Although DUIs (or OVWIs in Indiana) are unfortunately all too common, there are several charges that can be brought based on the circumstances, and the charges can range from simple misdemeanors to complex felonies. Below is a breakdown of each Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (“OVWI”) charge from least to most serious. OVWI – Base Level Charge Operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 to 0.14 or under the influence of drugs so there…
Under Indiana law, a court may grant certain persons convicted or accused of motor vehicle related crime, such as DUI/OVWI, a legal remedy called “Specialized Driving Privileges.” These privileges permit a person, whose license has been suspended, the ability drive for specific purposes (work, school, childcare, medical appointments, etc.) upon a showing of necessity (financial need, health & safety, etc.). Historically, these privileges are not available to certain people if they: Have never been an…
A common misconception we hear from clients is that they believed they weren’t legally required to submit to an officer’s tests while being investigated for driving under the influence. While refusing to perform the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests doesn’t automatically result in penalty, refusing to submit to a certified chemical test after a law enforcement officer reads the Indiana Implied Consent Warning carries substantial consequences. This is primarily because, as a condition of operating a…
In our Pictograph below we take a look at what clues constitute a failure of the field sobriety tests that are normally conducted as part of a DUI or OWI arrest. If you have questions about your DUI case give us a call 24/7 at (317) 870-0019.
One of the most common arrests made in Indiana and throughout the country is for driving under the influence. It can be committed by any driver of any type of vehicle who has had too much to drink or taken medications that have caused them to be impaired. As it is such a common criminal charge, there are frequent questions and misconceptions when it comes to DUI cases. This weeks blog takes a look at…
You have seen it a number of times on TV, or if you’re real unlucky, maybe you have even seen it in person. They are the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. They consist of the “eye test,” the walk and turn and the one leg stand. The “eye test” is actually the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test. Sounds like a funny name for a test that just sees if you can follow the tip of a…
Arrested at Little Five in Bloomington? Now What? Though many parents would like to deny it, almost every single college kid is either drinking underage at some point, or partaking in some type of lawless behavior — just usually in the privacy of their own apartments, dorms, or friends’ houses. Yet, without fail, that delinquent behavior seems to leak its way into the public streets whenever a large college event is occurring. Be it an…
Understanding the Habitual Offender Sentence Enhancements – Being charged with a crime, on its own, is one of the scariest things a person can face. Regardless of the facts, regardless of the level of crime alleged, it can be a daunting situation for anyone — even for the smallest of crimes. Yet, not much is more terrifying for a defendant than when the State files a sentence enhancement on their case. After all, an enhancement…