OWI (Operating while Intoxicated)

Ottumwa / Oskaloosa OWI Attorney

Under Iowa law, it is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs or a combination of these substances, while having a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher, or while having any amount of a controlled substance in your system. Furthermore, the implied consent law in the state means that if you are licensed to operate a motor vehicle, you agree to a breath, blood, or urine test to determine the presence of these substances in your body when law enforcement suspects you of driving while under the influence.

If you have been charged with an OWI in Ottumwa, Oskaloosa, or anywhere in Iowa, you do not have to automatically accept these charges. You do have the right to defend yourself against them and have your day in court. In order to mount an effective defense, you should work with an attorney who is experienced in OWI defense. We recommend that you contact the Law Offices of Jeff Smith for an initial consultation. As an Ottumwa / Oskaloosa OWI lawyer, Jeff can review your case and give you a straightforward evaluation of where you stand and how best to proceed. If you decide to retain his services, he will investigate all of the evidence and testimony surrounding your arrest, looking for flaws, inconsistencies, and facts favorable to your defense.

Minimize the Consequences of any OWI Charge

In any OWI, our firm will work to minimize the negative consequences of OWI charges. In a first OWI offense, you face a license revocation of up to 180 days while criminal penalties will be determined by the court. Having an experienced attorney working on your behalf in this situation can make a dramatic difference in what those penalties may be. Possible penalties include up to one year in jail, up to $1500 in fines, with a mandatory minimum of 2 days in jail and a $1250 fine plus 32% government surcharge of $400. A deferred judgment may be obtained if you did not refuse a breath test, your blood alcohol concentration was below .15, you have no prior convictions, and did not cause bodily injury to anyone in an accident.

By taking to the Ottumwa / Oskaloosa OWI attorney at the firm, you can find out what your options are following OWI charges, based on the specific facts of your case.

Contact the Ottumwa / Oskaloosa OWI lawyer at the firm if you have been charged with drunk driving or impaired driving today.