Driving under the influence, or DUI, is an offense recognized by all 50 states under the law. Although individual state laws regarding DUI can and do vary, the federal standard for impaired driving is set at a blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, limit of .08. If Indiana police stop you with a BAC at .08 or higher, they could charge you with a DUI.
If police charge you with a DUI, you may be wondering what your next steps are and if you will need legal representation moving forward. Getting a DUI on your record is an offense that can impact your life and your future in various detrimental ways, and you should not take it lightly.
Indiana has more deaths from DUI than the U.S. average
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in 2016, police arrested more than one million drivers for driving under the influence. Indiana’s rate of deaths in collisions involving a driver with a BAC greater than or equal to 0.08 percent from 2003-2012 was higher than the national average when taking all ages into consideration. The national average for alcohol-involved deaths in that time span was 3.3 per 100,000, but in Indiana, that rate was 3.6. Driving under the influence in Indiana is a dangerous public safety problem, so prosecutors take it seriously.
A lawyer can challenge your DUI
Many people think that once they receive a DUI, the case is basically closed and they must accept the penalties. In reality, however, a DUI defense attorney can challenge your DUI charges. A skilled attorney, especially one with former experience as a prosecutor, can find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Aggressive DUI defense can help you avoid jail time. A public defender may push you to seek a plea deal, but this may not be in your best interest. A DUI defense attorney can examine the particulars of your individual case and pinpoint areas upon which to build a successful defense strategy.
If you are facing DUI charges, it is important that you understand your case and the best way to proceed so your future is not negatively impacted. A DUI defense attorney can help you find ways to mitigate possible penalties of your DUI as well as provide strong legal defense in court to challenge the charges.