OWI Attorney – Hammond, IN.

An OWI conviction in Indiana can result in serious repercussions in multiple areas of your life. From the potential for jail time to the loss of your driver’s license, an OWI is no small matter and despite a common belief, these charges are defensible. That is why it’s so important to schedule a consultation with Steve E. Haddad, Attorney At Law right away!

Steve E. Haddad, Attorney At Law can work to protect your freedoms & good social standing. When you hire him to represent you, he will take the time to listen to your story, form a personal relationship with you and guide you through your legal options. His mission is not only to defend your rights but to build a trusting relationship with you. These 2 elements can strengthen your case in immeasurable ways because the more he gets to know you, the more information he can use to champion your freedom.

OWI Laws in Indiana - OWI Defense in Lake County Indiana

Operating while intoxicated (OWI) is illegal. Most people say “DUI,” which stands for driving under the influence, but the state of Indiana coined this offense “OWI.”

To legally operate a vehicle in Indiana, your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) must be .08% or below if you’re 21 or older. If you’re under 21 years of age, the legal BAC limit is lower, .02%, because it’s not legal for you to drink.

The Following Consequences If Caught Driving with an Illegal BAC:

• Class A misdemeanor: Your BAC was .15 or more. This crime carries a penalty of up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine
• Class C misdemeanor: Your BAC was at least 0.08 but less than .15. If convicted, you may face up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine
• Level 4 felony: Your BAC was at least .08 and your offense caused death or catastrophic injury. This is punishable by up to 12 years in prison and $10,000 fines
• Level 5 felony: You have a previous conviction for an OWI causing death or catastrophic injury. This offense is punishable by a maximum of 8 years in prison and up to $10,000 fines
• Level 6 felony: You have a previous OWI conviction, or you’re at least 21 and committed an OWI in the presence of a passenger less than 18 years old. If convicted, you may suffer 2.5 years in jail and up to $10,000 fines.

Getting pulled over causes overwhelming anxiety for most drivers. It does not help when police officers are not friendly when they suspect someone of OWI. The breath test equipment they use to measure your BAC is often defective & inaccurate, leading to false test results.  These are some of the reasons you will need Steve E. Haddad, Attorney At Law’s OWI defense to expose flaws in the investigation against you and strongly advocate in your favor:

• Improper field sobriety test or breath test administration
• Illegal stop; lack of probable cause
• Broken or defective testing equipment
• Underlying medical conditions
• Not in actual physical control of the vehicle

The consequences of an OWI conviction extend beyond jail & fines. You could lose your license, meaning you would not be able to go to work or school, drive your children or go just about anywhere unless you use public transportation or ridesharing, both of which cost money.

If you have questions regarding an OWI in Indiana, contact Steve E. Haddad, Attorney At Law by calling (219) 554-0200  or completing the online contact form. Steve offers free initial consultations on criminal defense matters.