Fishers DUI Causing Death Attorney
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is always a dangerous mistake, and sometimes it ends in tragedy. Being charged with DUI causing the death of another person can have profound negative effects on a person’s life, even before a conviction. If you are facing this serious charge, reach out to an experienced Fishers DUI causing death lawyer to get the legal representation you need.
The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C. – The Team You Can Trust
Not all attorneys are equal. When it comes to defending yourself against serious criminal charges, you need an attorney with deep knowledge of the criminal justice system and extensive trial experience in your corner. At The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C., we have five of Indiana’s six Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialists on our team, as well as a former prosecutor with experience trying major felony and murder cases.
Because of our depth of knowledge when it comes to criminal trials and our unique insight into how prosecutors operate, we can help our clients by anticipating what prosecutors might do in a trial. This allows us to stay one step ahead and more effectively defend the people we serve.
When our clients choose to work with us, they also get the peace of mind that comes with knowing we are available when they need help. Legal emergencies happen, and often outside of regular working hours. In anticipation of this, we have an attorney on call around the clock to help our clients handle unexpected situations, no matter what time of the day or night they arise.
Indiana DUI Laws
Driving under the influence, or DUI, is a significant problem across the United States. Around 32 people are killed in crashes involving drunk drivers every day in America. Of course, driving under the influence applies to both alcohol and drugs. In Indiana, a person can be charged with DUI if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds 0.08% or if a Schedule I or II controlled substance is detected in their system.
DUI is always considered a crime, but the severity of the charge depends on the circumstances of the offense. For example, if someone is pulled over and found to be intoxicated based on a breathalyzer or field sobriety test, but their BAC is between 0.08% and 0.15%, and they didn’t cause an accident, that person is likely to be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. Higher BAC numbers or endangering another person can upgrade charges to a Class A misdemeanor.
DUI Causing Death in Indiana
When a DUI incident results in the death of another person, charges are much more serious. A person who causes a fatal crash because they were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be charged with a Level 4 felony, and may also be charged with involuntary manslaughter, which is a Level 5 felony.
Both of these charges can result in serious prison time if a person is convicted. Level 4 felonies carry sentences lasting between two and 12 years, and Level 5 felonies can result in sentences of one to six years. In addition, a judge could impose a fine of $10,000 for each felony.
Why You Should Hire a DUI Causing Death Lawyer
If you are facing such serious charges as DUI causing death, you should not attempt to handle your legal representation on your own. Because of the possibility of life-altering impacts if you are convicted, you should hire a DUI causing death lawyer to attend to your case at your earliest opportunity.
An experienced attorney can help you by explaining your charges and your legal position, gathering evidence to support your defense, and watching for any violation of your constitutional rights coming from law enforcement or the prosecution. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors must follow procedural rules in order for evidence to be admissible in court. A seasoned attorney can be vigilant against any violations and challenge evidence.
FAQs
Can Two Prison Sentences Run at the Same Time in Indiana?
Yes. If you are convicted of multiple offenses and receive multiple prison sentences, it is possible for them to run concurrently, meaning at the same time. Alternatively, the sentences may run consecutively, meaning one ends and the other begins. Whether sentences run concurrently or consecutively is up to the discretion of the judge in your case.
How Much Does a DUI Causing Death Lawyer Cost in Fishers?
No matter where you look, whether it is in Fishers, Westfield, or somewhere else, it is likely that there is a wide range of costs associated with criminal defense lawyers. The cost of your DUI causing death lawyer can depend on the complexity of your case, the length of time it takes to resolve it, and your lawyer’s individual fee structure.
What Court Handles Felony Cases in Indiana?
In Indiana, felony cases can be handled by the Indiana Circuit Courts or the Indiana Superior Courts, depending on the county, the nature of the offense, and the caseload each court has at the time of the intended trial. Most criminal court proceedings take place wherever the alleged crime occurred, so for DUI causing death in Fishers, the case would most likely be handled by the Hamilton County Superior Court.
What if I Was Not Intoxicated?
If you have been charged with DUI causing death, but you do not believe you were intoxicated at the time of the incident, your defense attorney may be able to help you challenge that fact in court. Field sobriety tests are subjective, and sometimes lab tests return false positive results. Your lawyer can help you argue against the allegation in court based on evidence.
Contact A Fishers DUI Causing Death Lawyer At Defense Lawyer Today
If you have been charged with DUI causing death in Fishers, Indiana, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you defend your future and protect your constitutional rights. At The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C., we have Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialists who are ready to assist you. Contact us today to discuss your case.
Disclaimer: *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.