Lake County IN DWI Lawyer

The offense of impaired or drunk driving in Indiana is called operating while intoxicated, abbreviated as OWI. Other common terms for the offense include driving under the influence - DUI - and driving while intoxicated - DWI. Whatever the term, an arrest for suspicion of drunk driving can lead to immediate penalties and long-term difficulties.

An arrest for driving while intoxicated in Indiana can be made two ways. The most notable is when a motorist registers a blood alcohol content at or above the legal threshold of .08%. However, it is also possible to be arrested for DWI with a BAC below the legal limit. A law enforcement officer simply needs to suspect impairment and reduced vehicle control due to alcohol or drugs.

The consequences of being found guilty of DWI in Lake County can have far reaching impact on your life. Realize that the prosecution and the police are not there to help you or consider what is best for you. If you have been charged with OWI/DUI in Indiana, you should immediately contact a qualified criminal defense attorney with experience in drunk driving defense. Getting the right help will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected and that the prosecution is held in check.

Lake County DWI Criminal Defense Attorney Catherine Lake will use her knowledge of Indiana DWI law, the court system and successful DWI defense strategies to help you get the best possible resolution for your case. Time is important when building an effective defense against driving while intoxicated in Gary, Indiana or Lake County. If you want to see if your charges can reduced or even dismissed, contact Attorney Catherine Lake now.

The Initial DWI Consultation is Free

Lake County IN DWI Lawyer Catherine Lake will review the charges filed against you at no cost or obligation. Once she knows more about your specific case, she will be able to outline both your legal options and her fees. To schedule a free consultation, call (219) 793-9950 of fill out the on-line request form to the left.

Penalties for DWI in Indiana

If you are convicted of drunk driving in Lake County you will be facing expensive fines, court costs, suspension of your driver's license and a jail sentence.

The severity of the fines, the duration of the license suspension and the length of the jail term increase with each additional IN DWI. The penalties also increase if your blood alcohol content was higher than .15%, you caused an accident with injury, or you had minor in the vehicle at the time of arrest. With two or more offenses, you will be required to undergo alcohol or drug counseling.

Being found guilty of DWI in Indiana will result in a permanent mark on your driving record, as well as a criminal arrest record. The latter could keep you from finding or keeping a job. Canada has a long-standing policy of denying entry to any one with a criminal record, regardless of the nature of the crime or when it occurred.

Because of the long-term impact of a conviction for drunk driving, you should try to keep your record clean. Gary DWI Lawyer Catherine Lake will build an aggressive and appropriate defense to remedy your specific case. Her goal is to get the case dismissed or have you found not guilty. Even in a worst-case scenario, she will work with the prosecution to negotiate the best possible terms and reduce the impact of an Indiana DWI.

Loss of Your Driver's License

Under Indiana DWI laws, the state has several opportunities to suspend a driver's license after an arrest for OWI/DWI in Lake County. The first is immediately after the arrest, based on whether you refused to submit to a breath, blood or urine test to check your blood alcohol content or you took a chemical test and registered a BAC above the legal limit. The second opportunity occurs if a court finds you guilty of DWI in Indiana.

How long your driving privileges depends on a number of conditions, including your BAC reading and whether you have any prior DWI charges on your record.

The state of Indiana does not have the authorization to suspend an out of state driver's license. However, it is a member of a national Driver's License Compact, and it shares license suspension and DWI conviction information with other states.

For learn more about your specific charges and how they might impact your driving privileges, contact Lake County DWI Attorney Catherine Lake and ask for a free consultation.

About the Law Office of Catherine Lake

Lake County Indiana DWI Lawyer Catherine Lake practices criminal law with a focus on offering complete drunk driving defense. As a former deputy prosecutor and felony trial supervisor, she has unique insight into both sides of a DWI. This will give you an advantage during the disposition of your case.

Catherine Lake received an undergraduate degree from Indiana University and a juris doctorate from Valparaiso University School of Law. She is a former member of the Calumet American Inn of Court, and a current member of the Women's Bar Association, the Lake County Bar Association and the Indiana Bar Association. She is permitted to practice law in both state and federal courts.

Call Now and Get the Help You Need

Lake County DWI Lawyer Catherine Lake will aggressively defend you against a charge of DWI in Indiana, no matter if it is a first or repeat offense. Remember, time is important. To schedule a free review of your DWI or any other traffic related offense, fill out the consultation request form to the left or call (219) 793-9950.