VIGOROUSLY FIGHTING TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS FOR DUI

Indianapolis DUI Attorneys

Experienced DUI Defense Lawyers Serving Marion County, IN and Surrounding Areas

Charged with driving under the influence in Indianapolis? The consequences can be daunting; from jail time to fines to license suspension. However, having a skilled DUI defense attorney on your side could make a key difference in reduced penalties or even a dismissal of your charge. Gemma & Karimi, LLP have 25 years of combined experience, including former prosecution work. As a result, the attorneys have intimate knowledge of how the prosecution thinks and works, which can prove advantageous to the legal strategy you devise together.

Whether you have been charged with a DUI for the first time or have prior convictions, Gemma & Karimi, LLP can defend you. Request Your Free DUI Case Evaluation Now online or call (317) 676-4747 to get started with our Indianapolis DUI today.

What Constitutes DUI/OWI?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is more broadly referred to in Indiana as "operating while intoxicated" (OWI). The main distinction is that DUI more commonly refers to drunk driving from alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two, whereas OWI is related to the capacity (or lack thereof) to manage a vehicle.

Under Indiana OWI law, it is illegal for motorists to operate a vehicle:

with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or more;
with any amount of a Schedule I or II controlled substance in their system (opiates, hallucinogens, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine); or
while actually intoxicated by drugs or alcohol.

Be aware that the state implements a “zero tolerance” law that makes it illegal for drivers under the age of 21 years old to operate a vehicle with a BAC of .02% or more.

In unfortunate cases, lawful prescription drugs might be involved in a DUI charge. Keep in mind that there are several prescription medications and some over-the-counter medications that have specific warnings that their usage could impair a person’s driving abilities and should not be used while operating any dangerous equipment, including motor vehicles. In such a case, even if the medication was lawfully prescribed to the driver, they could still be at risk of a DUI if they take this impairing medication and operate a motor vehicle.

What Are The Penalties for DUI/OWI in Indianapolis?

Generally, OWI offenses are charged as misdemeanors. Drivers convicted of OWI in Indiana will face a range of penalties depending on the number of prior convictions they have:

1^st offense – up to 60 days in jail (up to 1 year for those with a BAC of .15% or more); up to $500 in fines (up to $5,000 for those with a BAC of .15% or more); 180 days of license suspension; up to 60 days of ignition interlock device (IID) use (up to 1 year for those with a BAC of .15% or more)
2^nd offense – up to 60 days in jail (up to 1 year for those with a BAC of .15% or more); up to $500 in fines (up to $5,000 for those with a BAC of .15% or more); at least 1 year of license suspension; up to 60 days of IID use (up to 1 year for those with a BAC of .15% or more)
3^rd offense – up to 60 days in jail (up to 1 year for those with a BAC of .15% or more); up to $500 in fines (up to $5,000 for those with a BAC of .15% or more); at least 1 year of license suspension; up to 60 days of IID use (up to 1 year for those with a BAC of .15% or more)

An OWI conviction will stay on a driver’s criminal record. If a conviction occurs within 5 years of a prior conviction, it will be considered a felony. Felony OWIs have enhanced penalties of 6 months to 2.5 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Note that Indiana also implements “implied consent” laws that require all drivers lawfully arrested for an OWI to submit to a blood or breath test. Drivers who refuse testing will face the following periods of license suspension:

1 year if they have no prior convictions;
2 years if they have at least 1 prior conviction.

Indiana requires an automatic driver’s license suspension for a chemical test failure. The law states that the license will be suspended for 180 days on a pre-trial basis from the date the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles receives notice that the prosecutor has filed the case.

Indiana treats habitual traffic violators (HTV) seriously, and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles might even suspend a habitual offender’s license for life. As a result, it is imperative that you take legal action in your defense immediately if you’ve been charged with a DUI/OWI violation.

What Are the Long Term Consequences of a DUI?

A DUI conviction is not just a momentary setback; it can have profound and lasting consequences that extend far beyond the immediate legal repercussions. Individuals found guilty of DUI often face a range of long-term challenges that impact various aspects of their personal and professional lives.

