Criminal charges often involve serious consequences, such as jail sentences, and/or fines, loss of driving privileges, probation, and deportation if you are not a United States citizen.
However, the law recognizes certain defenses which may result in your charges being dismissed. Other alternatives may allow your case to be plea bargained, so that the penalties can be reduced. There may also be diversionary programs available which allow charges to be dismissed if you are a first time offender.
By negotiating with opposing parties when appropriate, we help our clients avoid time-consuming and costly litigation. However, if we deem a more aggressive approach is in our client’s best interest, we have a track record of successfully defending clients before the state and federal courts.
OPERATING WHILE INTOXICATED (OWI)
The legal limit in Indiana is .08% Blood Alcohol Content. If you are arrested for an OWI, you may be requested to take a breathalyzer test. Refusal to take the breathalyzer test will result in an automatic one year suspension of your driver’s license. However, you should respectfully decline to answer questions and to perform any dexterity tests unless you are certain that you can test under the legal .08% limit.
HABITUAL TRAFFIC VIOLATOR
When you have any three convictions of Operating Under the Influence, Reckless Driving or any serious traffic offense accumulated within a ten year time period, this could result in a determination by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles that you are an Habitual Traffic Violator and a ten (10) year license suspension. In certain instances, after five years of the suspension, a restricted license may be issued.
MAJOR OFFENSES
Police agencies often seek a person’s cooperation and assistance while investigating major crimes. If you believe you are a suspect or might become a suspect, it is appropriate to cooperate with the police agency, but only after you have conferred with legal counsel. You should never talk to a police agency unless you have first talked with an attorney.
Juvenile Law
Juvenile Law is one of our practice areas.
Ronald Chapman concentrates his practice in the fields of criminal law,personal injury law and litigation. He has a track record of successfully defending clients before state and federal courts, representing clients in cases ofoperating while intoxicated, habitual traffic violations, and all felonies andmisdemeanors. He also represents IU students in disciplinary actions involving Indiana University.
