Anderson OWI Attorneys

Aggressively Defending Clients Accused of OWI

Many states refer to driving under the influence as DUI, but the state of Indiana officially uses the term “operating while intoxicated,” or OWI. Drivers can face OWI charges if they are accused of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.

Intoxicated drivers put others in danger, which is why this crime is so aggressively prosecuted in Indiana. The best way to fight these charges—and minimize the legal penalties you face—is to hire an experienced OWI attorney at Beeman Heifner Benge P.A.

Call (765) 234-8024 or fill out the form on this website to schedule a consultation regarding your OWI case.

What Are the Penalties For Committing OWI in Anderson?

The penalties for an OWI conviction can vary depending on the nature of the crime and the defendant’s prior criminal record. First-time OWI offenders will face class C misdemeanor charges, which can lead to jail time in addition to hundreds of dollars in fines.

The penalties are even more serious for repeat offenders. If this is your second OWI offense, you could face a mandatory five-day jail sentence or 180 hours of community service. You may also be ordered to complete alcohol education counseling as part of your sentence. These penalties continue to increase in severity for subsequent offenses.

OWI offenders will face more than just jail time, fines, community service, and counseling. Being arrested for OWI will trigger an automatic suspension of your driver’s license. This penalty can make day-to-day life far more difficult for OWI offenders.

There are additional penalties for OWI offenders who were involved in an accident or caused serious harm while under the influence.

Can A Criminal Defense Attorney Fight OWI Test Results?

Many people think there’s no way to avoid an OWI conviction if their test results indicate that they were intoxicated at the time of their arrest. However, that’s not the case. These test results, which are often used as evidence in OWI cases, are not always reliable. If a criminal defense attorney can prove that your results are unreliable, the prosecutor’s case may fall apart.

Chemical test results can be inaccurate for many different reasons. The results may be skewed if the law enforcement officer fails to follow the proper protocol when administering the test. For example, if the breathalyzer device is not calibrated properly, the results will not be accurate. Blood test results can also be unreliable if the sample is not taken, transported, or stored properly.

The key to fighting test results is investigating the steps that authorities took when administering the test and transporting, storing, and testing the sample. If law enforcement made a single mistake, the test results may not be accurate or admissible in your case. Losing this evidence can significantly weaken the prosecutor’s case, so they may decide to dismiss your charges if these results are thrown out.

What Are the Possible Outcomes in My OWI Case?

There are a number of different outcomes to OWI cases, including:

• Dismissal of charges: The state may dismiss the charges against you if they do not have the evidence they need to prove your guilt. The charges might also be dismissed if it is determined that the police officer did not have the right to conduct the traffic stop in the first place.
• Reduced charges: The prosecutor might offer you a plea deal. Accepting a plea deal typically means pleading guilty to wet reckless charges, which is a lesser charge. This arrangement can lead to a quick resolution and help you avoid serious penalties associated with an OWI conviction.
• Acquittal: It’s rare for OWI cases to go to trial. But if yours does, the case could end in an acquittal if the prosecution fails to prove that you were operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
• Conviction: Your case could also end in an OWI conviction, which means you could face jail time, fines, community service, counseling, and other penalties.

There are no guarantees in OWI cases. But, hiring a criminal defense attorney will increase your chances of reaching the best possible outcome in your OWI case.

Schedule Your Consultation With Our OWI Attorneys in Anderson

Have you been charged with OWI? There’s no time to waste—contact the skilled OWI and criminal justice attorneys at Beeman Heifner Benge P.A. as soon as possible. Our skilled criminal defense lawyers have the experience, knowledge, and resources to win the most complex OWI cases. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start protecting your rights and fighting for your freedom.

To schedule your consultation, call (765) 234-8024 or fill out the form on this website.