Carmel Under-21 OWI Lawyer

Trusted Under-21 OWI Attorney in Carmel, IN

A Carmel under-21 OWI lawyer can provide legal representation to a young person who has been accused of operating a vehicle after drinking alcohol or using another intoxicating substance. Indiana has different laws for drivers who are younger than the legal drinking age, and an arrest could result in criminal charges, license suspension, and long-term consequences that may impact a person’s education or career. 

Incidents often arise after a traffic stop, car accident, or allegations that a driver was operating a vehicle in an unsafe manner. Blankenship Law, LLC, defends people accused of underage operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Carmel and all of Hamilton County.

Hire an Under-21 OWI Lawyer

Blankenship Law, LLC, is a criminal defense law firm that represents clients in Carmel and other Indiana communities. Attorneys at Blankenship Law, LLC, are former prosecutors who exclusively practice criminal defense law, including OWI and underage drinking and driving offenses. 

Blankenship Law, LLC, represents college students, young professionals, and first-time offenders charged with underage impaired driving and other criminal offenses. The firm provides aggressive representation in the courtroom and compassionate guidance through the legal process. Blankenship Law, LLC, offers free phone consultations to anyone in need of advice after an arrest.

What Happens After an Underage OWI Arrest in Carmel?

Indiana has rigorous zero-tolerance laws for drivers under 21 years of age who are accused of driving after consuming alcohol.  Drivers under the age of 21 can be charged with a violation of Indiana’s zero-tolerance law with a blood alcohol level well below the 0.08% legal limit for adult drivers under Indiana Code § 9-30-5-8.5. 

Following an OWI arrest in Carmel by law enforcement, a driver is typically taken to the Hamilton County Jail or a similar facility for booking and chemical tests. The officer can also tow and impound the vehicle at the driver’s expense. The suspension of an individual’s driver’s license for refusal to provide a breath test or a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit for the offense may subject the driver to license suspension and other criminal penalties.

Law enforcement officers can collect blood or urine for chemical testing if the driver is suspected of drug impairment. In underage OWI cases, the process through the criminal justice system can be swift, so early legal intervention is important. An attorney with experience in such cases can work to challenge the state’s evidence and seek to reduce potential penalties.

Potential Consequences of an Under-21 OWI Conviction Beyond Court Penalties

An under-21 OWI conviction can result in penalties far beyond the fine, potential jail time, or suspension of driving privileges. Beyond the immediate penalties, the worry many young drivers face before court often centers on how a criminal record could hinder their chances with college applications, scholarships, internships, finding a place to live, or landing future jobs. 

Some professional licensing boards and employers routinely conduct criminal background checks as part of their application processes. An OWI-related conviction could also result in a significant increase in your auto insurance rates.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 12,429 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in the United States in 2023. Even when a first-time offender has no prior criminal record, Indiana prosecutors may still aggressively pursue these cases.

Evidence Commonly Used in Underage OWI Investigations in Indiana

Underage OWI investigations in Indiana can involve several sources of evidence obtained during a traffic stop or accident investigation. Prosecutors may use the results of a breath test, blood testing, body camera video, dash camera video, witness testimony, or an officer’s observations as part of an effort to prove impairment.

Performance on a field sobriety test and answers provided during roadside questioning may also become evidence that can be used at trial. In some cases, social media posts, an open container inside a vehicle, or an admission about alcohol consumption may also be introduced. Reviewing how evidence was obtained and whether testing procedures were consistent with Indiana law can become important aspects of a criminal defense strategy.

FAQs

Can Parents Be Contacted After an Under-21 OWI Arrest in Indiana?

Police may contact the parent of an under-21 OWI arrestee. In Indiana, if the driver is underage, the police officer may call a parent or guardian upon booking or release. This depends on the driver’s age and the facts of the arrest. The parent may be called to court, meet their child for transportation, or possibly assist them with hiring a lawyer. Parents may be affected by a criminal allegation and administrative license-related issues.

Can an Under-21 OWI Impact Car Insurance Rates?

Conviction of an under-21 OWI can result in significant increases to the costs of auto insurance premiums. Some drivers may also experience policy cancellation or a refusal of affordable coverage after a conviction that is related to an OWI. Insurance companies typically regard impaired driving convictions as a higher risk factor, especially for younger drivers who are already in a higher risk age bracket.

What Other Charges Can Accompany an Underage OWI Arrest?

In some cases, an underage OWI arrest also results in other criminal charges against the driver. It is also common for an underage driver to face charges related to the use of fake identification, minor in possession of alcohol, reckless driving, open container, or possession of a controlled substance. It is illegal in most situations for a minor to knowingly possess or consume alcohol. 

How Frequently Are Young Drivers Involved in Alcohol-Related Crashes?

Young drivers remain responsible for a large proportion of alcohol-related crashes each year in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,30% of drivers ages 15 to 20 who were killed in traffic crashes during 2022 had blood alcohol concentrations of 0.01 grams per deciliter or higher.

The inexperience of young drivers also means that alcohol-related impairments, such as reaction time, judgment, and vehicle control, may be heightened during emergency maneuvers or night driving.

Contact a Carmel Under-21 OWI Lawyer

Charges for an under-21 OWI can have significant legal, academic, and financial repercussions. At Blankenship Law, LLC, we defend those accused of underage impaired driving charges and other criminal charges in Carmel. Our legal team offers criminal defense strategies and guidance through the legal process following an arrest or investigation. Schedule a consultation today to hire an under-21 OWI lawyer.