Arrested for DUI/OVWI in Hamilton County, Indiana?
According to the United States Census Bureau, Hamilton County boasts a population of 371,645 individuals and is the fourth largest county in the state of Indiana. The county seat is in the city of Noblesville, which is where the Hamilton County courthouse is located. Hamilton County also encompasses the cities of Carmel, Westfield, and Noblesville, as well as the towns of Arcadia, Atlanta, Cicero, Sheridan, and Fishers.
Every year, thousands of visitors come into Hamilton County to enjoy festivities and events such as Grand Park in Westfield, Conner Prairie in Fishers, Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville, and Carmel’s annual Christkindlmarkt. With Hamilton County being one of the central places in Indiana, it is no surprise that every year, hundreds and hundreds of DUIs are filed. Despite its proximity to Indianapolis and Marion County, however, Hamilton County has its own distinct legal landscape, particularly when it comes to DUI offenses.
“Outstanding law firm. Helpful, knowledgeable, and understanding of my concerns. They know the characteristics and traits of each county court, so whichever court you go to, they are well-prepared to negotiate. Timely responses to my questions and are always checking in on me. If you have received an OWI/DWI, I highly recommend the Lopez team.” – Richard M.
DUIs in Hamilton County
If you or someone you know finds yourself facing charges for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Hamilton County, Indiana, you will be facing serious legal consequences. Hamilton County often demands harsher punishments for DUI offenders when compared to other counties. As such, any DUI charge in Hamilton County requires immediate action and a criminal defense attorney who understands the nuances of navigating the Hamilton County legal system. The Marc Lopez Law firm has helped countless clients facing DUI charges in Hamilton County. Our criminal defense attorneys are well-versed in the nuances of the legal system in Hamilton County and are dedicated to providing clients with a strong defense to get you the best possible outcome.
Indiana’s DUI Law – Operating Above 0.08% or with Metabolites
Blood or Breath DUIs
Whether you are charged in Hamilton County or another county in Indiana, the basic offense and laws remain the same. Every county in Indiana uses the same Indiana Code sections regarding DUI laws as established by the State of Indiana.
The initial charge for a DUI starts as a Class C misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. To be charged, the State must prove that your blood alcohol concentration was between 0.08% and 0.14%. This beginning offense is established under Indiana Code § 9-30-5-1(a):
(a) “A person who operates a vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent to at least eight-hundredths (0.08) gram of alcohol but less than fifteen-hundredths (0.15) gram of alcohol per:
(1) one hundred (100) milliliters of the person’s blood; or
(2) two hundred ten (210) liters of the person’s breath;
commits a Class C misdemeanor.”
However, if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at least 0.15%, then the charge is escalated to a Class A misdemeanor. In Indiana, Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to a year in jail. Because a BAC of 0.15% is nearly double the legal limit, the prosecution and judges in Hamilton County often view this escalation as a much more serious offense. Indiana Code § 9-30-5-1(b) defines this charge:
(b) A person who operates a vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent to at least fifteen-hundredths (0.15) gram of alcohol per:
(1) one hundred (100) milliliters of the person’s blood; or
(2) two hundred ten (210) liters of the person’s breath;
commits a Class A misdemeanor.
The final per se DUI charge, based on blood results, can be found in § 9-30-5-1(c). Under this subsection, the DUI charge is related to controlled substances and their metabolites. In Indiana, if you are found to have any metabolite in your blood from a controlled substance, you can be charged with a DUI. This offense is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, which like subsection (a), is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
(c) A person who operates a vehicle with a controlled substance listed in schedule I or II of IC 35-48-2 or its metabolite in the person’s blood commits a Class C misdemeanor.
In Hamilton County, any offense involving drugs is treated seriously. If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI involving drug metabolites, the attorneys at the Marc Lopez Law Firm are here to help you.
Hamilton County Courthouse address: 1 N 8th St, Noblesville, IN 46060
Operating While Intoxicated
There is another set of DUI laws which do not require specific evidence from a blood or breath test. For these, the state must show that the person was intoxicated. Under a DUI based on intoxication factors, to secure a conviction, the state must establish four elements:
1. You (the defendant)
2. Were operating a vehicle
3. While
4. Intoxicated
The term “operate” is defined under Indiana Code § 9-13-2-117.5 as “to navigate or otherwise be in actual physical control of a vehicle, watercraft, off-road vehicle, or snowmobile.” Additionally, Indiana Code § 9-13-2-86 outlines the legal definition of “intoxicated,” to mean:
“Intoxicated” means under the influence of:
(1) alcohol;
(2) a controlled substance (as defined in IC 35-48-1);
(3) a drug other than alcohol or a controlled substance;
(4) a substance described in IC 35-46-6-2 or IC 35-46-6-3;
(5) a combination of substances described in subdivisions (1) through (4); or
(6) any other substance, not including food and food ingredients (as defined in IC 6-2.5-1-20), tobacco (as defined in IC 6-2.5-1-28), or a dietary supplement (as defined in IC 6-2.5-1-16);
so that there is an impaired condition of thought and action and the loss of normal control of a person’s faculties.
