Monticello DUI Lawyer in White County, IN

A DUI arrest may feel like the end of the world—and if you’re convicted, the consequences can extend beyond simply legal penalties. You may have trouble getting a job, especially if you depend on a license to do the job, or you may suffer a loss of reputation in your community. DUI penalties in Indiana can range from fines or a license suspension to time in jail.

At Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC, we believe that mistakes happen, and everyone is entitled to a vigorous defense after an arrest. Don’t face the justice system alone—it’s not on your side. We are. An experienced Monticello DUI lawyer in White County, IN may be able to mitigate the penalties of a DUI charge or argue to have the charge dismissed or reduced. Contact us today—don’t wait because your options could be limited the longer you delay hiring a lawyer.

How Can A Monticello DUI Lawyer Fight My DUI Charge?

The details of your situation will determine whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. A lawyer can help you understand the charges against you and whether any aggravating factors, like causing personal injury or having repeat DUI/ DWI offenses, may impact your case.

Our attorneys can help you with the next steps after a DUI arrest. A DUI is a serious charge, and the potential costs can reach into the thousands of dollars. We have the knowledge and experience necessary to investigate the matter and determine if your arrest was valid.

We gather evidence, such as a BAC test or a record of the officer’s arrest. You may have been subject to a faulty traffic stop or an invalid arrest. Police officers can make mistakes, so our first step is to see if any were made in your case. We may also dispute the results of a field sobriety test or even a breathalyzer test.

Legal Help After A DUI Conviction

If you are convicted of a DUI, a DUI lawyer can still help your case. The penalties can be severe, but we may be able to negotiate a plea bargain that would keep you out of jail. We may even be able to help you keep your license or negotiate a shorter suspension than you may be able to negotiate on your own.

Even a misdemeanor DUI charge could mean up to a year in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. If you’re facing felony DUI charges, you could be looking at even more time behind bars. Don’t risk your future alone. We can defend you and fight for your rights.

Have You Been Arrested For Driving Under The Influence? We Can Help!

If you’re facing a DUI charge, an experienced Monticello DUI lawyer in White County, IN can help. At Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC, we defend your rights and can challenge a DUI charge or negotiate a lesser penalty. Losing your license, going to jail, or paying hefty fines may be more than you’re capable of. Let us help you achieve a positive resolution in your case. Call today for a free consultation.

Defending Against A DUI Charge

A Monticello, IN DUI lawyer understands how stressful a DUI charge can be but also knows that there are factors that make a significant difference in the outcome of the case. The following are four common defenses that may apply to your case. To learn more, contact Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC to find out out we can help.

Challenging The Initial Traffic Stop

One of the primary defenses in a DUI case is to challenge the legality of the traffic stop that led to the arrest. Law enforcement officers must have a reasonable suspicion that a driver is violating the law to initiate a traffic stop. If your Monticello DUI lawyer in White County, IN can establish that the officer lacked probable cause or reasonable suspicion, any evidence obtained after the stop could be suppressed. For instance, if the stop was based on a vague tip or without observable signs of erratic driving, it could weaken the prosecution’s case.

Questioning The Accuracy Of Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are commonly used by officers to assess a driver’s level of impairment. These tests include tasks like the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and horizontal gaze nystagmus test. If you failed these tests, your lawyer can argue that these tests are subjective and prone to errors due to various factors such as nervousness, physical conditions, or environmental factors (e.g., uneven terrain). Additionally, improper administration or lack of proper training of the officer conducting the tests can be challenged in court.

Disputing The Reliability Of Chemical Tests

Chemical tests, such as breathalyzer tests or blood tests, provide quantitative measurements of blood alcohol concentration (BAC). However, these tests are not infallible and can be subject to inaccuracies. Defenses may challenge the calibration of the testing equipment, improper handling of samples, or the qualifications of the personnel conducting the tests. Factors such as medical conditions (e.g., GERD affecting breathalyzer results) or recent exposure to certain substances (e.g., mouthwash containing alcohol) can also be raised as defenses.

