Each year an astonishing number of people are arrested because they have been driving under the influence of alcohol. This is a serious offence and being arrested can have far reaching consequences for the person arrested as well as his family. However, anybody that gets arrested enjoys certain basic rights, including the right to remain silent. The best thing to do in such circumstances is to immediately obtain the services of an Indiana OWI lawyer.
The term Operating While Intoxicated is similar to DUI, Driving Under the Influence. The main difference that in the case of the former, an arrest can be made for operating any machinery while being drunk. This includes forklifts, tractors and other industrial equipment. Attorneys that specialize in these cases will normally take on both types. Many attorneys work only on this type of case.
Many people view this type of arrest as a minor offence that can and probably will happen to anybody. The fact is that driving under the influence is a very serious offence. The accused endangers himself and other road users. The consequences may include the suspension of the driving license, hefty fines and in certain cases even jail sentences. The vehicle of the offender may even be confiscated.
DUI attorneys deal with drunken driving cases every day. Most of these specialist attorneys focus only upon this type of cases. One of their biggest headaches is clients that make statements and even confess their guilt to the police. The best course of action for the accused is to stay quiet and to wait for instructions from his attorney, which must be followed precisely.
It is equally important to cooperate with the police. Many drunken people become aggressive and abusive when arrested. This is a big mistake and can lead to further charges. Law enforcement officers do not like to deal with troublesome individuals and they are likely to take a dim view on aggressive offenders. If full cooperation and courtesy is offered from the very beginning the arresting officers may be more lenient and the offender may not even be locked up in cells with other prisoners.
When the attorney takes on the case his first step will be to try and arrange bail. This is often difficult because so many arrests are made after working hours. If bail is granted it will have to be paid in cash before the offender is released. If no cash is available the attorney will be able to make arrangements with a bail bondsman.
In many cases DUI attorneys are able to arrange plea agreements with the prosecutor. The accused will increase his chances if he admits his guilt, show genuine remorse and undertake to undergo some form of rehabilitation. Settling the matter out of court is infinitely preferable to an expensive and humiliating court case. Of course, if the accused is genuinely innocent the matter should be contested.
Driving while drunk is a stupid thing to do. It can lead to loss of life, damage to property and the loss of reputation and career. However, if arrested for drunken driving, the only option is to hire the services of an attorney specializing in these cases.
When you want to hire a qualified Indiana OWI Lawyer you should turn to the internet for help. One of the best online sources is right here at http://www.grinerlaw.com.