Client Was Unable to Drive Following DUIs
Full license restoration and driving privileges were successfully reinstated after meeting all requirements.
Defendant Accused of Theft Faces Severe Penalties
After investigation, negotiation with the State of Indiana, and working with the Court, charges were dropped.
Accused Faces Harsh Sentencing for a Minor Offense
Despite facing harsh sentencing for a minor offense, our legal team argued for a reduced sentence, arguing mitigating factors.
At Worthley Law, we understand the stress and uncertainty you may be experiencing if you’ve been charged with a DUI. These are serious charges that could result in a jail sentence:
As a former prosecutor, Mark Worthley knows that you need an experienced Valparaiso criminal defense attorney whom you can trust and who has the experience to assure you or your loved one the best outcome. That’s why Mark always goes the extra mile for each of our clients. Our team genuinely cares about our clients’ lives, families, and careers, and we will fight for them to secure a bright future.
If you or a loved one has received criminal charges such as DUI, DWI, or OVWI, we urge you to take the first step today and call us to schedule your free initial consultation.
It’s never too soon to take action to defend yourself and protect your future. Here are some ways you can work with our legal team to get your case moving immediately.
Depending on the location of your arrest, the nature of the charges, and your criminal history, you may qualify for a Pre-Trial Diversion program. If you’re eligible and complete the program successfully, the state will dismiss the charges against you.
We will work towards the primary goal of helping you avoid jail time whenever possible. Of course, we can’t make any guarantees, but you may not have to serve time in jail, depending on your criminal background and case circumstances.
When police investigate a suspected DUI/OVWI, they must follow every legal requirement to the letter. For example, you may have grounds to exclude some or all of the evidence against you if the police:
Worthley Law is well-versed in Indiana DUI laws, and we’ll examine every bit of evidence in your case to build you an effective representation strategy.
Certain cases may be eligible for a plea bargain. Your skilled DUI lawyer will negotiate the best possible terms if your case qualifies. Attorney Mark Worthley is a former Deputy Prosecutor, so he knows what the state looks for in a plea bargain and how to handle the negotiations.
A DUI charge has repercussions on the legal status of your driver’s license. We’ll evaluate the nature of your case to determine whether you face license suspension and for how long.
Some clients may qualify for Specialized Driving Privileges, also known as a hardship license, which allows you to drive in specific circumstances such as to work, school, religious activities, court appearances, and medical appointments. This privilege would make your life much easier than having a full license suspension.
For the police to charge you with a DUI in Indiana, non-commercial drivers must have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher. Commercial drivers can face DUI charges if their BAC is .04% or higher. If you’re under 21, the legal limit drops even further to .02%.
Whether the police collect a blood sample or breathalyze you, they will arrest you for DUI if your BAC is at or above those levels. If you’re driving under the influence of drugs, you can face OVWI charges.
As an experienced DUI lawyer in Valparaiso, Indiana, Mark Worthley has handled many DUI cases successfully.
Usually, the first question we get from clients is, “What type of sentence can I get for a DUI charge?” The answer depends on a few variables:
If you have prior DUI convictions, your likelihood of receiving a jail sentence is much higher. However, with an experienced DUI attorney like Mark Worthley fighting on your behalf, you have a much better chance of receiving a favorable outcome in your case.
Every state has specific sentencing guidelines for DUI cases. Remember that every case is different, and its outcome will vary based on the particular circumstances of your arrest. Here are the general sentencing requirements for a first-time DUI conviction in Indiana, as well as second and third offenses:
While a first DUI is often charged as a misdemeanor, this is not true in all cases. If driving under the influence leads to severe injuries to another person, for example, the charge may be elevated to a major felony with increased penalties, including further incarceration or probation.
*Although rare, some first-time DUI convictions are eligible for pre-trial diversion programs (Title 12 Deferral), depending on the county where the arrest occurred.
A second DUI conviction will result in a mandatory minimum of 5 days in jail. However, any additional penalties for a second DUI conviction will depend on several factors, including how much time has passed since the first conviction. The consequences may include:
A third DUI conviction in Indiana carries all the same sentencing possibilities as a second DUI conviction, plus these additional consequences:
As stated earlier, your specific sentence and the outcome of your case will vary depending on your charges and other factors. Whether you think the state has an ironclad case against you or believe they have zero evidence, hiring a DUI attorney is still necessary. We may be able to help your case in ways you may not realize.