Being charged with an Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) offense in Indiana is a serious matter that can have long-lasting consequences on your life, your freedom, and your ability to drive. If you or someone you know is facing an OWI charge, one of the most critical steps you can take is to hire an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The legal process moves quickly , and the decisions made in the early stages of your case can greatly impact its outcome. At Houston, Thompson, and Lewis, PC, we understand the urgency and complexity that comes with OWI cases. Here’s why timing is crucial and why having experienced legal counsel by your side is essential. Serious Consequences of an OWI Conviction An OWI conviction in Indiana can lead to significant penalties, including: Jail time Hefty fines Suspension of your driver’s license Installation of an ignition interlock device A permanent criminal record Increased insurance premiums Employment difficulties These penalties can vary depending on the severity of the offense, whether there are prior convictions, and if there were any aggravating factors like high blood alcohol content (BAC), accidents, or injuries. The moment you are charged, the clock starts ticking, and it’s vital to take swift action. Timing Is Everything: Requesting Specialized Driving Privileges One of the immediate consequences of an OWI arrest is the suspension of your driver’s license. This can create a significant burden on your daily life, making it difficult to get to work, care for your family, or attend important appointments. In Indiana, however, you may be eligible for Specialized Driving Privileges (SDP), which allow you to drive under certain conditions even while your license is suspended. The key to securing Specialized Driving Privileges is timing. The request for SDP is typically made during your initial hearing. If you wait too long to seek legal assistance, you could miss the window to request these privileges and be left without a means of driving legally. An experienced attorney will: Advise you on your eligibility for SDP Prepare and file the necessary paperwork promptly Advocate for you at the initial hearing to secure these privileges Without proper legal guidance, you may not fully understand the process or be aware of how important it is to act quickly. Missing the chance to request SDP at the right time can leave you without a valid license for an extended period. How an Experienced Attorney Helps from the Start From the moment you’re arrested for an OWI, law enforcement and the prosecutor begin building their case against you. Having an attorney early in the process ensures that your rights are protected and that your defense is as strong as possible. An experienced OWI attorney will: Review the evidence against you, including police reports, breathalyzer results, and body camera footage Identify any errors in procedure or violations of your rights that could result in a dismissal or reduction of charges Guide you through the complexities of Indiana’s OWI laws, including the best strategy for minimizing penalties Ensure that you meet all critical deadlines, such as requesting Specialized Driving Privileges at the appropriate time Don’t Delay – Contact Houston, Thompson, and Lewis, PC Today! If you’ve been charged with an OWI, time is of the essence. The sooner you engage an experienced attorney, the better your chances of protecting your rights and minimizing the potential consequences. At Houston, Thompson, and Lewis, PC, we have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process, fight for your rights, and seek the best possible outcome. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact our office today for a consultation and let us start working on your defense immediately. Disclaimer: This is an advertisement. The information provided on this website/post does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing or responding to this material. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Every case is different, and the outcome of any case depends on the specific facts and circumstances involved.