DUI Lawyer In Bargersville, Indiana

A DUI conviction could change the course of your entire life. You could lose your license, your savings and your freedom. Attorney Dorie Maryan has more than 25 years of experience and founded Maryan Uliana & Smith, an Association of Attorneys, in Bargersville to defend individuals in Bargersville, Greenwood and Johnson County who are facing criminal charges. She is a compassionate and attentive DUI lawyer who will help you navigate the criminal court process.

DUI Penalties In Indiana

For a DUI or OWI, penalties in Indiana are tied to specific charges based on the facts of the case. In Bargersville, Indiana, courts look closely at blood alcohol levels, prior offenses and whether anyone was harmed.

Here is a breakdown of DUI charges and their penalties:

• Class C misdemeanor (BAC of .08% to 0.14%): Up to 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500
• Class A misdemeanor (BAC of .15% or higher): Up to one year in jail and fines up to $5,000
• Operating while intoxicated, endangering a person (Class A misdemeanor): Up to one year in jail and fines of up to $5,000
• Operating while intoxicated, causing serious bodily injury (Level 5 felony): One to six years in prison and fines of up to $10,000
• Repeat OWI offense within seven years (Level 6 felony): Six months to 2.5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000
• License suspension penalties: A minimum of 90 days up to two years for the first offense and longer suspensions for repeat offenses
• Court-ordered conditions: Mandatory alcohol or drug education programs, community service hours set by the court and probation with strict compliance requirements

Attorney Maryan can help address each charge properly and protect your future.

DUI Versus OWI: Is There A Difference In Indiana?

In Indiana, OWI stands for operating while intoxicated, which is the legal term used in place of DUI (driving under the influence). While people often say DUI, the law in Bargersville, Indiana, uses OWI to describe impaired driving offenses.

Driving while intoxicated means the vehicle is in motion on a road. On the other hand, operating is broader and can include:

• Sitting in the driver’s seat with the engine running
• Having control of the vehicle, even if it is not moving
• Being parked but in a position to put the car in motion

This means a person in Bargersville, Indiana, can face OWI charges even if they were not actively driving at the time. For example, someone found asleep in a running car could still be considered operating the vehicle under Indiana law.

Because of this broader definition, working with a DUI attorney in Bargersville, Indiana, is critical. An attorney can examine the facts and determine whether the state can truly prove operation under the law.

What To Do If You Are Stopped For A DUI In Indiana

It can be overwhelming and stressful to get pulled over by a police officer – even more so if you’ve had anything to drink. If you are stopped by a police officer, it is important to:

• Cooperate with the police officer by pulling over and providing your license and vehicle registration when asked, as failure to do so could result in an additional charge of resisting a police officer.
• Remain calm and be polite when speaking to the officer.
• Remember that you have the right to remain silent and you do not have to answer any questions that might incriminate you, which means that you do not have to tell the officer you have been drinking.

In the state of Indiana, you also have the right to refuse field sobriety tests without legal consequences. It is acceptable to say that your lawyer has told you never to agree to such tests. However, in Indiana, having a driver’s license is considered implied consent to submit to chemical testing. If you refuse to take a breathalyzer test, you could have your license suspended. If you are arrested for a DUI, do not speak to anyone unless your attorney is present.