Various states use different terms for charges relating to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. DUI (Driving Under the Influence), OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), or OVI (Operating a Vehicle under the Influence) carry extremely stringent punishments in Ohio and Indiana. Trial Lawyer Matthew W. Chapel know show to defend against each one, including challenging any tests performed bylaw enforcement.
What You Need to Know About Drunk Driving in Ohio and Indiana
Drunk driving is severely punished in Indiana and Ohio. Charges and penalties can be devastating and life-changing. A simple mistake can cost you dearly, so you need a skilled and talented lawyer in your corner if you incur drunk driving charges. If you are charged with a crime – or even if you think you might be charged – the attorney you choose can be your most crucial decision.
Citizens and travelers should be aware that refusing any chemical sobriety test (breathalyzer, urine, or blood) in Indiana or Ohio automatically suspends your driver’s license. A law enforcement officer will not inform you of this when you are asked to submit to a test, and you will likely only be asked once. Moreover, if the officer can demonstrate some level of impairment through Field Sobriety Tests, they can arrest you without a chemical sobriety test. The officer’s judgment is deemed sufficient.
Indiana OWI Laws
Indiana calls drunk driving Operating aMotor Vehicle while Intoxicated (OWI) (Code9-30-5). Here are the basics of Indiana’s OWI laws:
- You may be charged with OWI if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above .08% while you are operating a vehicle.
- You may be charged with OWI if you have a Schedule I or Schedule II drug in your blood while operating a vehicle.
- You may be charged with OWI if you are under 21 and your BAC is .02% or higher.
Ohio OVI Laws
Ohio calls DUI Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence (OVI) (Code 4511.19).
Here are the basic Ohio OVI laws:
- You may be charged with OVI ifyou are operating any vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08or higher.
- You may be charged with OVI if you are operating any vehicle and have above the allowable amount of amphetamine, cocaine, heroin, LSD, or marijuana in your urine or blood.
Fighting Drunk Driving Charges
Former Marine Matt Chapel is relentless when fighting against drunk driving charges. He knows that sometimes mistakes happen, and people make poor choices. He is an understanding and formidable advocate when you face drunk driving charges in Ohio or Indiana. Matt has the skills and knowledge to tailor your defense to the specifics of your situation. He may use one or more of several defense approaches, including:
- Challenging probable cause: without sufficient evidence of probable cause that you committed an impaired driving offense, the charges could be dropped.
- Challenging evidence: without sufficient evidence of impairment or if the evidence is proven invalid, the charges could be dropped. Evidence can be invalidated if law enforcement officers violated your rights or encountered problems collecting it.
- Introducing reasonable doubt: the prosecutor is burdened to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Trial lawyer Matt Chapel can introduce many factors to introduce reasonable doubt and shake the prosecution’s case against you.
- Negotiating plea agreements: Sometimes, you can plead guilty to a lesser charge, participate in a driver education program for a lighter sentence, or even drop charges. This is especially true if this is your first offense on a clean criminal and driving record.
Seasoned DUI OWI OVI Representation
Trial Lawyer Matt Chapel is an experienced criminal defense attorney who has handled numerous drunk driving cases in Ohio and Indiana. He knows what strategies work and which ones to use in your case. Your freedoms and future can be at stake if you’re facing a drunk driving conviction. Hefty fines, a revoked driver’s license, and even jail time can wreck your family and career. Choose a criminal defense attorney who knows how to fight for you and isn’t afraid to do so – a trial lawyer with loads of courtroom experience like Matt Chapel.
Matthew has completed the DWI Detection& Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Course conducted by the National College for DUI Defense and Anthony D. Palacios of Impaired Driving Specialists, LLC. This 24-credit hour Continuing Legal Education course is identical to law enforcement officers’ training for conducting Field Sobriety Tests. It is recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the United States Department of Transportation.
Remember that refusing any chemical sobriety test (breathalyzer, urine, or blood) in Indiana or Ohio automatically suspends your driver’s license.
Your first call should be to Matthew W. Chapel, Trial Lawyer in Fort Wayne, at (260) 387-6236 and ask for your FREE consultation about Ohio or Indiana drunk driving charges. Matt can help, and he knows how.
