Valparaiso DUI Lawyer

DUI Attorney in Valparaiso, IN

The flicker of red and blue lights on your rear-view mirror could mark the beginning of a long and stressful ordeal. If you were charged with an OWI, also often referred to as a DUI, you could be facing the loss of your driving privileges and your future. When you work with a Valparaiso OWI lawyer, you gain the support of an experienced legal advocate who understands how to help clients beat their charges. Legal representation can position you for favorable outcomes, like reduced or dropped charges.

Secure the Experienced Representation You Deserve. Contact Blankenship Law, LLC Today

An OWI conviction in Valparaiso can jeopardize your license, finances, and freedom. At Blankenship Law, LLC, we provide skilled representation for individuals facing drunk or drugged driving charges. Our attorneys know how to challenge the legality of traffic stops, breath test results, and other evidence the prosecution may rely on.

Whether your case is resolved through negotiation, trial, or filing motions to suppress evidence, we work to minimize the penalties you face and to protect your driving privileges. Trust our team of former prosecutors to fight for your rights and future. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and begin building your defense.

What Happens if You Are Arrested for an OWI?

If you are pulled over and found to have a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher, you will be handcuffed and taken to the nearest detention center or county jail. Your car will be searched and towed at your expense, and your license will be suspended.

A conviction can lead to further consequences, including a requirement to pay court fees and fines and potentially serve time in jail. You may also be placed on probation and required to enroll in a substance abuse education program.

Must-Know DUI Statistics

Drunk and impaired driving continues to be a serious concern across Indiana. In 2020, there were 124 fatalities linked to alcohol-impaired collisions, representing about 14% of all traffic deaths statewide. Data from the Indiana State Police shows that OWI investigations are rising, with approximately 2,686 cases in 2022 and 2,737 by September 2023.

In Valparaiso, neighborhoods like Central Park Plaza, Flint Lake, and Heritage Valley all see DUI-related arrests. Local law enforcement continues to increase patrols and checkpoints to reduce impaired driving and protect residents from the devastating effects of DUI-related crashes.

Effective Defense Strategies for Beating OWI Charges

Any misstep on the part of law enforcement could present an opportunity for you to beat your charges. With support from an experienced defense attorney, you can explore whether the police had a lawful reason to pull you over in the first place. If you were given a field sobriety test, that could lead to inconclusive results.

Breathalyzers must be calibrated at regular intervals, and the police must preserve the chain of custody for any evidence collected for your case. If the prosecution cannot demonstrate that they have lawfully collected evidence that proves you were intoxicated on the day of your arrest, your lawyer can take steps to have your charges reduced or dropped.

Why You Should Hire an OWI Lawyer

Facing OWI charges can be a stressful ordeal. When you hire an OWI lawyer, you gain the support of an experienced Valparaiso DUI attorney who understands how to manage complex DUI cases. Indiana’s OWI laws carry serious consequences for convicted defendants, but they also place the burden of proof on prosecutors to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Your lawyer can fight your charges or strategically negotiate with prosecutors to secure an outcome to your case that protects your freedom and provides a pathway for restoring your driving privileges.

FAQs

What Happens After a DUI Arrest?

After a DUI arrest, you will be taken to a local police station or county jail for processing. There, you will be processed and held until you are released on bail. Then, you will be required to attend court hearings. Your license will be automatically suspended, but your attorney can help you navigate the process of restoring your license through the local administrative office.

Can an OWI Lead to a Felony Charge?

An OWI can lead to a felony charge under certain circumstances. If you seriously injure or kill someone, that could escalate the charge you are facing. Driving with a minor in the car while intoxicated and repeat DUI offenses can all lead to enhanced penalties and serious criminal charges. An attorney can focus on fighting those aggravating factors so you do not risk serving time in prison.

What Factors Are Considered by a Judge at Sentencing?

If you are convicted of an OWI, the judge overseeing your case works along state guidelines to impose fines, probation terms, potential jail time, and other penalties. The judge considers numerous factors, such as your past criminal record, if any, your BAC at the time of your arrest, and the presence of aggravating factors when determining the sentence for an OWI conviction.

Should I Hire a DUI Lawyer?

Yes, if you are facing DUI charges, you should work with an experienced defense attorney to fight your charges. The outcome of a criminal case often depends on the effectiveness of a defendant’s attorney. Lawyers can fight your charges by reviewing the evidence and finding instances where your rights were violated, or the test results may be inconclusive.

Schedule Your OWI Consultation Today and Gain the Representation You Need

An OWI arrest in Valparaiso can put your freedom, finances, and future at risk. At Blankenship Law, LLC, we provide strategic defense for individuals charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Our attorneys can use their backgrounds as former prosecutors to analyze every detail of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the handling of chemical testing procedures.

We understand the stress that comes with knowing that your driving privileges and freedom may be on the line, which is why we allocate considerable time and resources into managing these types of cases. Whether resolving your case involves plea bargain negotiations, motions to suppress evidence, or a trial, our focus will always remain on protecting your rights and interests. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.