Indianapolis First-Time DUI Attorney
Aggressive Defense to Fight DUI Charges
Driving under the influence (DUI), which is also referred to as operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), is a serious offense that comes with several penalties. If you were charged with a DUI for the first time and you are convicted, you could be looking at driver’s license suspension, fines, and jail time. Depending on the circumstances, the punishments you face could increase considerably. Additionally, the consequences of being found guilty of driving under the influence can have profound impacts on your future, as having a criminal record could make it difficult to get a job, especially if you are looking for a position that requires you to drive a vehicle.
Being charged with a DUI for the first time can be frightening and overwhelming, as the process might be unfamiliar and the outcome is unknown. At Keffer Hirschauer LLP, our team understands the seriousness of a DUI offense, which is why we provide skilled legal guidance every step of the way. Our founding attorneys are former prosecutors, and with extensive experience practicing the law, we know what it takes to obtain case dismissals and not guilty verdicts in these matters. We are here to work toward a favorable outcome on your behalf.
If you’ve been accused of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, call us at (317) 857-0160 for a free initial consultation.
Potential Penalties for a First-Time DUI Conviction
In Indiana, a person is considered to be driving under the influence when they operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or more. They could also be charged if they get behind the wheel with a schedule I or II controlled substance in their system. The conviction penalties depend on the specifics of the circumstances.
A person convicted of a DUI faces not only criminal but also administrative penalties imposed by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
The criminal penalties for a first-time DUI involving a BAC between .08 and .15 or schedule I or II controlled substance include:
- Class C misdemeanor charge
- Up to 60 days in jail
- Up to $500 in fines
- Driver’s license suspension for up to 60 days
- Probation
The criminal sanctions for a first-time DUI where the BAC was .15 or more include:
- Class A misdemeanor charge
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Up to $5,000 in fines
- Driver’s license suspension for up to 1 year
- Probation
In addition to the criminal punishments for a DUI, the individual could also face the following administrative penalties:
- Losing driving privileges for up to 2 years
- Submitting to alcohol and/or drug testing
- Participating in a substance abuse class
- Installing an ignition interlock device
The DUI conviction can stay on a person’s record for life, which could severely impact the individual’s future. In addition, if they are charged with this offense again, the judge will refer to the prior verdict and may assess increased penalties for subsequent convictions.
Aggressive Defense to Fight DUI Charges
Driving Behaviors Officers Look for When Making a DUI Stop
If an officer suspects a person is driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, they will pull that individual over.
The driving behaviors an officer looks for when determining whether a person is intoxicated, include, but are not limited to:
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Driving without lights on
- Traveling the opposite direction of traffic
- Driving too slowly
- Failing to obey traffic laws (like not stopping at a signal)
- Excessive speeding
Police departments in Indiana take driving under the influence seriously. Between August and September of 2019, over 200 agencies participated in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. Their efforts resulted in thousands of tickets being issued and almost 150 arrests being made.
Speak with Our Legal Team Today!
With law enforcement out in full force trying to catch people driving under the influence, it’s possible you could be stopped even if you weren’t intoxicated. If you were arrested for a first-time DUI in Indianapolis, seek skilled legal help as soon as possible. Our attorneys know that various conditions could make it appear that you were driving with alcohol or drugs in your system when you weren’t and that faulty equipment could generate inaccurate results. When you retain our services, we will examine every detail of your case to build an effective defense on your behalf.
Schedule your free consultation by calling us at (317) 857-0160 or contacting us online.