DUI Lawyer Lake County

DUI Lawyer Lake County

If you were arrested recently and accused of drunk driving, you need a DUI lawyer in Lake County to handle your case right away. You can face serious consequences, including the loss of your license and a permanent criminal record. Our experienced DUI defense attorneys at Arshad, Pangere & Warring will do all we can to get your current charges reduced or, in some cases, dismissed.

OWI Arrests in Indiana

First, in the State of Indiana, a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is officially called an OWI (Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated). Technically, this can refer to any type of vehicle, but such arrests most commonly involve the drivers of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles. 

OWI charges do not only apply to intoxication by alcohol, but also can involve illegal drugs. The important thing to remember is that if a substance gets you drunk, high, or otherwise incapacitated, you could be charged with OWI. Our defense lawyers will help determine whether or not the charges were justified and what defenses apply to your case. 

There are different reasons why an officer might arrest you for OWI:

• A chemical test (usually breath or blood tests) showed you had a blood alcohol content (BAC) over the legal limit, which is 0.08 percent for most drivers
• A chemical test showed you had a Schedule I or II unlawful controlled substances in your system
• The officer observed other signs of impairment

Note that you do not need a BAC test over the legal limit to be arrested and charged. The officer’s testimony that you were intoxicated – due to slurred speech, stumbling, etc. – can be enough to convict you. Never assume that you will be let off the hook if your breath test showed you were within the legal limit. 

Instead, as soon as you can after an arrest, you want to get a skilled defense attorney on your case. 

OWI/DUI Penalties in Lake County, Indiana 

The possible maximum penalties for a first-time DUI conviction in Indiana can include:

• 180-day driver’s license suspension
• Fines up to $500
• Up to 60 days in jail

If your BAC measured over 0.15 percent, the penalties can increase dramatically. The penalties also increase if you caused an accident, had a child in the car, or have prior OWI convictions on your record. 

A lawyer can help you avoid jail time and help you maintain your driver’s license when possible, though time is short. Never wait to start building your defense, as these cases proceed quickly in many situations. 

Contact Our Experienced Lake County DUI Lawyers Today

Don’t hesitate to contact us today at the Law Offices of Arshad, Pangere & Warring. A reputable DUI lawyer in Lake County can make sure that all the procedures were adhered to by the arresting officer, as well as determine whether you were appropriately charged for an alleged DUI/OWI. We can then build and present the strongest possible defense for you. Reach out today for more information.