Although originally intended to gauge blood alcohol content at or above 0.08%, standardized field sobriety tests have gradually been accepted by courts, including those in Indiana, as evidence of intoxication.
DUI/OVWI Without Endangerment
Across Indiana’s counties, regarding intoxication, the prosecution simply must demonstrate impairment of normal faculties, thought processes, or movement while operating a motor vehicle. With this, if the state can prove intoxication, then you can be convicted of a DUI, even without breath or blood results. In Hamilton County, the prosecutors are very aware of this and will argue you were intoxicated, even in the absence of blood or breath evidence.
If you are found guilty, you could be facing a Class C misdemeanor under Indiana Code § 9-30-5-2(a). It cannot be stated enough, that if you or someone you know is facing DUI charges in Hamilton County, you need the Marc Lopez Law Firm by your side. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to fight for your rights.
DUI/OVWI With Endangerment
Whenever a DUI involves the endangerment of a person, the charge increases to a Class A misdemeanor. Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail. This escalation is found in Indiana Code § 9-30-5-2(b):
(b) “An offense described in subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor if the person operates a vehicle in a manner that endangers a person.”
In order to prove DUI with endangerment, the State has to show both intoxication and endangerment. Although endangerment is a broad term, whenever the prosecutor tries to prove endangerment, they will look into specific driving behaviors. These behaviors can include:
- Weaving in and out of traffic;
- Switching lanes without signaling; and
- Making illegal turns.
Not everything counts as potentially dangerous driving. For example, having a tail light out, would not contribute to an endangerment charge.
“I hired the Marc Lopez law firm, and I’m grateful I chose them! A great team of lawyers that helped me achieve a very positive outcome! Marc and his team were great communicators and answered all my questions and concerns in a timely manner! I especially loved Zach Richey! He made me feel at ease and explained everything thoroughly. He’s very personable, and I felt completely confident that everything was going to be ok!”- Johanna W
Escalating Circumstances
In Indiana, there are a variety of circumstances which can escalate DUI charges into a felony. The two most common involve a DUI when there is a prior offense or a DUI involving serious bodily injury. If either of these circumstances apply, charges are immediately filed as a felony.
In Hamilton County, if you find yourself facing a DUI charge under any of the scenarios mentioned above, you can expect the prosecution and judges to take it very seriously. Felony charges always come with the potential for stricter treatment and penalties, especially in Hamilton County.
Prior DUI Conviction
If you have a previous DUI conviction within the past seven years, and you are charged with a second DUI, the offense becomes a Level 6 felony. Although Level 6 felonies are the lowest level felony charge possible, the potential penalties are still severe. Punishable by between six (6) months and two and a half (2 1/2) years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
Within Hamilton County, any felony charge is viewed as serious. It is vital to hire a reputable criminal defense attorney, especially when facing felony charges, as there is always a chance, depending on the circumstances, to get a felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor. Although there are certain disqualifiers, the attorneys at the Marc Lopez Law Firm are able to assess your unique situation to determine if you qualify to petition the court for a lesser sentence. Even if you do not qualify, our Hamilton County DUI attorneys are able to strategize your case, advocating for your rights and presenting a strong defense.
DUI With Serious Bodily Injury
The second most common circumstances which escalate DUI charges from a misdemeanor into a felony are those which involve serious bodily injury. Indiana Code § 9-30-5-4 defines these circumstances:
(a) A person who causes serious bodily injury to another person when operating a vehicle:
(1) with an alcohol concentration equivalent to at least eight-hundredths (0.08) gram of alcohol per:
(a) one hundred (100) milliliters of the person’s blood; or
(b) two hundred ten (210) liters of the person’s breath;
(2) with a controlled substance listed in schedule I or II of IC 35-48-2 or its metabolite in the person’s blood; or
(3) while intoxicated;
commits a Level 5 felony. However, the offense is a Level 4 felony if the person has a previous conviction of operating while intoxicated within the five (5) years preceding the commission of the offense.
