The Defense Never Rests

Indiana police crackdown on DUIs this fall

On Behalf of | Aug 9, 2016 | Criminal Law, Drunk Driving

Indiana law enforcement officers are cracking down on drunk driving. Agencies throughout the state are taking part in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative.

What is the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative? This initiative is a national mobilization effort that goes into effect August 17 and is scheduled to run through September 5th of 2016. It results in increased police officer presence on the nation’s roadways. These officers are present with the sole purpose of pulling over those suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Agencies that participate get grant money to fund extra enforcement efforts.

What does this mean in Indiana? In Indiana, it will mean more officers on the road. Authorities are also considering increasing use of drunk driving checkpoints. A recent publication by the LaFayette Journal & Courier discussed the state agencies participation, noting the head of West Lafayette Police Department’s patrol division states these checkpoints are designed to let people know that the police “mean business on DUI patrol,” and that the police will “do what’s necessary.”

Counties in Indiana received grant money to aid involvement in this effort. Each agency in Tippecanoe County, for example, received approximately $15,000 in funding. That translates to enough money to cover 100 additional hours of overtime pay.

What should I do if I get charged with drunk driving in Indiana? Those who are targeted during this campaign should know that they are not alone. Although there are many others facing these charges, it is important to take the charges seriously. If the charges become a conviction, serious penalties can result. These penalties can include suspension of your driver’s license, a hefty monetary fine and even imprisonment.

Are there defenses to a DUI charge? A DUI charge does not automatically result in a conviction. Defenses are available that lead to a reduction or even dismissal of the charges you may face.

As a result, it is wise to seek the counsel of an experienced OWI/DUI attorney. This legal professional will review the details of your case, including the reasons behind the stop, a careful review of the evidence gathered during the stop and whether or not your constitutional rights were violated. Through this analysis, your lawyer can build a defense that will better ensure your rights are protected.

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