DUI/OWI Attorney in Hamilton County
Charged With Drunk Driving & Unsure What Comes Next? Call Massillamany Jeter & Carson LLP
A DUI, officially known as Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) in Indiana, can affect your license, your job, your finances, and your reputation. The process can feel confusing, especially if you have never been in a courtroom before. You may be worried about jail, losing your license, and how this will follow you in the future.
At Massillamany Jeter & Carson LLP, we help people facing DUI/OWI and related alcohol offenses in this area understand what they are really up against and what can be done about it. Our goal is to give you clear information, steady guidance, and a plan that fits your situation, not a one-size approach.
Our criminal defense team draws on more than 150 years of combined legal experience in Indiana courts. We work to protect your rights at every stage, from the first hearing through potential resolution, so you are not facing the Hamilton County criminal justice system alone.
Contact Massillamany Jeter & Carson LLP to discuss your case with a dedicated DUI/OWI attorney in Hamilton County. With our free consultations, you can get professional legal advice on how to challenge breathalyzer results and protect your future. Call (317) 434-1490 or contact us through our contact form to take control of your defense.
Understanding DUI/OWI Laws in Indiana
In Indiana, "DUI" and "OWI" are used interchangeably to describe the offense of operating a vehicle while impaired. Under Indiana Code § 9-30-5, the state defines several tiers of intoxication and endangerment, each carrying different legal weights. It is vital to distinguish between these charges to understand the specific fight ahead of you.
- Class C Misdemeanor OWI: This is the baseline charge for a first-time offender with a BAC between 0.08% and 0.14%. While it is the lowest tier of OWI, it still carries the potential for jail time and a mandatory license suspension.
- Class A Misdemeanor OWI: The charge is elevated to Class A if your BAC is 0.15% or higher, or if you operated a vehicle in a manner that endangered a person. "Endangerment" is a broad term that Hamilton County prosecutors often apply to any instance of swerving, speeding, or disregarding traffic signals while intoxicated.
- Level 6 Felony OWI: An OWI becomes a felony if you have a prior conviction within the last seven years, or if you are over 21 and had a passenger under the age of 18 in the vehicle at the time of the offense.
- Serious Bodily Injury or Death (Level 5 & Level 4 Felonies): If an accident occurs involving intoxication that results in injury or a fatality, the charges become severe felonies with multi-year prison sentences.
As your Hamilton County DUI/OWI defense lawyer, we analyze the specific statutes cited in your charging information to build a defense that targets the prosecution’s specific legal theory.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of OWI Convictions in Hamilton County
The consequences of an OWI conviction in Indiana extend far beyond the courtroom. A DUI/OWI attorney in Hamilton County can help you navigate both the criminal penalties and the administrative fallout.
- Class C Misdemeanor OWI: Up to 60 days in jail; maximum $500 fine; license suspension ranging from 90 days to 2 years.
- Class A Misdemeanor OWI: Up to 1 year in jail; maximum $5,000 fine; license suspension ranging from 180 days to 2 years.
- Level 6 Felony OWI: 6 months to 2.5 years in prison; maximum $10,000 fine; license suspension ranging from 1 year to 10 years.
Collateral consequences:
- Specialized Driving Privileges: A conviction often triggers a "hard" suspension, but we frequently petition for Specialized Driving Privileges (SDP), which allow you to drive for work, medical needs, or childcare.
- Employment and Professional Licensing: Many employers, particularly in the healthcare, legal, and transportation industries, have zero-tolerance policies for OWI convictions.
- Insurance Premiums: You can expect a significant increase in auto insurance rates, and you will likely be required to file an SR-22 form with the BMV for several years.
- Permanent Record: Unlike some minor traffic tickets, an OWI is a criminal conviction that will show up on every background check unless it is later expunged—a process we also handle for our clients.
Work With People Who Care
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A Personalized, Team-Oriented Approach
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200+ Years' Combined Experience
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We Are Active Members of Our Community
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We Treat Every Case Individually
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Initial Consultations Are Always FREE!
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They are very educated on what they do and go above and beyond for their clients. If you ever need, they are the team to call!- Chelsea B.
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Mario is absolutely amazing. He is responsive and always at the ready for help. I have relied on him for over two years and his advice is spot on.- Former Client
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He was thorough, prepared, and fought hard to make sure my voice was heard. If you’re looking for a lawyer who is knowledgeable, dependable, and truly in your corner, I highly recommend Mario.- Former Client
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Finding a good lawyer is hard. Finding one you can actually trust is even harder. Mario is both. He was honest with me about what to expect, didn’t sugarcoat things, and stayed consistent the whole way through.- Jalen
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From the very beginning, everything was clearly explained, which helped ease a very stressful process. Communication was consistent, professional, and reassuring, and we always felt well represented and informed.- Regina W.
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I’m truly grateful for all the support and professionalism Danielle has shown throughout my case. She was always attentive, understanding, and went above and beyond to protect my interests.- Nancy G.
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Mr. Massillamany is the absolute best and kindest lawyer ever. I can go on and on about Mr. Massillamany and his firm but there just aren’t enough words to express how he made me feel confident and comfortable in an uncomfortable situation.- Seth B.
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Chris Jeter and his team stand by my side to help guide me in the right direction. His knowledge of small business protected me in areas I didn't even know existed.- Kelley R.
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I had a fairly simple need but was very happy with the work and would use them again for any other legal work I need in the future.- Former Client
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I worked with Danielle Merlo on a Family Law matter in 2024. It was a complex case which Danielle handed incredibly well. I felt supported and well advised as we navigated a several month case.- Danielle M.