Causing serious bodily injury while operating a motor vehicle is usually charged under Indiana’s drunk driving laws, especially when the act causes serious bodily injury to someone. This criminal offense is charged as a felony and can lead to jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record.
Our top-rated Indiana criminal defense lawyers at Gemma & Karimi have a renowned record of charge dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in motor vehicle and drunk driving cases. Call our office immediately at (317) 602-5970 for a free consultation. Our skilled criminal defense attorney will review your case and determine the best legal options.
Understanding the Motor Vehicle Criminal Charge
The charge of causing serious bodily injury while operating a motor vehicle is a serious offense and is outlined in Indiana Code 9-30-5-4. This crime is usually charged if the act caused serious physical injury to another person, especially when the person is intoxicated over the legal limit of .08% blood alcohol concentration. You can also be charged if you took a controlled substance that affected your driving.
Facing criminal charges in Indianapolis?
Call our Indiana Criminal Defense attorney at (317) 676-4747 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation!
Potential Charges for a DUI with Serious Bodily Injuries
The base offense for causing bodily injury operating a vehicle is a Level 6 felony, with a potential sentence of six months to 2.5 years in state prison, and up to a $10,000 fine for the convicted person. The state will suspend your driver’s license for at least a year.
Consequences of an OWI Causing serious bodily injury when operating a motor vehicle
Being convicted of an OWI offense that caused serious bodily injury usually leads to prison time and fines, and you will have a permanent felony on your criminal record. You face additional difficulties related to your conviction:
- Habitual Traffic Violator designation: If you were already classified as a habitual violator, causing serious bodily injury can trigger a Level 5 felony charge and permanently revoke your driver’s license.
- Civil lawsuits: You could face civil lawsuits for negligence and causing injuries or death to victims.
Furthermore, a criminal conviction for OWI and causing serious bodily injury may include:
- Getting or keeping a job, especially one that involves driving
- Being approved for a rental apartment or house
- Much higher auto insurance rates
- Being approved for rental housing
- Going to college and receiving federal student loans
- Keeping a professional license, such as medicine or law
- Losing your green card or visa and being deported
Finding the Right Lawyer
Retaining a highly skilled criminal defense lawyer today is vital to represent you. Anything you say can and will be held against you by the police and prosecutor.
An experienced criminal defense attorney will review your case, help you understand the felony charges, and devise a strong strategy to avoid possible penalties. Contacting a proven criminal defense attorney today ensures that you will not say anything to jeopardize your case.
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer Now
Are you an accused person charged with causing serious bodily injury while driving recently? Gemma & Karimi have over 25 years of combined trial experience defending people against serious felony charges. Our law firm has obtained an impressive record of case dismissals and not guilty verdicts to various serious charges over many years. We can help. Contact us at (317) 602-5970 for an immediate, free legal consultation.
Contact Our Firm
Cras dapibus. Vivamus quis mi. In consectetuer turpis ut velit. Praesent blandit laoreet nibh. Nullam nulla eros, ultricies sit amet, nonummy id, imperdiet feugiat, pede.
