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
If you are facing a DWI charge in Shelbyville, IN, securing experienced legal representation should be your top priority. Operating while intoxicated cases in Shelby County are prosecuted aggressively, and the consequences of a conviction in the local county court can be severe. Under Indiana Code 9-30-5, operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher is a criminal offense that carries penalties ranging from license suspension to imprisonment. What many drivers do not realize is that refusing a chemical breath test during a traffic stop triggers an automatic administrative license suspension for up to one year under Indiana’s implied consent law. This suspension takes effect regardless of whether you are ultimately convicted of the underlying charge. A skilled DWI lawyer who understands the Shelby County court system and the nuances of IC 9-30-5 can evaluate your case, challenge the evidence against you, 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. 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
In Shelbyville, IN, an OWI attorney typically costs between $1,500 and $5,000 for a first-offense case, though more complex cases involving accidents or repeat offenses can run significantly higher. 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 to evaluate your case and outline their fee structure before you commit. It is worth contacting several attorneys in Shelby County to compare pricing and payment options so you can find the best fit for your situation and budget.