Charged With An OWI? Our La Porte OWI Defense Attorneys Will Protect Your Rights.
For many, being charged with operating while intoxicated (an OWI), which is also commonly known as a DUI (driving under the influence) or a DWI (driving while intoxicated), is the first time they have ever been in trouble with the law. If you or someone you love is in need of a DUI lawyer, our founding criminal defense attorneys at Rodriguez Law Firm, Inc. are experienced former state prosecutors. Our lawyers defend clients in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties and throughout Northwest Indiana who have been charged with driving under the influence crimes.
Criminal Charges For Operating While Intoxicated
In the state of Indiana, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is officially charged as an OWI. In the state of Indiana, it is a crime to operate any sort of motor vehicle:
- If your blood alcohol content is .08% or more
- If you have any amount (even trace amounts) of a schedule I or schedule II controlled substance in your system
- If you are intoxicated, drunk or high on drugs or alcohol
In addition, Indiana’s zero tolerance law makes it a crime for anyone under the age of 21 to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .02% or more in their system. Anyone who is charged with a DUI crime in Indiana can face serious fines and sentences.
Criminal Penalties Under Indiana’s OWI Laws
In the state of Indiana, the fines and penalties for DUI crimes range from misdemeanors to felonies. The seriousness of the charge will depend on whether or not your blood alcohol content was over .08% or over .15%, and whether you have been convicted of previous OWIs. The fines and penalties vary depending on subsequent OWIs, including:
- First-offense: Up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000
- Second-offense: Up to 2.5 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000
- Third-offense: Up to 2.5 years in jail (but it can be up to 8 if the prosecutor chooses to request an enhancement for being a habitual offender) and a fine of up to $10,000
In addition, every conviction for an OWI will also include a license suspension and possible ignition interlock device requirement ranging in length depending on the number of prior offenses.
Driving Under The Influence Of Drugs
In the state of Indiana, the OWI/DUI laws are written in a way that even if you are not feeling the effects of a high, simply having any trace amounts of a drug in your system and you are operating a motor vehicle, it is a possible drug crime and can be cause for a DUI charge. This is serious because THC and other schedule I or schedule II drugs can remain in your system for weeks.
If you have been charged with an OWI or a DUI for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights and protect your freedom. Our lawyers at Rodriguez Law Firm, Inc. are former prosecutors. They know how a prosecutor will prepare the case against you and they will know how best to defend it.
Do You Need A DUI Lawyer? Call Us For A Free Consultation.
Our criminal defense attorneys are available by appointment for a free consultation. To schedule your free appointment, contact us at 219-444-4322 or send us an email inquiry. We look forward to hearing your story and telling you more about how we can help fight the charges you are facing.