Merrillville DUI Attorney

Merrillville DUI Attorney

In the State of Indiana, the term operating while intoxicated (OWI) is used instead of driving under the influence (DUI), but the meaning of the charge itself is no different. The charge of DUI refers to operating a vehicle while over the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC), which is .08 percent in the State of Indiana and in nearly every other state in the country. If you are facing a DUI charge, don’t wait to reach out to an experienced Merrillville DUI attorney. 

Over the Limit

DUI charges are generally based on the driver’s BAC as measured by a breath or blood test. Motorists are generally considered to have provided implied consent to be tested for BAC when they get behind the wheel. While you do have the right to refuse a breath test if pulled over, you should know that it will likely mean a mandatory driver’s license suspension, and the police can use circumstantial evidence against you in the DUI case. Circumstantial evidence refers to common signs of impaired driving, such as weaving in and out of one’s lane, driving excessively slowly, and more. 

Penalties Faced

Indiana takes DUI charges seriously, and the penalties for a conviction reflect this fact. It is important to note that a conviction is a matter of public record that can also negatively affect your overall social standing in addition to all the following:

• Your ability to rent an apartment or to obtain a home loan
• Your ability to land the job of your dreams
• Your ability to get a federal student loan, gain acceptance into the school of your choice, or live on campus
• Your ability to drive according to your own schedule

The legal consequences for a DUI conviction vary in accordance with the serenity of the offense and include the following:

• For a first offense and a BAC of under .15 percent, you will face up to 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500. If your BAC, however, is 1.5 percent or higher, you will face up to 1 year in jail and fines of up to $5,000. 
• For a first offense, you will likely face a license suspension of 180 days. 
• For a first offense with a BAC of below 1.5 percent, you will face up to 60 days with an ignition interlock device, but for a BAC of 1.5 percent and above, this timeframe extends to one year.   

The penalties rise precipitously from here, and bringing your strongest legal defense is always well advised. 

Turn to the Professional Legal Guidance of an Experienced Merrillville DUI Attorney

If you are facing a DUI charge, it is a serious matter that requires serious legal consideration, and the formidable DUI attorneys at Arshad, Pangere & Warring in Merrillville, Indiana, are committed to employing the full force of their impressive legal skill and insight in pursuit of your case’s best possible resolution. The outcome of your case is important to your future, so please don’t wait to contact us for more information today.