(b) A person who violates subsection (a) commits a separate offense for each person whose serious bodily injury is caused by the violation of subsection (a).
Across all Indiana counties, a conviction for a Level 5 felony can carry a punishment of anywhere between one to six years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. The severity of the punishment increases with Level 4 felonies which can carry a penalty of between two to twelve years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
The attorneys at Marc Lopez Law Firm have helped many clients facing felony charges not only in Hamilton, but in the surrounding counties as well. If you or someone you know is facing a DUI in Hamilton County, regardless of whether the charges are filed as a misdemeanor or a felony, you need the Marc Lopez Law Firm. The attorneys understand the nuances and unique attributes of the Hamilton County courts.
“The lawyers at this firm are on top of their game! They have made me feel comfortable, kept in touch regularly, and been absolutely amazing getting things done with my situation. I would recommend them to anybody who needs legal counsel.” – Jay S
Implied Consent
Another important point to keep in mind is what is called “implied consent.” In Indiana, across all counties, including Hamilton County, anyone who operates a vehicle is considered to have agreed to chemical tests for intoxication. Indiana Code § 9-30-6-1 states:
“A person who operates a vehicle impliedly consents to submit to the chemical test provisions of this chapter as a condition of operating a vehicle in Indiana.”
What does this mean for those facing DUIs? Or even, simply driving on the road. In Indiana, Hamilton County included, if you are driving and are pulled over, by operating the vehicle you have already consented to submitting to a chemical test. There are two: (1) the breath test; and (2) a blood draw. If you are pulled over for a DUI and you refused either one, it is considered a refusal. Refusing a chemical test in Indiana subjects your license to an automatic one year suspension.
If you are reading this and thinking “but I did refuse a chemical test in Hamilton County,” know that not all hope is lost! The attorneys at the Marc Lopez Law Firm have represented clients in Hamilton County who have refused the chemical tests and have still been successful in helping those clients with a tailored defense.
Specialized Driving Privileges
One of the most common questions the attorneys at the Marc Lopez Law Firm receive from clients facing DUIs is, “can I still drive for work?” The answer is “maybe.” Driving for life’s necessities, including work, is possible with Specialized Driving Privileges (SDP). SDP can be granted in many cases and is helpful while your case is being decided. In recent years, Hamilton County has shown a willingness to grant specialized driving privileges under certain conditions. These privileges are crucial for maintaining life’s necessities, such as employment and family responsibilities, during the legal process. SDPs do not give you unlimited ability to drive anywhere, however, they can bring normalcy to necessary day to day driving activities.
With SDP, the process is much easier and stress free to initiate at your Hamilton County Initial Hearing. When this is the case, the criminal defense attorneys at the Marc Lopez Law Firm are able to file for SDP right away. Each county handles requests for SDPs a little differently as it is ultimately up to the discretion of the judge on whether or not to grant them. In Hamilton County, the attorneys at the Marc Lopez Law Firm have been successful in gaining SDPs for their clients in many cases.
Your Hamilton County Criminal Defense Attorneys
Through a deep understanding of Hamilton County’s unique legal environment and a commitment to our clients, The Marc Lopez Law Firm is your ally in facing DUI charges. With extensive knowledge of Indiana DUI and criminal defense law, coupled with our local insights, we are equipped to defend your rights and interests vigorously. Let us help you turn the page on this difficult chapter and move forward with your life.
Don’t Delay, Connect Today
Understanding your rights and options is the first step toward a successful defense. If you have questions or need to discuss your case, we encourage you to reach out. Our team is ready to provide the insights and guidance you need to navigate this challenging time with confidence.
Facing a DUI charge in Hamilton County, Indiana, requires prompt and skilled legal representation. The Marc Lopez Law Firm is here to guide you through the complexities of your DUI case. Our deep familiarity with the local legal landscape, combined with our commitment to our clients’ rights and outcomes, positions us as your ideal partner in this challenging time.
If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Hamilton County, Indiana, the time to act is now. With the county’s rigorous approach to DUI offenses, securing skilled legal representation is not just an option—it’s a necessity. Let the Marc Lopez Law Firm be your trusted partner, we are dedicated to ensuring you receive the support you need and committed to representing you with the best defense possible.
Don’t let a DUI charge in Hamilton County define your future. Call us today at 317-632-3642 and remember—always plead the 5th!
