Busted for a recent DUI/OWI in Indiana? Don’t Panic, Here’s Your Roadmap to Help Get Charges Dismissed

As Board Certified DUI/OWI defense attorney experts in Indiana, our top local lawyers have seen firsthand the fear and confusion that washes over someone after a roadside stop. But here’s the truth: you do have options, even after a recent OWI arrest with failed tests which can possibly beat the charges quickly.

Utilizing a free OWI lawyer review of the arrest details will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate this challenging situation, and emerge with a more favorable case outcome with a reduction or dismissal of charges.

First, understand the charges and 2024 state penalties. Indiana uses the term “OWI” (operating while intoxicated) for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The penalties vary based on several factors, including:

• Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): 0.08% or above is the legal limit, but even lower levels can lead to charges.
• Prior offenses: A first-time offense might involve fines, license suspension, and community service, while repeat offenses can lead to jail time and hefty fines.
• Injuries or accidents: Causing harm while intoxicated significantly increases the severity of charges.

Now, let’s explore your best OWI defense options to get charges dropped or thrown out:

1. Challenge the stop or arrest: Was the officer justified in pulling you over? Did they follow proper procedures during the stop and field sobriety tests? An experienced DUI lawyer can meticulously analyze the evidence and identify potential procedural errors that could lead to dismissal of the case.

Case Example: Brian was pulled over for “weaving” but insisted he was simply tired. His lawyer discovered the officer lacked probable cause for the stop, resulting in the entire case being thrown out.

2. Contest the BAC evidence: Breathalyzers and blood tests can be inaccurate, and proper calibration and administration are crucial. Your lawyer can challenge the validity of the test results, potentially leading to reduced charges or even dismissal.

Case Example: Tanya refused a breathalyzer, but her lawyer secured medical records documenting a recent medical condition that could have skewed the test results. The judge ultimately dismissed the OWI charge.

3. Negotiate a plea bargain: In some cases, your lawyer can negotiate a lesser charge or reduced penalties in exchange for a guilty plea. This may be the best option if the evidence against you is strong, but it’s crucial to weigh the potential consequences carefully with your attorney.

Case Example: Emily, facing a first-time OWI charge, was at risk of losing her job as a nurse. By highlighting her clean record and community involvement, my team negotiated a deferred prosecution program. Emily completed alcohol education classes, and the OWI charge was ultimately dismissed from her record.

4. Seek pretrial diversion programs: Indiana offers pretrial diversion programs for first-time offenders. These programs involve completing alcohol education and treatment courses, and upon successful completion, the charges can be dismissed.

Case Example: Michael, a truck driver facing a mandatory jail sentence for a DUI accident, partnered with us. We presented evidence of his family’s reliance on his income and secured him probation instead of jail, allowing him to keep his job and support his family.

5. Protect Your Future: Even a recent first offense DUI conviction can haunt you for years. An experienced lawyer can guide you through expungement processes to clear your record and minimize long-term impacts.

Remember, you’re not alone in this. Even if you think you can’t afford the best DUI lawyer in the neighborhood, don’t underestimate the power of local legal expertise. A skilled attorney can navigate the complexities of the local legal system, fight for your rights, and potentially save you from significant 2024 state penalties.

Here’s how a top-rated, cheap OWI lawyer can help resolve a case for the best outcome:

• Thorough case analysis: They’ll meticulously dissect your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and build the strongest possible defense.
• Negotiation skills: They know the ins and outs of the court system and can leverage their experience to negotiate the best possible outcome for you.
• Trial experience: If your case goes to trial, they’ll be your fierce advocate, presenting your defense in a compelling and persuasive manner.
• Understanding your budget: Top-rated lawyers often offer flexible payment options and work hard to find solutions that fit your financial situation.

Don’t let a DUI/OWI define your future. Take charge of your situation, understand your best defense options, and seek legal counsel from a top DUI/OWI lawyer in the area. Remember, even in the darkest hour, there’s always a path forward which may result in getting out of recent OWI charges.

In Conclusion, These are Best Ways to Fight an OWI charge in Indiana to Get Dismissed: 

• Challenge the arrest. Police officers often make mistakes when arresting someone suspected of being intoxicated. You can point out these mistakes in court.
• Discredit the evidence. You can work with your lawyer to discredit the evidence against you. For example, you can ask for the arresting officer’s licenses and check for discrepancies in the charges.
• Use grounds for pulling over. Police can’t pull you over without a reason. They must prove they have the right to request you to stop for traffic violations or drive right at a sobriety checkpoint.
• Use horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN). This test checks if your eyes jerk involuntarily.

Other successful ways to get a local DUI, OWI charge dismissed include: 

• Lack of or unreliable evidence
• Violations of your constitutional rights
• Plea bargains
• Pretrial diversion/deferral

You can also seek to have your OWI charge reduced to a wet reckless if it is for a first offense and you didn’t cause anyone to be injured. 

No matter what time of day or night an arrest occurs, you should call an experienced OWI lawyer in Indiana with FightDUICharges to help immediately. We are Board Certified attorney experts in local DUI defense and open now 24 hours with skilled lawyers on call to provide free legal advice. 

A reputable, affordable attorney for OWI defense in the area can defend you and help you beat the charge effectively and cheap as possible.