenge the chemical testing and breathalyzer testing, whether done at the scene of the arrest or shortly after. Chemical test might include urine testing and blood testing, while breath tests typically refer to breathalyzers, which are devices that measure the blood alcohol content in your body. They might challenge the condition and functionality of the breathalyzer device, while also challenging the process, storage, and testing of any blood work done following the arrest.

▷ Field Sobriety Tests

criminal defense attorneys will likely also challenge the field sobriety testing that took place at the scene of the arrest. They will investigate whether or not the arresting officer was properly trained and sufficiently carried out the sobriety test, including the arresting officer’s justification for administering such testing to begin with.

▷ Validity of Traffic Stop

A criminal defense attorney will work hard to investigate whether or not the arresting officer had a reasonable and justified because to stop a driver in the first place. If the arresting officer is proven to have pulled a driver over without proper legal justification, a criminal defense attorney will use this law enforcement failure to reduce or even dismiss a defendant’s DUI charges.

Are you facing misdemeanor or felony drunk driving charges in Indiana right now? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for aggressive DUI defense in Indianapolis at the most economic prices around.

You Should Also Read:

Possible DUI Penalties for Commercial Drivers
When You Might Go to Jail for a DUI
Can a DUI Charge Affect My Right to Child Custody?

What to Do if You are Charged With a DUI Felony in Indianapolis

Posted on March 19, 2021 by admin

The Law Office of David E. Lewis provides aggressive criminal defense for felony drunk driving charges in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our reputable criminal defense law firm retains the resources, skills, experience, and determination to reduce or dismiss your Indianapolis DUI charges! Continue below to learn more about the possible penalties for felony DUI convictions in Indiana, and what you can do to ensure your rights are protected and your freedoms are preserved after a serious drunk driving arrest.

Indianapolis Felony DUI Lawyer 317-636-7514

Possible Penalties for a Felony DUI in Indiana

Felony drunk driving charges are very serious offenses in Indiana. Not only does a defendant face time in jail, but they may also lose driving privileges, child custody, student aid benefits, employment, job promotion, rental housing, and much more. For these reasons alone, it is critical to have the leadership and expertise of a skilled criminal lawyer on your team following a DUI felony arrest in order to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. A skilled criminal defense attorney like David E. Lewis will prevent your constitutional rights from being violated throughout the adjudication of your drunk driving case.

Criminal Defense for Multiple DUI Arrests

Second and third DUI offenses, as well as multiple DUI offenses, are all classified at various Levels of Felonies in Indiana. But with the help of Attorney David E. Lewis, you have a much stronger shot at getting your charges reduced, or entering into an alternative sentencing agreement. Don’t risk your future and quality of life by hiring any felony DUI attorney. Trust only David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, to fight for your rights and protect you from over-penalization.

Breathalyzers and Field Sobriety Testing

The most important evidence collected by law enforcement at the time of a DUI arrest is a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC). In Indiana, the legal limit for blood alcohol is 0.07 percent. This means anyone caught driving with a 0.08% BAC is subject to DUI charges and subsequent penalties. When you are facing DUI charges in Indiana, David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, can build you a tough defense to get you the best possible outcome in court. He understands the urgency behind preserving driving privileges, employment, and more.

Are you in need of aggressive and skilled DUI defense in Indianapolis, Indiana? Contact David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your DUI felony, today. We represent all types of DUI’s in Indiana.

You Might Also Read:

Advice for Parents Whose Kids Drive Drunk
What You Should Do if You are Pulled Over for a DUI
When You Might Go to Jail for a DUI

How to Reduce Your Super Bowl Sunday DUI Charges in Indianapolis

Posted on February 10, 2021 by admin

Many Hoosiers celebrated Super Bowl Sunday with great food, family, and friends. With such celebratory occasions, alcohol is bound to be an element, as many of us enjoy a few cold ones while we watch the game. But on such days designated for celebrating, over-consumption is a common occurrence, and can lead to drunk driving charges. In fact, the rate of alcohol-related injuries and arrests increase on big game days, and even more so on Super Bowl.

If you or your loved one was part of this statistic, and arrested this past Sunday for drunk driving, continue below to learn exactly what you need to do to avoid the maximum penalties under Indiana law, and how to get started.

Indianapolis Indiana DUI Lawyer 317-636-7514

Protect Your Rights After an Indiana DUI Arrest on Super Bowl Sunday

If you were arrested on Super Bowl Sunday for on DUI charges in Indianapolis, you have likely just recently posted your bail and settled in back at home. This is especially likely if you were arrested after mid-night, in which case your bail wouldn’t have been set until late Monday, Tuesday, or even early this morning. So, at this point in time you probably only interested in taking a shower and getting some sleep.

But once you have time to sort out your thoughts about the challenges you potentially face ahead you in regard to your DUI charges, try not to worry too much. All you have to focus on at this moment in time is hiring an aggressive and experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer who has the ability to get your charges reduced or dismissed so that you may have a better chance at avoiding the maximum penalties for an Indiana drunk driving conviction, such as jail time and excruciating fines.