Arrested for DUI/OVWI in Hamilton County, Indiana?
According to the United States Census Bureau, Hamilton County boasts a population of 371,645 individuals and is the fourth largest county in the state of Indiana. The county seat is in the city of Noblesville, which is where the Hamilton County courthouse is located. Hamilton County also encompasses the cities of Carmel, Westfield, and Noblesville, as well as the towns of Arcadia, Atlanta, Cicero, Sheridan, and Fishers.
Every year, thousands of visitors come into Hamilton County to enjoy festivities and events such as Grand Park in Westfield, Conner Prairie in Fishers, Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville, and Carmel’s annual Christkindlmarkt. With Hamilton County being one of the central places in Indiana, it is no surprise that every year, hundreds and hundreds of DUIs are filed. Despite its proximity to Indianapolis and Marion County, however, Hamilton County has its own distinct legal landscape, particularly when it comes to DUI offenses.
“Outstanding law firm. Helpful, knowledgeable, and understanding of my concerns. They know the characteristics and traits of each county court, so whichever court you go to, they are well-prepared to negotiate. Timely responses to my questions and are always checking in on me. If you have received an OWI/DWI, I highly recommend the Lopez team.” – Richard M.
DUIs in Hamilton County
If you or someone you know finds yourself facing charges for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Hamilton County, Indiana, you will be facing serious legal consequences. Hamilton County often demands harsher punishments for DUI offenders when compared to other counties. As such, any DUI charge in Hamilton County requires immediate action and a criminal defense attorney who understands the nuances of navigating the Hamilton County legal system. The Marc Lopez Law firm has helped countless clients facing DUI charges in Hamilton County. Our criminal defense attorneys are well-versed in the nuances of the legal system in Hamilton County and are dedicated to providing clients with a strong defense to get you the best possible outcome.
Indiana’s DUI Law – Operating Above 0.08% or with Metabolites
Blood or Breath DUIs
Whether you are charged in Hamilton County or another county in Indiana, the basic offense and laws remain the same. Every county in Indiana uses the same Indiana Code sections regarding DUI laws as established by the State of Indiana.
The initial charge for a DUI starts as a Class C misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. To be charged, the State must prove that your blood alcohol concentration was between 0.08% and 0.14%. This beginning offense is established under Indiana Code § 9-30-5-1(a):
(a) “A person who operates a vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent to at least eight-hundredths (0.08) gram of alcohol but less than fifteen-hundredths (0.15) gram of alcohol per:
(1) one hundred (100) milliliters of the person’s blood; or
(2) two hundred ten (210) liters of the person’s breath;
commits a Class C misdemeanor.”
However, if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at least 0.15%, then the charge is escalated to a Class A misdemeanor. In Indiana, Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to a year in jail. Because a BAC of 0.15% is nearly double the legal limit, the prosecution and judges in Hamilton County often view this escalation as a much more serious offense. Indiana Code § 9-30-5-1(b) defines this charge:
(b) A person who operates a vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent to at least fifteen-hundredths (0.15) gram of alcohol per:
(1) one hundred (100) milliliters of the person’s blood; or
(2) two hundred ten (210) liters of the person’s breath;
commits a Class A misdemeanor.
The final per se DUI charge, based on blood results, can be found in § 9-30-5-1(c). Under this subsection, the DUI charge is related to controlled substances and their metabolites. In Indiana, if you are found to have any metabolite in your blood from a controlled substance, you can be charged with a DUI. This offense is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, which like subsection (a), is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
(c) A person who operates a vehicle with a controlled substance listed in schedule I or II of IC 35-48-2 or its metabolite in the person’s blood commits a Class C misdemeanor.
In Hamilton County, any offense involving drugs is treated seriously. If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI involving drug metabolites, the attorneys at the Marc Lopez Law Firm are here to help you.
Hamilton County Courthouse address: 1 N 8th St, Noblesville, IN 46060
Operating While Intoxicated
There is another set of DUI laws which do not require specific evidence from a blood or breath test. For these, the state must show that the person was intoxicated. Under a DUI based on intoxication factors, to secure a conviction, the state must establish four elements:
1. You (the defendant)
2. Were operating a vehicle
3. While
4. Intoxicated
The term “operate” is defined under Indiana Code § 9-13-2-117.5 as “to navigate or otherwise be in actual physical control of a vehicle, watercraft, off-road vehicle, or snowmobile.” Additionally, Indiana Code § 9-13-2-86 outlines the legal definition of “intoxicated,” to mean:
“Intoxicated” means under the influence of:
(1) alcohol;
(2) a controlled substance (as defined in IC 35-48-1);
(3) a drug other than alcohol or a controlled substance;
(4) a substance described in IC 35-46-6-2 or IC 35-46-6-3;
(5) a combination of substances described in subdivisions (1) through (4); or
(6) any other substance, not including food and food ingredients (as defined in IC 6-2.5-1-20), tobacco (as defined in IC 6-2.5-1-28), or a dietary supplement (as defined in IC 6-2.5-1-16);
so that there is an impaired condition of thought and action and the loss of normal control of a person’s faculties.
