South Bend IN DUI Attorneys | South Bend, IN DWI Lawyers | St. Joseph County, Indiana DWI Law Firms

Arrested for DWI or DUI? South Bend, Indiana DWI Attorneys Can Help
 

Looking for an experienced South Bend DWI Attorney? If you or someone you know has been arrested for driving while intoxicated or under the influence, you have rights under the law. Consequences of violating the laws for DUI can be severe, especially if you do not have an attorney. If you would like a free initial consultation, you can fill out the form on the left and an experienced South Bend DUI attorney will contact you shortly. By working with an attorney you may be able to negotiate better terms or have the charges against you dropped.
 

You cannot afford not to hire a local South Bend DUI lawyer. A guilty plea will potentially cost you your freedom (jail time), your finances (thousands in fines by the government), and unbelievably high insurance rates (mandatory SR22 Insurance).
 

Do not plead guilty before meeting with an experienced South Bend DUI lawyer
 

If you plead guilty, you automatically agree to have a criminal record. You are also subject to pay a fine and/or go to jail, or both. You also forfeit your rights to defend yourself. Pleading guilty doesn’t make any sense if you can avoid the charges against you or face a lesser charge. Even if you believe the odds are stacked against you: a failed breathalyzer test, a failed blood test, or a failed field sobriety test, your South Bend DUI attorney can, in many cases, challenge the sufficiency of these test results in open court. Often, a skilled attorney can discover that the test was administered illegally or inadequately in appropriate circumstances.
 

Benefit from the experience of a local South Bend DUI attorney
 

If you have researched the penalties for a drunk driving conviction in Indiana, you must feel overwhelmed at this point. It is quite natural to feel uneasy. DUI or DWI charges are not a laughing matter. They carry serious penalties and have serious repercussions. The DUI system is challenging, to say the least. Often, the next step seems anything but intuitive. Fortunately, there are local South Bend DUI attorneys who can walk you through the system, all the while protecting your rights. Your local attorney will also likely have a history of battling in the local court system in which you have been charged. This kind of experience is critical to getting you the best outcome in your case. Do not wait – contact an experienced South Bend DUI lawyer (or an experienced South Bend DWI lawyer).

Under age and arrested for DWI?

South Bend DWI defense lawyers – South Bend DUI defense lawyers
 

If you are a minor that has been arrested for drunk driving in Indiana, your entire future can be impacted for that one mistake. It is no secret that minors are sometimes unfairly targeted. Underage drunk driving charges place an incredible burden on a youth just starting out. A guilty charge results in a criminal history that, unfortunately, is seen by too many institutions – like employers, schools, and insurance companies. Criminal penalties for DUI and DWI are also incredibly stiff for those who are found guilty. South Bend defense attorneys want to help you in this difficult time. Fill out the form on the left for a free consultation with an experienced South Bend DWI defense attorney.
 

What is the scope of an experienced South Bend defense lawyer’s services?
 

Usually, South Bend defense attorneys can help their clients in a variety of criminal matters. These attorneys, who are often very versatile, are called by a number of titles, such as: South Bend Misdemeanor DUI lawyer, South Bend felony DWI lawyer, South Bend Suspended License Lawyer, South Bend Criminal defense lawyer, etc.
 

South Bend DUI defense attorneys may assist you:
 

Myth: Isn’t it expensive to hire a local South Bend DUI lawyer?
 

Factors: Before hiring an attorney, it is always good to learn a bit about how attorneys charge their client (or how they should charge their clients). The two most important factors that determine your dui legal bill are (1) your attorney’s hourly rate, and (2) the facts of your case. Both are described below. It is important to remember that it is far better to pay a defense lawyer “up front” as opposed to paying enormously on the “back end” for criminal penalties and all the costs that flow from them.

Fee Structure: South Bend DUI attorneys can charge anywhere between $100 per hour up to and above $500 per hour. Depending on your case, your attorney may represent you for a flat fee. To avoid any miscommunication between you and your South Bend DUI attorney, ask your attorney for an estimate of how many hours they will need to charge, and what your total bill will be. In many cases, your attorney will be happy to give you an estimate. This way, you will know what to expect.

Your Case: If your case takes a substantial amount of time to defend, you are more likely to have a larger legal bill. This is admittedly quite expected by most people, but there are tips to help you keep costs low even if you have a very involved case. For example, always come prepared to discuss your case in detail.  That means that you should think through the facts surrounding your case so that you can recite them with accurate detail before you meet with your attorney. If your attorney asks you to bring items or information – follow his or her instructions. Steps like these can save you and your attorney substantial time – which means savings in your wallet.

Fees versus Expenses: Lawyers usually charge an additional fee for “expenses” – usually encompassing court costs and expert witness fees if applicable. Be sure to discuss expenses with your South Bend DUI lawyer.
 

Bail Bonding Companies in and near South Bend, Indiana
 

Traffic Courts in St. Joseph County, Indiana

If you have been issued a traffic ticket, your case will be heard in one of the following places:
 

To appeal this ticket, your appeal will be filed here:
 

Criminal Courts in St. Joseph County, Indiana

If you are being charged with a felony or a misdemeanor, your case will be here:
 

South Bend DUI attorneys serve clients throughout Northern Indiana, including Albion, Columbia City, Elkhart, Gary, Goshen, Hobart, Kendallville, La Porte, Logansport, Lowell, Merrillville, Michigan City, Nappanee, North Judson, North Manchester, Pleasant Lake, Plymouth, Portage, South Bend, Warsaw, areas in the vicinity of Michiana Regional Transportation Center Airport, and other communities in St. Joseph County.