Employment Opportunities

A DUI conviction extends beyond the legal consequences, affecting an individual's employment prospects. Background checks conducted by employers can reveal a DUI, serving as a significant barrier, particularly in industries with stringent policies on employees' criminal records. This can impede career advancement and job prospects for an extended period.

Professional Licenses

Professional licenses, crucial for various careers, may be in jeopardy following a DUI conviction. Licensing boards in fields such as law, medicine, and finance may view a DUI as a breach of professional conduct, potentially resulting in disciplinary actions or license revocation. Rebuilding professional credibility becomes a prolonged and challenging process.

Auto Insurance Premiums

Financial consequences persist with elevated auto insurance premiums. Individuals with a DUI often face significantly higher premiums and may even be dropped by their current provider, necessitating coverage from high-risk providers at increased costs.

Social Stigma and Relationships

Beyond the financial impact, a DUI conviction carries a social stigma that influences personal relationships. Rebuilding trust with friends, family, and colleagues can be a delicate and time-consuming process, potentially leading to social isolation.

Impact on Personal Record

The enduring impact on an individual's criminal record affects various aspects of life. Background checks for employment, housing, and more may reveal the DUI conviction, shaping an individual's professional, financial, and personal landscape for an extended period.

Understanding Your Legal Rights After a DUI Arrest

Being arrested for a DUI/OWI can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. It's important to understand your legal rights and options during this difficult time. Our team of experienced DUI defense lawyers in Indianapolis is dedicated to providing hardworking and dedicated advocacy for drivers in Hamilton, Hendricks, and Hancock Counties.

When facing a DUI/OWI charge, it's crucial to remember:

You have the right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself
You have the right to legal representation and should contact a DUI defense attorney as soon as possible
You have the right to challenge the evidence against you and seek the best possible outcome for your case

Our team at Gemma & Karimi, LLP is here to guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible result for your DUI/OWI case. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for dedicated legal representation in Indianapolis.

How Our Experienced Indianapolis DUI Lawyers Can Help

When facing a DUI charge, you need more than just legal representation; you need a team that understands the complexities of DUI laws in Indiana and is committed to fighting for your rights. At Gemma & Karimi, LLP, our experienced DUI defense lawyers bring a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success to every case. Here are some compelling reasons to choose us:

Personalized Attention: We believe in a tailored approach to each case. Our attorneys take the time to understand your unique situation, ensuring that your defense strategy is specifically designed to achieve the best possible outcome.
Comprehensive Case Analysis: We conduct thorough investigations and utilize expert witnesses to challenge evidence against you, whether it’s the validity of the traffic stop or the accuracy of field sobriety tests.
Proven Negotiation Skills: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who work diligently to reduce charges or secure favorable plea deals when appropriate, minimizing the impact on your life.
Trial-Ready Representation: If your case goes to trial, you can rest assured that we are prepared to advocate fiercely on your behalf, utilizing our extensive courtroom experience to protect your rights.
Community Commitment: We are proud to serve the Indianapolis community and are dedicated to helping our clients navigate their legal challenges with compassion and integrity.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact Gemma & Karimi, LLP today for a free consultation and let us help you build a strong defense against DUI charges.

To speak with our experienced Indianapolis DUI lawyers, contact us online or give us a call at (317) 676-4747.

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The Benefits of Hiring DUI Lawyers in Indiana

Due to the severity of the criminal penalties associated with a DUI conviction, it is imperative to protect your rights and freedom with the help of a criminal defense attorney who specializes in DUI cases. DUI lawyers in Indiana are committed to helping their clients obtain the most favorable outcome in their cases, whether that means getting the entire case dismissed or reducing the penalties they face to avoid serving any time behind bars.

Here are several benefits of hiring our DUI lawyers in Indiana at Gemma & Karimi, LLP:

Our firm can help you navigate the complicated legal process and protect your rights.
We will examine all evidence and make sure that law enforcement abided by proper procedures during investigation and arrest.
We may be able to challenge any test results or negotiate plea deals to reduce sentences or fines, if applicable.
Our legal team will also make sure that you understand all of your options throughout the course of your trial or other proceedings related to the charge.

Call (317) 676-4747 or fill out our online contact form today to learn how our Indianapolis DUI defense attorneys can help you!