Carmel Child Solicitation Attorney
Getting arrested for DUI and accused of leaving the scene is terrifying. You might be scared, embarrassed, and confused about what comes next. Questions about your driver’s license, job, and even jail are likely swirling through your mind. A Carmel DUI leaving the scene lawyer can get involved right away, safeguard your rights, and start working on an aggressive defense strategy tailored to reduce consequences and protect your future.
About The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C.
The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C. serves clients throughout Hamilton County and the surrounding areas. Five of our attorneys are Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists, and there are only six such specialists in the entire state of Indiana. When it comes to heart surgery, you don’t want just any doctor operating on you. You want the greatest. You hire a specialist. Think of your freedom and reputation the same way.
Collectively, we bring over 100 years of experience to each case we take on. Every case is assigned two attorneys and a paralegal who dives into the evidence. We regularly review hours of body camera footage, download phone records, and analyze complicated evidence.
We staff a 24/7 on-call rotation of lawyers so you can always talk to an actual attorney when you need us. We are selective about the number of cases we accept to provide a high-touch experience for each client.
Understanding Carmel DUI Leaving the Scene Laws
Indiana DUI and leaving-the-scene statutes are straightforward on their own. If you’re facing both of those charges, the situation becomes significantly more complex. DUI is covered under Indiana Code 9-30-5. Simply put, a person can be charged with a DUI if they drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher or if they are intoxicated by alcohol or drugs to the extent that they endanger another person.
Indiana Code 9-26-1-1.1 and related sections describe when and how a person must stop after an accident. If a driver crashes into something that causes injury to a person, death, or property damage, they are required to stop and exchange information with the other driver and/or render reasonable assistance. If they fail to do so, they can be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony offense.
Charges under both statutes are often charged together. Prosecutors can argue that your drunk or drugged state caused the crash, and leaving the scene demonstrated consciousness of guilt. Left unchecked, that story can be very persuasive to a jury.
What Prosecutors Must Prove
In 2023, 227 people were killed in alcohol-related road accidents in Indiana, including 28 under-21-year-old drunk drivers. In Indiana, alcohol or drug impairment accounted for 28% of all private motorists involved in fatal incidents. In 2023, 1481 incidents of drunk driving resulted in arrests in Hamilton County.
Every element of a Carmel DUI leaving the scene charge must be proven by the state beyond a reasonable doubt. These elements include:
- You were driving or operating a vehicle
- You were intoxicated by the legal definition
- An accident took place
- You knowingly left the scene without fulfilling your legal obligations
We assign attorneys to DUI cases rather than have one attorney handle every aspect of a case. One attorney might focus on motions to suppress evidence and constitutional issues, while another might focus on forensics or trial preparation. By working this way, we can fully investigate every single detail.
DUI Leaving the Scene Penalties
Penalties vary based on the circumstances. First-time DUI without enhancement can be charged as a Class C misdemeanor. With enhancements like endangerment, previous convictions, or high BAC, it can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor or even a felony. Leaving the scene with only property damage typically results in a misdemeanor. However, accidents with injury or death can become serious felonies. Penalties include:
- Incarceration (jail or prison)
- Thousands of dollars in fines
- Driver’s license suspension
- Court-mandated substance abuse counseling
- Probation
- Ignition interlock device
Consequences of a conviction extend beyond legal penalties. Professional licenses, employment, and insurance rates can be affected. A conviction can cause irreparable harm to your reputation. Business owners, doctors, nurses, counselors, and contractors face even greater risks to their licenses and reputation.
When to Hire a DUI Leaving the Scene Lawyer
You may be wondering whether you need to hire a DUI leaving-the-scene lawyer. The truth is, everything you say and do matters, and it is of utmost importance to have legal assistance from a DUI leaving the scene attorney to advocate on your behalf. What you say to the cops, what you put online, and even chats with pals can be used against you down the road.
By hiring a DUI leaving-the-scene lawyer from the beginning, you allow someone experienced to handle all communication with law enforcement and prosecutors. Your lawyer can also review your rights and make sure that the police do not coerce you into giving them up. An attorney can also intervene on your behalf, if necessary. The right lawyer can help protect your future with proactive, thoughtful advocacy.
While Carmel is technically in Hamilton County, most criminal cases are heard at the Hamilton County Judicial Center in Noblesville. The address is 1 Hamilton County Square, Noblesville, IN 46060. If you decide to work with our office, we can help you navigate the court procedures for the Hamilton County court system.
Contact The Criminal Defense Team Today
No one wants to be arrested for DUI, let alone DUI leaving the scene. You could lose your freedom, your license, and even your reputation if convicted.
You do not want to leave your fate in the hands of just anybody. When you need a DUI defense lawyer in Carmel, call The Criminal Defense Team. Our team, including five Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists in Indiana, has experience in nearly every conceivable scenario. Given the potential severity of the situation, retaining skilled legal professionals to manage your defense is a sound strategy.
Should a legal issue arise, or if you’re arrested, we’re available to speak with you anytime, day or night. Our attorneys work on a 24/7 lawyer-on-call schedule. When you need legal advice or representation, we’ll be there. Contact The Criminal Defense Team today. Protect your rights and your future by scheduling your confidential consultation.
*Andrew Baldwin, Kathie Perry, Maxwell Wiley, Kelly Pyle, and Michael C. Cunningham are Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists, as certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Find out why having a Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialist as your defense lawyer is important here.