Tag Archives: dui penalties Indiana

How to Minimize Penalties Following a DUI Arrest

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Getting arrested for drunk driving can be a life-changing experience. Not only do you have to deal with the legal consequences, but also the social stigma that comes along with it. However, even if you’ve been charged with a DUI offense, there are still ways to minimize penalties and avoid long-term consequences. With the help of an experienced DUI lawyer who understands your case and knows all of your options, you may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges altogether.

In this blog post, we will discuss how hiring an attorney can help minimize penalties following a DUI arrest and how they can build a strong defense on your behalf.

Call 317-636-7514 to Speak With a DUI Defense Attorney in Indianapolis IN
Call 317-636-7514 to Speak With a DUI Defense Attorney in Indianapolis IN

Hire a DUI Lawyer to Avoid the Maximum Penalties for Drunk Driving

The first step you should take after a DUI arrest is to hire an experienced drunk driving lawyer. Your attorney will be able to review your case and advise you on the best course of action for your particular situation. A knowledgeable DUI attorney has specific knowledge about drunk driving laws and can challenge elements of the prosecution’s argument from both legal and technical perspectives. In some cases, they may even be able to contest scientific evidence or witness testimony in order to reduce charges or dismiss them completely.

Your attorney will also have insight into how prosecutors approach DUI cases, which can help them negotiate with the court in order to obtain lesser sentences or reduced fines when possible. In addition, they can work with you to create a compelling defense strategy that includes mitigation evidence, such as a prior history of good deeds or extenuating circumstances that may have contributed to the offense.

Furthermore, your drunk driving lawyer can provide guidance on how to best prepare for court and any other administrative proceedings related to your case. This includes helping you understand the specific laws of your state and advising you on how to speak respectfully during appearances and hearings. They will also assist in developing an effective sentencing plan with authorities and work with you to craft a clear message that shows remorse if necessary.

Indiana Penalties for DUI Conviction

Drunk driving is a serious offense that comes with severe consequences in Indiana. If you are caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more, you will be charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI). The penalties for a first-time conviction can include license suspension for up to two years, fines of up to $5,000, and up to one year in jail.

For subsequent convictions, the penalties can become even more severe, including longer jail sentences and higher fines. In addition to legal consequences, drunk driving can also have personal and social repercussions, including higher insurance rates, strained relationships, and even loss of employment. It’s important to remember that one poor decision can potentially affect the rest of your life, and the lives of those around you.

Conclusion

By hiring an experienced DUI defense attorney, you are taking action towards minimizing DUI penalties that come with a drunk driving arrest. A knowledgeable OWI lawyer can help build a strong defense on your behalf by challenging evidence presented by prosecutors at each step in the process. They can also provide guidance and advice to ensure that you are fully prepared for court proceedings and sentencing hearings. With the right legal representation, you may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges altogether, avoiding long-term consequences associated with a DUI conviction.

It is essential to work with an experienced DUI lawyer directly after your drunk driving arrest. Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a seasoned DUI defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm will get you the best possible outcome to your drunk driving case!

Related Posts:

The Potential Consequences of a DUI Arrest in Indiana
Have You Been Charged With Felony Drunk Driving in Indiana?
Do Not Fall for These OWI Arrest Myths

Can a DUI Charge Affect My Right to Child Custody?

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Drunk driving charges and convictions can have all sorts of impacts on a person’ life. But what many do not recognize until much later is, such circumstances also affect family and loved ones. In fact, many defendants ask whether or not they can lose full or partial custodial rights if they are arrested, charged, or convicted of an intoxicated driving offense. Both mothers and fathers ask, “Will my kids be taken away?” “Will I lose visitation?” “Will my ability to regain custody be affected?”

If you are asking these same types of questions, whether for yourself or on behalf of a loved one, continue reading to learn what you need to know about DUI charges and child custody in Indiana.

Indianapolis Drunk Driving Attorney
Indianapolis Drunk Driving Attorney 317-636-7514

DUI Penalties

If a person is arrested for a DUI, their impending charges will vary depending on the details of the offense and arrest. For instance, if a person has an unregistered gun or drugs in their possession at the time of the arrest, they will face more severe penalties than a standard 0.08BAC drunk driving arrest with no priors.

Potential enhancements depend on several factors, but the most common types of enhancements to drunk driving charges include operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.15% or higher, drunk driving with a minor as a passenger, drunk driving that causes another person bodily injury, and drunk driving that causes the death of another person.

Indiana Penalties for DUI Convictions:

FIRST DUI – Class C Misdemeanor

⇾ 60 Days 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

⇾ 5 Days to 2 ½ Years in Jail
⇾ Probation Up to 2 ½ Years
⇾ License Suspension 6 Months – 2 Years
⇾ Fines Up to $10,000

THIRD DUI – Level 6 Felony

⇾ 10 Days to 2 ½ Years in Jail
⇾ Probation Up to 2 Years
⇾ License Suspension 1 – 10 Years
⇾ Fines Up to $10,000

DUI Crimes and Child Custody

When you are contesting, requesting, or negotiating for child custody in court, you must demonstrate to the judge that giving you rights to child custody, in any aspect, is in the best interest of the child. Therefore, if you have multiple arrests and DUI convictions, it is possible that a judge would not be willing to grant full or partial custody, but rather, supervised visitation or similar setup. On the other hand, if you were convicted of your first DUI, and you have no criminal priors, a judge may be willing to overlook it if you can further demonstrate that you are living a healthy and responsible lifestyle.

Hire an Aggressive DUI Lawyer for Help

The best way to ensure your custodial rights are protected and preserved after being arrested for a drunk driving offense is to retain professional criminal defense representation. But not just any lawyer will do; you need an aggressive attorney who is well-versed and seasoned with DUI cases, and knows exactly how to build a defense to avoid the maximum penalties for your charges.

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, Today

Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with aggressive Indiana DUI defense attorney, David E. Lewis, who will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. With decades of hands-on experience, you can trust Attorney David E. Lewis to build you a strong and impactful defense against your criminal charges.