Standard Penalties for a DUI conviction in Indiana

► FIRST DUI – Class C Misdemeanor:

▻ Up to 1 Year in Jail
▻ Probation Up to 2 Years
▻ License Suspension Up to 2 Years
▻ Fines Up to $5,000

► SECOND DUI – Level 6 Felony:

▻ Up to 2.5 Years in Jail
▻ Probation Up to 2.5 Years
▻ License Suspension 6 Months – 2 Years
▻ Fines Up to $10,000

► THIRD DUI – Level 6 Felony:

▻ Up to 2.5 Years in Jail
▻ Probation Up to 2 Years
▻ License Suspension 1 – 10 Years
▻ Fines Up to $10,000

Additional Penalty Possibilities:

► Ankle Bracelet
► House Arrest
► Community Service
► Victim Impact Panels
► Drug/Alcohol Education
► Rehab
► Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

Keep in mind that OWI, DUI, & DWI are interchangeable terms, so they are all the same offense in Indiana. “DUI” stands for Driving Under the Influence, “DWI” stands for Driving While Intoxicated, and “OWI” stands for Operating While Intoxicated.

A DUI Lawyer in Indiana Who is Ready to Fight Your Drunk Driving Charges

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to get the aggressive Indianapolis criminal defense for DUI charges. When you need to avoid the maximum DUI penalties for your charges in Indiana, he is simply the best choice for reliable DUI defense! Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss your charges and the best strategies for defense. Don’t fall victim to the maximum penalties for your criminal charges. Let our law firm fight for your rights and protect your freedoms. Request a free consultation to discuss your type of DUI, over the phone, via online video conference, or in-person at our Indianapolis office.

How to Avoid Drinking and Driving This Thanksgiving

Posted on November 25, 2020 by admin

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this holiday weekend historically has more vehicles on the roadways than any other time of the year. As a result, Thanksgiving weekend also happens to be one of the deadliest times of year, as the number of accidents and fatalities increase in parallel to the increase of cars on the road. Although there are several different reasons why so many more accidents take place around the last week of November, one of the top causes is intoxicated driving. Not only are there more people traveling on the road to reunite with friends and family for the holiday, but more people are also imbibing as a traditional way to celebrate the occasion.

Unfortunately, drinking and driving do not mix, and the seasonal car accident statistics reveal that all too well. If you plan on enjoying a few beers, cocktails, or glasses of wine over the holiday weekend, be sure you have rock solid plans for alternative transportation. In addition to potentially causing a car accident, driving under the influence puts you at a higher risk of being pulled over by police for a DUI.

Continue reading to learn some tips on how to avoid drinking and driving this weekend, and who to call if you are arrested for a DUI on Thanksgiving.

You Don’t Have to Drink and Drive on Thanksgiving

There is really no reason to drink and drive on Thanksgiving considering the fact that there are plenty of alternatives you can choose from, all of which are very affordable. As mentioned, driving under the influence, whether drugs, alcohol, or prescription medication, puts you at risk of causing serious car accident and hung yourself or worse, somebody else. Even if you feel like you’re perfectly fine to drive, or you only had a few, you still may be over the legal 0.08% BAC limit, and you may happen to pass by a DUI checkpoint.

If you are pulled over by law enforcement breathalyzer reads higher than the legal limit, you can be arrested and charged with DUI, which subsequently results in attorney fees, court fees, fines, community service, probation, and several other core over penalties, including possible jail time. Basically, drinking and driving is never worth it. Any alternative available to driving drunk is much cheaper than a DUI, and delivers a much better outcome than causing yourself or anyone else harm.

Tips to Avoid Getting Behind the Wheel This Thanksgiving Weekend:

?? Designate a Driver. If you know you’re going to be drinking at the place you are going to be eating and celebrating Thanksgiving dinner, simply plan ahead for a safe ride. Ask a friend or family member who will be attending to take you home after the celebration is over if they are someone does not drink alcohol. Or simply designate yourself as the sober driver by not drinking at all. You can also designate a ride-share driver for the job.

?? Use a Ride-Share App. Ride-sharing apps are all the rage these days, mostly because they are so affordable and convenient, but also because they save lives by offering a fast and inexpensive alternative to driving drunk. If you cannot arrange a ride ahead of time for your Thanksgiving celebrations, simply download a popular ride-sharing app, such as Uber or Lyft, to catch a cheap ride home. Compared to taxis, they are a fraction of the cost and only minutes away on demand.

?? Stay the Night. If you are celebrating Thanksgiving somewhere you are very comfortable or familiar with, such as a close relative’s home or friend’s house, plan to simply stay the night instead of driving home. Not only does this give you more quality time to spend with your loved ones this holiday, but it also takes away any pressure of waking up from that post-turkey nap! So long as you have a good 8 hours of sleep, plus a good breakfast, you should be safe to drive home in the morning.

Thanksgiving DUI Arrests Can Happen to the Best of Us

If you or a loved one is arrested on Thanksgiving for driving under the influence in Indianapolis, contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you are released from jail. The sooner you arrange legal representation, the more time your attorney has to save your driving privileges, as well as build you a strong case to avoid the maximum penalties for your charges.

An Aggressive Indianapolis DUI Lawyer You Can Trust

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for aggressive DUI defense in Indianapolis, Indiana that doesn’t back down. Our licensed DUI defense lawyers will work around the clock to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms, including your driving privileges. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your charges and the best strategies for defense. Contact us today to learn your rights and get started on your defense!