Protecting Your Rights After A DUI/OWI Charge
If you have been arrested for DUI, OWI or drunk driving in Indiana, you could be facing jail time, fines and suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. Do not take your chances and go before the judge without having a knowledgeable DUI/DWI defense lawyer by your side. With more than 30 years of legal experience, I, attorney Jeffrey Arnold, can help protect your rights.
If you have been charged with driving under the influence or another type of traffic violation, it is important to get experienced legal help as soon as possible. Contact me online or call 866-958-5995 to schedule a meeting to discuss your situation. From my office in Richmond, I represent clients throughout the state of Indiana.
Dedicated Representation In All Types Of Traffic Violation Cases
At the Arnold Law Office, I defend against all types of drunk driving and traffic violation charges, including:
- Charges resulting in driver’s license suspension and revocation
- Felony DUI/OWI
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) tickets
If you have lost your driver’s license due to past traffic violations, I can help you pursue a license reinstatement. I will work hard to help you get your driving privileges back.
Indiana DUI Charges FAQ
Read on for answers to some of my clients’ most frequently asked questions about OWI law in Indiana.
What are the penalties for a DUI/OWI in Indiana?
This depends on whether you have any prior DUIs on your record and if any aggravating factors, such as injuries in a car accident, are involved in your case. A first-time conviction for OWI without aggravating factors is a Class C misdemeanor in Indiana. If you plead guilty or are convicted at trial, you could face either 1) up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $5,000 and a driver’s license suspension of up to two years or 2) probation, community service, substance abuse assessment, participation in a DUI victim impact panel, periodic urine testing for drugs and alcohol, and other related punishments at the judge’s discretion.
For a second, within seven years, the possible penalties against you go up significantly. You could face between five days and three years in jail or 240 hours of community service, along with the other penalties listed above. Also, proof of aggravating factors can greatly increase your risk of jail or prison time.
Will I lose my license if convicted of a DUI/OWI?
Yes, at least temporarily. Along with any suspension the judge imposes, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) can suspend your license for up to two years for a first offense. Second and subsequent convictions could cost you your driving privileges permanently.
Can I apply for a specialized license?
Yes. You could be eligible for a “hardship license” that restores limited driving privileges, such as to and from your job. Besides following the time and place rules, you may also have to pay for an ignition interlock device to be installed in your car. These devices require you to blow an alcohol-free breath into them before they let you start the engine. You must apply for a hardship license.
Can I refuse a breathalyzer test? What about a blood test?
Indiana’s implied consent law states that by driving on Indiana roads, you implicitly have consented to submit to a roadside breath test when a police officer asks you to. Refusing to take the breath test is not a crime, but it is an administrative violation. The BMV could suspend your license for up to two years without eligibility for a hardship license.
If the officer arrests you on a DUI charge, they likely will take you to the station for blood testing. Refusing the blood test could be considered contempt of court, opening you to further criminal charges.
Aggressive Defense Against Drunk Driving Charges
I will fight to protect your rights as soon as you call me following a drunk driving arrest. I will question any departure from police procedure. I will cast doubt on the accuracy of any breath, blood or urine tests that were taken. Everything I do for you will reflect my long-standing commitment to excellence in legal representation.
I will argue for a dismissal of your case or a significant reduction in charges. I will advocate for lighter, alternative punishments for convicted first-time offenders. If you are a second- or third-time offender, I can recommend a diversion program or advocate for a penalty that will not leave a permanent blemish on your record.
Call For A Consultation With A Winchester Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer
Do not shrug off a traffic ticket and do not take your chances fighting a drunk driving charge alone. I am prepared to provide you with the experienced legal representation you need. Contact me online or call 866-958-5995 to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case. I have helped clients throughout the state of Indiana fight drunk driving charges.