Compassionately Aggressive
And Always On Your Side.

First-Time OWI Defense Attorney In Hamilton County

A first OWI arrest can make everything feel like it is closing in at once. Your job, your license and your future can all feel uncertain. At Shircliff Law LLC, I bring 30 years of criminal defense experience to every case and give you an honest picture of where you stand from the very first call.

What Happens After A First OWI Arrest In Indiana?

A first OWI arrest triggers a fast-moving legal process. Here is what to expect:

Arrest and booking: Officers take you into custody
Chemical testing: Officers require a breath or blood test under implied consent law
License suspension: The state can suspend your license if you fail or refuse testing
Initial hearing: A judge reviews charges and sets release conditions
Arraignment: You enter a formal plea before the court
Pretrial phase: Your attorney reviews evidence and prepares your defense

Acting early keeps your options open.

Will I Lose My License After A First OWI?

In Indiana, administrative license suspension automatically follows a chemical test failure or refusal. However, I retain the right to challenge this suspension and petition for specialized driving privileges (SDP) to maintain employment and manage daily necessities. Acting quickly gives you more options.

Should You Take Field Sobriety Tests?

No. You can refuse field sobriety tests in Indiana without direct penalty. However, officers use these tests to gather evidence against you and the results are highly subjective. If you already took one, I can challenge how the officer administered it.

Building A Defense After A First OWI Arrest

A first OWI charge does not guarantee a conviction. Common defenses in first-time OWI cases include:

Unlawful traffic stop
Faulty breathalyzer calibration
Improper field sobriety test administration
Rising blood alcohol defense
Inaccurate blood test results
Lack of probable cause

I know how to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case before trial. With 30 years in criminal defense, 180 jury trials and my time as a public defender, I understand exactly how the state builds its OWI cases. Having the right attorney in your corner from the start can change the direction of your case, and that is what I am here to do.

Talk To An Indiana First-Time OWI Defense Attorney

You deserve answers, not uncertainty. At Shircliff Law LLC, I answer my own calls and offer free consultations because you deserve to speak with your attorney from day one. Call the firm at 317-516-6487 or reach out online.