Criminal Defense Attorney for Drunk Driving in Indianapolis

Have you been accused of drunk driving in Indianapolis? Drunk driving is a serious crime and can have devastating consequences. For many, it can be intimidating because it is likely your first negative encounter with law enforcement. You can be left feel stressed, anxious, and fearful of the future. At Patel Defense, we recognize these as valid emotions to have and will fight to preserve your freedom and protect your reputation. We are an experienced law firm who knows how to successfully defend drunk driving accusations in Indiana.

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If you have been charged with DUI in Indianapolis, do not hesitate to contact Patel Defense for a for a FREE case evaluation.

Drink Driving in Indiana

Drunk driving is defined as operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you are 21 and older, the legal limit is a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent. Indiana has strict laws for minors who choose to drink and drive; the legal limit for anyone under the age of 21 is a blood alcohol concentration of .02 percent. If you are 21 or older and drive a commercial vehicle, the legal limit is a blood alcohol concentration of .04 percent. There are several terms that refer to drunk driving in Indiana:

  • Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)
  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
  • Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

You can be charged with operating while intoxicated if you are under the influence of any substance such as alcohol or drugs. When you are pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving, you will likely be asked to take field sobriety tests to determine whether you are impaired or not. These tests are not always accurate and can be challenged in court. Law enforcement officers will then ask for a breathalyzer test and/or a blood draw in order to determine your blood alcohol concentration. While these are more difficult to challenge in court, it can still be done by filing motions to suppress evidence and having a thorough knowledge of toxicology procedures in Indiana.

There are many consequences for drunk driving in Indiana and they vary depending on how many offenses you have had. Each subsequent conviction carries heavier, more severe consequences than the previous. All convictions have a driver’s license suspension; the first conviction carries a minimum 30 day suspension, the second conviction carries a minimum 6 month suspension, and the third conviction carries a minimum 1 year suspension. After the third conviction, you can also be charged as a habitual offender which carries lengthy jail sentences, fines, requirements to attend a substance abuse class and/or a victim impact panel, submit to random drug and alcohol screens, and require you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.

How to Defend OWI Charges in Indiana

It may seem that OWI charges cannot be challenged in a court of law. The evidence is often concrete with toxicology and police reports. At Patel Defense, we will launch our own investigation into your case to ensure that none of your rights were violated. We will work tirelessly to determine if law enforcement officials performed all of their duties correctly and properly. There are several key factors to building a solid defense strategy such as: exploring if the officer had probable cause to stop your vehicle, determine whether the officer who administered the field sobriety tests, breathalyzer, urine, or blood tests did so properly, file motions to suppress evidence against you if it was unlawfully obtained, and file motions for dismissal of charges if the law enforcement officers did not follow the proper procedures.

If you are convicted of drunk driving, the penalties can be severe including jail time, driver’s license suspension, and fines. In addition to these consequences, you can also face a damaged reputation which can also lead to loss of future employment opportunities. When you hire an aggressive, experienced defense attorney to fight your OWI charges in Indiana, you are taking the right step in preserving your freedom and protecting your rights. At Patel Defense, we will work closely with you to create a solid defense strategy based on your case specifics.

Contact Patel Defense for a Free Case Evaluation

If you have been accused of drunk driving in Indianapolis, it is important that you hire an experienced attorney who is willing to fight for you. Patel Defense is committed to determining the best strategies to achieve the best possible outcome for you. Do not hesitate to contact a skilled OWI defense attorney in Indianapolis as soon as your charges are filed. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.