Although originally intended to gauge blood alcohol content at or above 0.08%, standardized field sobriety tests have gradually been accepted by courts, including those in Indiana, as evidence of intoxication.
“I hired the Marc Lopez law firm, and I’m grateful I chose them! A great team of lawyers that helped me achieve a very positive outcome! Marc and his team were great communicators and answered all my questions and concerns in a timely manner! I especially loved Zach Richey! He made me feel at ease and explained everything thoroughly. He’s very personable, and I felt completely confident that everything was going to be ok!”- Johanna W
DUI/OVWI Without Endangerment
Across Indiana’s counties, regarding intoxication, the prosecution simply must demonstrate impairment of normal faculties, thought processes, or movement while operating a motor vehicle. With this, if the state can prove intoxication, then you can be convicted of a DUI, even without breath or blood results. In Hamilton County, the prosecutors are very aware of this and will argue you were intoxicated, even in the absence of blood or breath evidence.
If you are found guilty, you could be facing a Class C misdemeanor under Indiana Code § 9-30-5-2(a). It cannot be stated enough, that if you or someone you know is facing DUI charges in Hamilton County, you need the Marc Lopez Law Firm by your side. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to fight for your rights.
DUI/OVWI With Endangerment
Whenever a DUI involves the endangerment of a person, the charge increases to a Class A misdemeanor. Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail. This escalation is found in Indiana Code § 9-30-5-2(b):
(b) “An offense described in subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor if the person operates a vehicle in a manner that endangers a person.”
In order to prove DUI with endangerment, the State has to show both intoxication and endangerment. Although endangerment is a broad term, whenever the prosecutor tries to prove endangerment, they will look into specific driving behaviors. These behaviors can include:
- Weaving in and out of traffic;
- Switching lanes without signaling; and
- Making illegal turns.
Not everything counts as potentially dangerous driving. For example, having a tail light out, would not contribute to an endangerment charge.
Escalating Circumstances
In Indiana, there are a variety of circumstances which can escalate DUI charges into a felony. The two most common involve a DUI when there is a prior offense or a DUI involving serious bodily injury. If either of these circumstances apply, charges are immediately filed as a felony.
In Hamilton County, if you find yourself facing a DUI charge under any of the scenarios mentioned above, you can expect the prosecution and judges to take it very seriously. Felony charges always come with the potential for stricter treatment and penalties, especially in Hamilton County.
Prior DUI Conviction
If you have a previous DUI conviction within the past seven years, and you are charged with a second DUI, the offense becomes a Level 6 felony. Although Level 6 felonies are the lowest level felony charge possible, the potential penalties are still severe. Punishable by between six (6) months and two and a half (2 1/2) years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
Within Hamilton County, any felony charge is viewed as serious. It is vital to hire a reputable criminal defense attorney, especially when facing felony charges, as there is always a chance, depending on the circumstances, to get a felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor. Although there are certain disqualifiers, the attorneys at the Marc Lopez Law Firm are able to assess your unique situation to determine if you qualify to petition the court for a lesser sentence. Even if you do not qualify, our Hamilton County DUI attorneys are able to strategize your case, advocating for your rights and presenting a strong defense.
DUI With Serious Bodily Injury
The second most common circumstances which escalate DUI charges from a misdemeanor into a felony are those which involve serious bodily injury. Indiana Code § 9-30-5-4 defines these circumstances:
(a) A person who causes serious bodily injury to another person when operating a vehicle:
(1) with an alcohol concentration equivalent to at least eight-hundredths (0.08) gram of alcohol per:
(a) one hundred (100) milliliters of the person’s blood; or
(b) two hundred ten (210) liters of the person’s breath;
(2) with a controlled substance listed in schedule I or II of IC 35-48-2 or its metabolite in the person’s blood; or
(3) while intoxicated;
commits a Level 5 felony. However, the offense is a Level 4 felony if the person has a previous conviction of operating while intoxicated within the five (5) years preceding the commission of the offense.
