Finding An OWI Lawyer in Indiana
DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) is a serious offense in Indiana, and it is important to understand the laws surrounding DUI/OWI arrests in the state. An Indiana DUI/OWI conviction can result in severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. In this article, we will explore the rate of DUI/OWI arrests in Indiana over the past few years and how getting an Indiana DUI/OWI lawyer can help you beat a DUI/OWI charge.
DUI/OWI Arrest Rates in Indiana
According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, there were 35,377 OWI arrests in Indiana in 2020. This marks a decrease from the 38,982 DUI arrests made in 2019. However, the decrease in DUI arrests is not necessarily indicative of a decrease in the number of people driving under the influence, as the COVID-19 pandemic likely impacted the rate of DUI/OWI arrests in 2020. In Indiana, the term “OWI” is used to refer to drunk driving offenses as well as drugged driving offenses.
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Penalties for DUI/OWI in Indiana
The penalties for a DUI/OWI in Indiana can be severe, depending on the circumstances of the case. The following is a general overview of the penalties for DUI/OWI in Indiana:
First Offense:
- A fine of up to $5,000
- License suspension for up to two years
- Possible jail time of up to one year
- Mandatory completion of a substance abuse program
Second Offense (within five years of the first offense):
- A fine of up to $10,000
- License suspension for up to two years
- Mandatory jail time of at least five days, up to three years
- Mandatory completion of a substance abuse program
Third Offense (within 10 years of the second offense):
- A felony charge, punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- License suspension for up to 10 years
- Mandatory jail time of at least 10 days, up to three years
- Mandatory completion of a substance abuse program
Fourth and Subsequent Offenses:
- A felony charge, punishable by up to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- License suspension for life
- Mandatory jail time of at least 30 days, up to 12 years
- Mandatory completion of a substance abuse program
It is important to note that these penalties are a general overview and that the specific penalties for DUI/OWI in Indiana may vary depending on the circumstances of the case.
How an Indiana DUI/OWI Lawyer Can Help You Beat a DUI/OWI Charge
One of the main ways that an Indiana OWI lawyer can help you beat an OWI charge is by challenging the evidence against you. This may include challenging the results of field sobriety tests, challenging the validity of a breathalyzer or blood test, or arguing that the police did not have probable cause to stop you in the first place.
It is important to remember that time is of the essence when it comes to DUI charges in Indiana. If you have been charged with an OWI, you only have 10 days to request an administrative hearing to fight a mandatory OWI license suspension. Find one of the top Indiana OWI lawyers today to protect your right to drive.
If you have been charged with a DUI or an OWI in Indiana, it is essential to seek the assistance of an experienced Indiana DUI/OWI lawyer. An experienced Indiana DUI lawyer can provide you with the legal guidance and representation you need to help you beat your OWI/DUI charge.
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