When should I hire an OWI attorney? This is one of the most common questions people ask after being arrested for drunk driving. The short answer: as soon as possible.

A criminal defense lawyer can investigate your arrest to determine if law enforcement made any procedural errors that may be used to fight the charges against you. Even if you failed the breath test, there might be a defense that works in your favor.

Read on to learn a few reasons why you should hire an OWI attorney right away if you are facing charges:

1. To Understand the Charges and Penalties You Are Facing

There are many different charges and penalties a person might face after being arrested for drunk driving. Certain aggravating factors, such as being arrested for OWI with a minor in the car, being arrested for OWI resulting in injury to another person, or having multiple convictions, can lead to harsher penalties. Your attorney can explain the laws related to your case so you have an idea of what to expect, which can significantly reduce stress and enable you to plan for all potential outcomes.

2. To Potentially Get the Charges Dismissed or Enter a Strategic Plea

If you hire an attorney before the arraignment (also known as the initial hearing), he or she will investigate your arrest to determine whether getting the case dismissed entirely is possible. If it’s not, your case will proceed to the initial hearing, where—depending on the circumstances—your lawyer may advise you to plead “not guilty.” This will provide you the opportunity to fight the charges later in court.

3. To Investigate Your Arrest

Failing a chemical test such as the certified breath test does not necessarily mean that you will be convicted. There are many defense strategies that apply to OWI cases. Some of these defenses aim to get the charges or penalties reduced; others aim to get the charges dismissed entirely. Your attorney will review the facts of your case during the initial consultation and they will investigate your arrest to identify potential defense strategies that apply to your case.

Discuss your case with an OWI lawyer in Lafayette.

If you are facing charges for OWI in Indiana, contact Ball Eggleston. Our Lafayette criminal defense attorneys know how to navigate even the most complicated criminal proceedings, and they have an extensive background defending clients who are facing all kinds of drunk driving charges.

When you hire a lawyer from our firm, you will have peace of mind knowing that we will not rest until we have achieved the best possible outcome for you. Call (765) 742-9046 or fill out our contact form to schedule a case evaluation.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

Ball Eggleston—a Lafayette, Indiana law firm—is located at 201 Main Street, Suite 810 P.O. Box 1535 Lafayette, IN 47902. Contact Ball Eggleston by phone at (765) 742-9046, by fax at (765) 742-1966, or by email at info@ball-law.com. For additional information, find Ball Eggleston online at www.ball-law.com.

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Disclaimer: The content of this blog is intended to be general and informational in nature. It is advertising material and is not intended to be, nor is it, legal advice to or for any particular person, case, or circumstance. Each situation is different, and you should consult an attorney if you have any questions about your situation.