(b) A person who violates subsection (a) commits a separate offense for each person whose serious bodily injury is caused by the violation of subsection (a).
Across all Indiana counties, a conviction for a Level 5 felony can carry a punishment of anywhere between one to six years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. The severity of the punishment increases with Level 4 felonies which can carry a penalty of between two to twelve years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
The attorneys at Marc Lopez Law Firm have helped many clients facing felony charges not only in Hamilton, but in the surrounding counties as well. If you or someone you know is facing a DUI in Hamilton County, regardless of whether the charges are filed as a misdemeanor or a felony, you need the Marc Lopez Law Firm. The attorneys understand the nuances and unique attributes of the Hamilton County courts.
“The lawyers at this firm are on top of their game! They have made me feel comfortable, kept in touch regularly, and been absolutely amazing getting things done with my situation. I would recommend them to anybody who needs legal counsel.” – Jay S
Implied Consent
Another important point to keep in mind is what is called “implied consent.” In Indiana, across all counties, including Hamilton County, anyone who operates a vehicle is considered to have agreed to chemical tests for intoxication. Indiana Code § 9-30-6-1 states:
“A person who operates a vehicle impliedly consents to submit to the chemical test provisions of this chapter as a condition of operating a vehicle in Indiana.”
What does this mean for those facing DUIs? Or even, simply driving on the road. In Indiana, Hamilton County included, if you are driving and are pulled over, by operating the vehicle you have already consented to submitting to a chemical test. There are two: (1) the breath test; and (2) a blood draw. If you are pulled over for a DUI and you refused either one, it is considered a refusal. Refusing a chemical test in Indiana subjects your license to an automatic one year suspension.
If you are reading this and thinking “but I did refuse a chemical test in Hamilton County,” know that not all hope is lost! The attorneys at the Marc Lopez Law Firm have represented clients in Hamilton County who have refused the chemical tests and have still been successful in helping those clients with a tailored defense.
Specialized Driving Privileges
One of the most common questions the attorneys at the Marc Lopez Law Firm receive from clients facing DUIs is, “can I still drive for work?” The answer is “maybe.” Driving for life’s necessities, including work, is possible with Specialized Driving Privileges (SDP). SDP can be granted in many cases and is helpful while your case is being decided. In recent years, Hamilton County has shown a willingness to grant specialized driving privileges under certain conditions. These privileges are crucial for maintaining life’s necessities, such as employment and family responsibilities, during the legal process. SDPs do not give you unlimited ability to drive anywhere, however, they can bring normalcy to necessary day to day driving activities.
With SDP, the process is much easier and stress free to initiate at your Hamilton County Initial Hearing. When this is the case, the criminal defense attorneys at the Marc Lopez Law Firm are able to file for SDP right away. Each county handles requests for SDPs a little differently as it is ultimately up to the discretion of the judge on whether or not to grant them. In Hamilton County, the attorneys at the Marc Lopez Law Firm have been successful in gaining SDPs for their clients in many cases.
Your Hamilton County Criminal Defense Attorneys
Through a deep understanding of Hamilton County’s unique legal environment and a commitment to our clients, The Marc Lopez Law Firm is your ally in facing DUI charges. With extensive knowledge of Indiana DUI and criminal defense law, coupled with our local insights, we are equipped to defend your rights and interests vigorously. Let us help you turn the page on this difficult chapter and move forward with your life.
Don’t Delay, Connect Today
Understanding your rights and options is the first step toward a successful defense. If you have questions or need to discuss your case, we encourage you to reach out. Our team is ready to provide the insights and guidance you need to navigate this challenging time with confidence.
Facing a DUI charge in Hamilton County, Indiana, requires prompt and skilled legal representation. The Marc Lopez Law Firm is here to guide you through the complexities of your DUI case. Our deep familiarity with the local legal landscape, combined with our commitment to our clients’ rights and outcomes, positions us as your ideal partner in this challenging time.
If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Hamilton County, Indiana, the time to act is now. With the county’s rigorous approach to DUI offenses, securing skilled legal representation is not just an option—it’s a necessity. Let the Marc Lopez Law Firm be your trusted partner, we are dedicated to ensuring you receive the support you need and committed to representing you with the best defense possible.
Don’t let a DUI charge in Hamilton County define your future. Call us today at 317-632-3642 and remember—always plead the 5th!