Aggressive DUI Defense For Greater Indianapolis
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense carrying serious and costly penalties. The level of the charges relates directly to two concepts: blood alcohol content and whether or not you endangered yourself or another person while operating a motor vehicle. It gets worse from there — if another person was seriously injured or you have prior DUI convictions, you may be faced with felony charges, loss of your driver’s license for a significant period of time and insurance rates you cannot afford.
Your livelihood may depend on the very attorney you hire to assist you in navigating all of these very difficult and trying issues. Todd Sallee has spent his career fighting DUI cases in Indiana, with a track record of noteworthy results. Mr. Sallee knows the science and law behind breath and blood testing, the implementation of field sobriety tests, and general police DUI investigations. He acquired these skills from his time as a deputy prosecutor and from the thousands of cases he has defended and tried throughout the state of Indiana.
Todd Sallee has spoken to colleagues and new lawyers on the “Nuts and Bolts of DUI Defense,” such as how to challenge illegal traffic stops, roadside sobriety testing and certified chemical tests.
Better Call Sallee! Contact us 24/7 at 317-643-5507 for a free consultation. We serve Hendricks County, Hamilton County, Boone County and surrounding counties of Greater Indianapolis.
What Should I Do If I’m Pulled Over?
It is common to feel nervous, flustered or afraid if a law enforcement officer pulls you over for suspected drunk driving. Try to remember the following steps. If you do, you can prevent the situation from becoming much worse:
- Pull over: Do not try to evade the scene; simply pull over when it is safe to do so.
- Remain calm: Speak with the officer in a respectful, normal tone of voice, even if you feel they are not treating you politely.
- Provide certain information: You must provide documents such as your driver’s license and proof of insurance.
- Invoke your Fifth Amendment Right: Do not admit to drinking, and do not give additional information to the officer.
- Do not allow a search: The officer may ask to search your car or bag, but you should refuse unless they have a warrant.
- Take a breath test, not a field test: If you refuse to take a breathalyzer blood alcohol content (BAC) test, you may lose your license temporarily. You do, however, have the right to refuse field sobriety tests.
- Request a lawyer: Tell the police officer that you would like an attorney present before you speak to them.
By following these instructions, you protect your Constitutional rights and give yourself a much better chance of avoiding a criminal charge or conviction.
What Are The Different Kinds Of Field Sobriety Tests?
Field sobriety tests (FST) are physical tasks that law enforcement officers use to assess whether a driver might have alcohol or drugs in their system. Common FSTs include:
- Horizontal gaze nystagmus test: The officer observes the movement of your eyes as they follow a finger or a pen.
- One-legged stand test: You stand on one leg for a period so the officer can assess whether drugs and alcohol have affected your balance.
- Walk-and-turn-tests: Similarly, the officer has you walk heel to toe in a straight line and turn around so they can see your stability.
However, FSTs are not always accurate. A police officer’s interpretation of how someone performs on one is very subjective. This could lead to an arrest and DUI charge even if you do not have controlled substances in your system or if you have the legal amount of a controlled substance in your system. You have the right to refuse to perform an FST, and you should. If instructed to take a breath test, though, you could lose your license temporarily if you decline.
You Need Legal Representation Immediately
We are here to help anyone facing drunk driving charges:
- First-time DUI (.08 or higher blood alcohol)
- OVWI (less than .08 but other evidence of impairment)
- Drug-impaired driving
- Underage DUI
- Felony DUI (repeat offense or DUI accident)
| We regularly represent out-of-state drivers charged with DUI while visiting Indiana for the Indy 500, the Brickyard 400, the Final Four and other major events. A DUI conviction in Indiana carries over to your home state, including possible license sanctions, insurance hikes and criminal background checks. We will represent you in local proceedings, making every effort to win your case or mitigate the consequences. |
At Sallee Law, LLC, our mindset is to challenge your DUI. The consequences are too high to simply plead guilty, when it may be possible to beat the arrest or negotiate a more favorable outcome. We also have been successful in helping clients fix driver’s license problems relating to DUI, obtaining specialized driving privileges or expunging old DUI records.
A Former Prosecutor On Your Side
Call attorney Todd L. Sallee any time, day or night, seven days a week. Do not speak to police officers or prosecutors despite what authorities may say to you. They are your adversaries. Their only goal is to convict you. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
An experienced DUI attorney can speak for you while defending your legal rights, negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf and advise you on what actions to take going forward. Todd Sallee has the experience you need in any criminal case, with more than 12 years of experience both prosecuting and defending people in the criminal justice system.
Discuss Your DUI With A Lawyer Today
You need an attorney who knows every legal and factual aspect of an OVWI/DUI case. You need Sallee Law, LLC. Call 317-643-5507 for a free consultation with an Indianapolis DUI defense lawyer or contact us online, and we will respond soon.