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Being charged with an OWI, DUI, or OVWI in Boone County can feel overwhelming. Most people have never been through the criminal justice system before, and the uncertainty can be just as stressful as the arrest itself. Understanding the process is the first step toward protecting yourself and making informed decisions about your case.
Below is a clear, step-by-step explanation of how an OVWI case typically moves through Boone County, and why hiring the right criminal defense attorney early can make a real difference.
Every drunk driving case starts with a stop. A law enforcement officer pulls you over and begins an investigation to determine whether they believe you are impaired.
This investigation may include:
If the officer believes there is probable cause, you will be arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVWI), also commonly referred to as OWI or DUI.
After the arrest, you will be taken to jail and booked. How long you remain in custody varies. Some people are released the next morning. Others may spend multiple nights in jail depending on the circumstances, bond, and jail policies.
Release may happen through:
Even if you are released quickly, the case is far from over.
In many Boone County OWI cases, charges are filed quickly, sometimes within a day or two. In other situations, prosecutors may wait for blood test results before filing.
It is important to understand this point:
Just because you were arrested and not immediately charged does not mean the case is going away.
Prosecutors can and often do file charges later once evidence is complete.
Once charges are filed, you will attend an initial hearing. This is not a trial. It is a procedural step where the judge:
This hearing sets the foundation for the rest of your criminal defense case.
In most OWI and DUI cases, your driver’s license will be suspended at the initial hearing. The type of suspension depends on factors such as whether you refused a chemical test or submitted to one.
This is where hiring a criminal defense attorney early is critical. An experienced OWI lawyer may be able to:
Without proper guidance, many people lose their ability to drive longer than necessary.
After the initial hearing, your case moves into pretrial conferences. This is where real defense work happens.
Your attorney will examine:
Some cases are strong trial cases due to mistakes by law enforcement. Others may be better resolved through negotiation, depending on the evidence and the client’s goals.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. A good criminal defense attorney explains your options clearly and helps you choose the strategy that puts you in the best position.
Every county handles OWI and DUI cases differently. Boone County has its own procedures, programs, and sentencing considerations.
An attorney who regularly practices in Boone County understands:
This local knowledge can have a direct impact on the outcome of your case.
OWI and DUI cases move quickly, and early mistakes can follow you for years. Having a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney from the start can help protect your rights, your license, and your future.
At Marc Lopez Law Firm, we focus on clear communication, aggressive defense strategies, and guiding clients through every step of the process.
If you have been charged with an OWI, DUI, or OVWI in Boone County, Indiana, do not face the system alone. The sooner you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney, the more options you may have.
Call the Marc Lopez Law Firm today at 463-288-6270 to schedule a consultation.
We will walk you through the process, explain your options, and fight to protect your future.
And remember: always plead the Fifth.