Defending the rights of the accused across Hancock County for decades. Proven criminal defense counsel for drunk and impaired driving charges, from arrest through trial.
Overview
If you are facing a DWI charge in Fortville, IN, securing experienced legal representation should be your top priority. Operating while intoxicated cases in this area are prosecuted in Hancock County courts, where judges and prosecutors take alcohol-related driving offenses very seriously. Under Indiana Code IC 9-30-5, operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher is a criminal offense that can result in fines, jail time, and a suspended license. It is also important to understand that Indiana enforces an implied consent law, meaning that refusing a breath test during a traffic stop triggers an automatic one-year license suspension regardless of whether you are ultimately convicted. This administrative penalty takes effect quickly and can disrupt every aspect of your daily life. A skilled DWI lawyer familiar with Hancock County proceedings can evaluate the evidence against you, challenge testing procedures, and fight to protect your driving privileges and your future.
The Stakes
Indiana’s drunk driving laws are complex, and a DWI charge carries consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom, including license suspension and increased insurance costs. Under Indiana’s operating while intoxicated law (IC 9-30-5), a first offense is typically a misdemeanor, but penalties increase sharply for a high blood alcohol concentration, a minor passenger in the vehicle, or a prior conviction within the last five years, which can elevate the charge to a felony. Refusing a chemical test also triggers an automatic license suspension under Indiana’s implied consent law (IC 9-30-6), regardless of the outcome of your case. Hancock County courts also have specific procedural requirements and deadlines that can affect your defense if missed.
A skilled attorney will scrutinize the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breath test procedures for errors, and negotiate firmly with the prosecutor on your behalf, or take your case to trial if necessary. Without proper representation in Fortville, you risk facing the full weight of the charges without a defense built to protect your future.
Why Choose Us
What We Handle
A DWI Lawyer defends clients facing a first offense drunk driving charge, working to protect your license and minimize the impact on your record. RileyCate, LLC scrutinizes every detail of the stop and testing procedure.
Selecting Counsel
Not every DWI Lawyer in Fortville has the scientific knowledge needed to challenge breath and blood test evidence effectively. Prosecutors know which firms will push for a plea rather than fight. When evaluating representation, look for a documented track record handling test suppression motions, license hearings, and DWI trials, not just volume of cases. Consider whether the firm has experience with your specific type of charge, as a first offense case and a felony repeat offense case often require very different defense strategies.
Ask how your case will be communicated to you, and by whom. Be cautious of firms that overpromise specific outcomes. Reputable OWI Attorneys provide honest assessments, not guarantees. RileyCate, LLC was founded on a commitment to expertise, creativity, and results, and has never shied away from a courtroom when that is what it takes.
Our Office
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Your Legal Rights
The Process
Selecting Counsel
RileyCate, LLC proudly serves individuals facing drunk driving charges not only throughout Fortville and Hancock County but across the surrounding communities and neighboring counties throughout Central Indiana. Our deep familiarity with Hancock County courts, local prosecutors, and breath testing procedures allows us to build a strong defense with precision and dedication. Whether your case is being heard in the heart of Fortville or in a surrounding community, you will receive the same dedicated, results-driven representation.
FAQ
An OWI attorney in Fortville, IN typically costs between $2,500 and $10,000 depending on the complexity of the case and whether it involves a first offense or repeat charges. Most DWI defense cases in this area are handled through flat fee or retainer arrangements that are discussed in detail during an initial consultation with the attorney. Many local attorneys offer free or low-cost initial consultations and some provide flexible payment plans to make legal representation more accessible. It is worth reaching out to several firms in the Fortville and greater Hancock County area to compare fees and find an attorney whose experience and pricing align with your needs.