Defending the rights of the accused across Shelby County for decades. Proven criminal defense counsel for drunk and impaired driving charges, from arrest through trial.
Overview
Facing a DWI charge in Shelbyville, IN can be an overwhelming experience with serious consequences that affect every aspect of your life. Under Indiana Code IC 9-30-5, operating while intoxicated carries penalties ranging from license suspension to imprisonment depending on the severity of the offense and prior history. One critical detail that many drivers overlook is that refusing a breath test during a traffic stop triggers an automatic one-year license suspension under Indiana’s implied consent laws, regardless of whether you are ultimately convicted. Cases are typically handled through the Shelby County court system, where local prosecutors pursue OWI charges aggressively. Having a skilled DWI lawyer by your side is essential to navigating this complex legal process and protecting your rights. An experienced attorney can challenge the traffic stop, question testing procedures, and negotiate on your behalf to pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
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. Shelby 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 Shelbyville, 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 Shelbyville 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 Shelbyville and Shelby County but across the surrounding communities and neighboring counties throughout Central Indiana. Our deep familiarity with Shelby 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 Shelbyville or in a surrounding community, you will receive the same dedicated, results-driven representation.
FAQ
An OWI attorney in Shelbyville, IN typically costs between $2,500 and $10,000 depending on the complexity of the case, whether it is a first offense or a repeat charge, and whether the case goes to trial. Most DWI defense attorneys in the area handle these cases through flat fee or retainer arrangements that are discussed in detail during an initial consultation. Many local attorneys offer free or low-cost initial consultations so that potential clients can understand their options before committing financially. It is worth reaching out to several firms in the Shelbyville area to compare pricing and find an attorney whose experience and fee structure align with your specific situation.