Fishers DUI Leaving the Scene Attorney
It is illegal for a driver to leave the scene of a car accident without following the proper procedures, and doing so can result in misdemeanor or felony charges. If the driver was also driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, charges can be compounded. If you have been charged with DUI leaving the scene, you need strong legal representation. Reach out to a Fishers DUI leaving the scene lawyer to secure your defense today.
Trust Baldwin Perry & Wiley, P.C. – The Criminal Defense Team
Tough charges require even tougher attorneys, and at The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C., we are ready to rise to any challenge. We are proud to say that our team includes five of Indiana’s six Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialists. Attorneys can earn this certification from the National Board of Trial Advocacy by passing an in-depth written test, building hands-on trial experience, and receiving positive recommendations from peers and judges.
At our firm, our clients also benefit from the insights of a former prosecutor. One of our attorneys has extensive experience prosecuting major felony and murder cases, which gives us a unique perspective on how prosecutors may handle trials and how to respond to their efforts.
We are aware that legal emergencies are not limited to normal working hours. Therefore, we provide around-the-clock support to our clients by providing an on-call lawyer at all hours of the day and night. NO matter when you need us, we are there for you.
DUI Laws in Indiana
Driving and intoxication do not mix, and attempting to operate a vehicle while impaired can have deadly consequences. In 2024, there were 11,094 fatalities on American roadways attributed to drunk driving. Driving a car while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal in every state, and each state has its own laws regarding that offense. In Indiana, a driver can be charged with DUI if they have a blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, of 0.08% or higher.
Most DUI situations in Indiana are charged as misdemeanors, either Class C or Class A, depending on whether the driver endangered anyone else and how high the BAC was. It is important to note that DUI also applies to drugs. The presence of a Schedule I or II substance in a driver’s system can support a DUI charge.
DUI and Leaving the Scene
Leaving the scene of an accident without following the proper steps to render aid to others, exchange information, and report the accident is a crime in Indiana. If the crash did not result in injuries, leaving the scene is a Class B misdemeanor. If someone is injured, leaving the scene becomes a Class A misdemeanor. In crashes with more serious injuries, catastrophic injuries, or death, leaving the scene is a felony.
If a person is intoxicated and leaves the scene of an accident with no injuries, they might be charged with two separate misdemeanors. However, if a DUI crash causes catastrophic injury or death and the driver flees the scene, they could be charged with a Level 3 felony.
In Indiana, Level 3 felonies are very serious and punishable by three to 16 years in prison. A conviction may also result in a fine of up to $10,000, as well as the lifelong consequences of having a felony on your criminal record.
Hire a DUI Leaving the Scene Lawyer
If you think you may be charged with leaving the scene of a DUI crash, or if you have already had formal charges filed against you, it is time to hire a DUI leaving the scene lawyer to help you defend yourself.
Prosecutors and law enforcement officers are legally required to follow procedural rules for the collection and submission of evidence in criminal cases. Occasionally, mistakes are made that violate an accused person’s constitutional rights. An experienced defense attorney can recognize when these procedural errors happen and challenge them, sometimes even resulting in dropped charges in Fishers.
FAQs
Can I Be Charged for Both DUI and Leaving the Scene of an Accident?
Yes, you can be charged with both DUI and leaving the scene of an accident associated with the same event. In fact, there is no limit to the number of individual charges that can be associated with a single event, if separate offenses contributed to it. For example, if the car accident also involved excessive speeding, a driver could also be charged with reckless driving.
How Much Does a DUI Leaving the Scene Lawyer Cost in Fishers?
If you need a lawyer to defend you against charges for leaving the scene of a DUI crash in Fishers, the total cost can vary widely depending on a few factors, including the complexity of the case and the length of time it takes for criminal proceedings to conclude. Attorneys usually set their own hourly fees and retainer requirements.
What if I Was Not Intoxicated at the Time of the Accident?
If you believe you were not intoxicated at the time of the accident in question, but you have been charged with DUI leaving the scene, you can challenge the DUI allegation in court with the help of your attorney. You may still face consequences for leaving the scene of an accident, but you may be able to get your DUI charges dropped if you can successfully challenge the evidence.
Can Two Prison Sentences Be Served at the Same Time?
Yes, it is legal for two prison sentences to be served concurrently, or at the same time. If a person receives more than one prison sentence for multiple offenses, the judge in their case can decide whether to have the sentences run concurrently or consecutively. Judges may consider the convicted person’s prior criminal record and whether or not they have taken responsibility for their offenses.
Contact A Fishers DUI Leaving the Scene Lawyer At The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C.
When you face criminal charges that threaten your future, you need a defense attorney with the confidence and knowledge to defend you effectively. At The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C., our Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialists have what it takes to stand up for you. Contact us to discuss your needs and find out how we can help.
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.