You thought you were in the clear. Maybe it was a Thanksgiving cocktail too many, or you were pulled over leaving the office Christmas party. Now, you’re facing an OWI charge in Indiana during the most critical time of the year. Let's be direct: the holiday season—from Thanksgiving through New Year's—is when Indiana law enforcement is relentless. There are more patrols, more checkpoints, and zero tolerance.
You can’t rewind the clock, but you can control what happens next. A conviction will gut your life: jail time, massive fines, a license suspension that cripples your work and family obligations, and an astronomical hike in insurance. This is not a time for hesitation or hopeful thinking. It's time for an aggressive defense.
First and Foremost: Shut Down
The single most critical mistake people make is talking themselves into a conviction.
You Have the Right to Remain Silent. Use It. After providing your ID, registration, and insurance, stop talking. Do not explain where you were, how much you drank, or why you're being pulled over. Anything you say will be used against you. Politely but firmly state that you wish to have an attorney present before answering any questions.
The Field Sobriety Tests Are Not Mandatory. The walk-and-turn, the one-leg stand, the eye test—these are designed for you to fail. They are voluntary. Refuse them. Your license can be suspended for refusing the chemical test (breathalyzer or blood test) after arrest, but not for refusing the roadside field tests.
Document Everything. As soon as you are released, write down every detail: the time of the stop, the location, the officer’s name, everything they said, and everything you said. This raw, immediate data is a weapon for your defense attorney. Do not wait.
The BMV Is Already Moving Against You
You are now fighting two separate battles: the criminal case in court and the administrative case with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
The clock is ticking. Refusing or failing the chemical test triggers an immediate administrative license suspension. If you failed the test, you have a short window to fight for restricted driving privileges—Specialized Driving Privileges (SDP)—which can be the difference between keeping your job and losing it. Do not let this deadline pass. You need a lawyer to manage the administrative assault while building your criminal defense.
Stop Thinking "First Offense, It’ll Be Fine"
This isn't a parking ticket. Even a first-time OWI in Indiana is a Class C or Class A misdemeanor, which can carry jail time, a license suspension up to a year, and heavy fines. The consequences are life-altering.
Don't let the holiday stress, the court’s slow schedule, or the confusion of the process lull you into inaction. While everyone else is focused on Christmas break, you need to be focused on your defense. Police and prosecutors are not taking a vacation from their jobs, and neither should your legal team.
Your Only Play: Talk to a Fishers OWI/DUI Defense Attorne
You were relentless in your holiday planning. Now, be relentless in your defense. Don't call a lawyer who dabbles in OWI defense; call the firm that makes this their battlefield. Shircliff Law LLC is here.
At Shircliff Law LLC, we've helped defend clients in some of the toughest DUI cases in Indiana. This means if you are an Indiana resident arrested for an OWI, your first and only decisive move should be to call us. We are ready to move. Don't wait until the New Year; the fight starts today.
Call us at (317) 936-3404 now!
