Serious Defense For Serious Charges

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.

Can An Administrative Hearing Help You?

When you’ve been arrested for a DUI an officer may take the step to suspend your license. This is one the powers of the police officer, but it’s an administrative one, not a legally required step. And you have the ability to request a hearing on this action. At that hearing, you will be able to argue that you should retain your driving privileges for many reasons, including:

This was a first offense, and you had a low BAC.
The officer who suspended your license didn’t follow procedure.
Driving is a necessary aspect of your job, and not having a license would create undue hardship.

Now, in many cases, a success at this hearing may include getting a provisional license or an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle. However, retaining even limited driving privileges is a win, and it’s often one of the first steps on a full range of defense measures you will need to overcome this charge fully.

Protect Your Rights And Future

A conviction for a DUI can have a lasting impact on your life and affect your future. An experienced DUI defense attorney understands the local laws and is familiar with the court system. A criminal defense lawyer will help you understand everything that is happening in your case and walk you through the possible outcomes. An attorney can guide you through the best course of action, handle the legal paperwork, keep track of the deadlines and represent you in court and during any settlement negotiations.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Charges In Indiana

Drivers in Bargersville, Greenwood and throughout Johnson County often have urgent questions after an OWI arrest. Below are answers to some of the most common concerns people have when facing DUI charges in Indiana.

Can a DUI be dismissed in Indiana?

Yes. Some DUI or OWI cases in Indiana can be dismissed depending on the facts surrounding the traffic stop, arrest and chemical testing process. A dismissal may become possible if law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion for the stop, failed to follow proper testing procedures or violated a driver’s constitutional rights during the investigation.

Attorney Dorie Maryan carefully reviews police reports, dash camera footage, body camera recordings and breath test procedures to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. In some situations, prosecutors may also agree to reduce or dismiss charges because of evidentiary problems or lack of proof. Every case is different, which is why early legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Indiana?

The cost of hiring a DUI lawyer in Indiana depends on several factors, including the seriousness of the charge, whether the case involves a felony allegation and whether the matter proceeds to trial. Cases involving repeat offenses, accidents or high blood alcohol levels often require more extensive preparation and litigation.

While many people worry about legal fees after an arrest, the financial consequences of a conviction can become far more expensive over time. Fines, increased insurance costs, license suspensions, ignition interlock requirements and lost employment opportunities can create long-term financial strain. Working with an experienced criminal defense attorney may help reduce penalties, protect driving privileges and improve the overall outcome of the case.

Will I go to jail for my first DUI in Indiana?

Not necessarily. A first OWI offense in Indiana does not automatically mean jail time, especially when there are no aggravating factors such as injuries, prior convictions or an extremely high BAC level. Courts may consider alternatives such as probation, alcohol education programs, community service or suspended sentences in some first-offense cases.

However, prosecutors and judges in Johnson County still take impaired driving allegations seriously. Even a first conviction can lead to license suspension, fines and a permanent criminal record. An experienced DUI attorney can present mitigating factors, challenge the prosecution’s evidence and work toward minimizing the impact the charge has on your future.

Contact A Compassionate Criminal Defense Attorney Today

At Maryan Uliana & Smith, an Association of Attorneys, attorney Maryan understands that facing criminal charges is stressful and uncomfortable. Having to appear in court for a DUI charge can be embarrassing, and this might be the first time you’ve ever needed to hire a lawyer. Her professional, compassionate and nonjudgmental approach to every single case will see you through the process and help advocate for your rights and protect your future.

You can schedule a confidential appointment by calling 317-732-4055. You can also reach out to the firm by sending an inquiry through the online form.