Arguing Necessity Or Duress

In rare cases, a defense of necessity or duress may be applicable. This defense asserts that the driver had no reasonable alternative to driving under the circumstances. For example, if a person drove under the influence to avoid serious injury or harm (such as driving someone to the hospital in a life-threatening situation), it could potentially justify the action. However, this defense is highly situational and requires compelling evidence to support it.

Contact Our Criminal Defense Law Firm For Legal Assistance

Each of these defenses requires careful examination of the facts and circumstances surrounding the DUI arrest. The effectiveness of these defenses can vary depending on the jurisdiction, the specifics of the case, and the skill of the Monticello DUI lawyer in White County, IN representing you. Alternative strategies such as negotiating a plea bargain or seeking diversion programs may also be considered depending on the individual circumstances of the case. Call Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC to schedule a confidential consultation and find out what your legal options to defend against these charges may be.

Potential Penalties For An Indiana DUI Conviction

As a Monticello DUI lawyer in White County, IN can explain, a DUI conviction can lead to significant penalties that aim to deter impaired driving and protect public safety. The following is an overview of the four potential penalties for a DUI conviction in Indiana. If you have been arrested, call Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC to find out how we can help.

Criminal Penalties

Indiana imposes criminal penalties for DUI convictions, which can vary based on factors such as the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC), any prior offenses, and whether there were aggravating circumstances involved. The criminal penalties generally include:

  • Fines: For a first offense, fines can range from $500 to $5,000. Subsequent offenses may result in higher amounts.
  • Jail time: Depending on the severity of the offense and prior convictions, jail sentences can range from a few days to several years. A first offense typically results in a minimum of 48 hours in jail, up to a maximum of one year. Subsequent offenses lead to more extended periods of incarceration.
  • Probation: In some cases, the court may impose probation instead of or in addition to jail time. Probation terms typically include regular check-ins with a probation officer, compliance with alcohol treatment programs, and avoiding further legal violations.
  • Community service: Courts may also require individuals convicted of DUI to perform community service hours, often in addition to other penalties.

License Suspension Or Revocation

A DUI conviction almost always results in suspending or revoking the offender’s driver’s license. The length of the suspension or revocation varies based on factors such as the number of prior offenses and the BAC at the time of arrest:

  • First offense: A minimum license suspension of 180 days up to two years.
  • Second offense: A minimum license suspension of 180 days up to two years, potentially longer if the prior offense was within the past ten years.
  • Third and subsequent offenses: License revocation for a minimum of ten years.

During the suspension or revocation period, individuals may be eligible for specialized driving privileges, which allow them to drive for limited purposes such as work, school, or medical appointments using an ignition interlock device.

Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

In Indiana, individuals convicted of DUI may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on their vehicle to obtain specialized driving privileges or reinstate their license after a period of suspension or revocation. The IID requires the driver to blow into a breathalyzer device before starting the vehicle. If alcohol is detected above a certain threshold, the vehicle will not start.

The court may also order the installation of an IID as a condition of probation or as an alternative to more severe penalties, particularly for repeat offenders or those convicted of aggravated DUI.

Substance Abuse Assessment And Treatment

As part of the DUI conviction process, individuals may be required to undergo a substance abuse assessment to evaluate their alcohol or drug use habits. Based on the evaluation, the court may mandate participation in a substance abuse treatment program, which could include:

  • Education programs: Classes or workshops to educate individuals about the risks and consequences of impaired driving.
  • Counseling: Individual or group therapy sessions to address underlying issues related to substance abuse and driving behavior.
  • Support groups: Participation in support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or similar programs to promote recovery and sobriety.

Completing a substance abuse assessment and treatment program may be a condition for obtaining specialized driving privileges, probation, or reducing other penalties associated with the DUI conviction.

Are You Facing Charges?

A DUI conviction in Indiana can result in severe consequences that impact various aspects of an individual’s life, including financial, legal, and personal freedoms. It’s essential for individuals facing DUI charges to have a Monticello DUI lawyer in White County, IN fighting for them to ensure their rights are protected. Call Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC today to schedule a confidential consultation and find out how our firm can help.