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Tragedy Averted (Maybe) - If You Don't Drive Intoxicated

Last updated on Friday, December 28, 2018

(UNDATED) - New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration but the chances of tragedy striking increase with drinking and driving.

Lawrence County, along with other counties, state and local police agencies are hoping for the best that night, but are ready to deal with the worst.

Every year, increased arrests are made on that one night, people are seriously injured, and people are killed in operating while intoxicated traffic accidents.

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Many police officers have called New Year's Eve "Amateur Night". The reason is that people who don't normally drink in excess other times of the year or even drink at all, seem to take this one night of the year to splurge. The cost for this over-indulgence can be devastating.

Let's take a look-

Driving while Intoxicated in Indiana:

• A blood/alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or above is considered impaired.


• Any amount of Schedule I or II drugs in your system (marijuana, cocaine, meth, prescriptions, etc.) can be considered impairment.


• Or a combination of drugs and alcohol causing impairment

After a "routine traffic stop" (*without an accident) for DWI, here's the monetary factors that will hit you:

• Tow Truck: $150.00 is average but can vary by the various services and circumstances of the tow, as your car is impounded secondary to arrest and you are taken to jail. If you don't have the money, you don't get your car.


• After failing the BAC breath or blood test, at the police station or hospital, you will be incarcerated for a set number of hours (until sober before release from jail). This could potentially mean missed work.


• Bond: $500.00 to get out of jail the next morning. This will be held until your court case is adjudicated. If you can't afford the release bond, you will have to ask the court for a reduction, with or without an attorney, before you can get out of jail from the initial arrest and charges.


• Attorney: $500.00(average) According to Bedford Attorney Brad Swihart, of Swihart Law LLC, this is just to get started on your case! An average range for DWI legal fees can range from $500.00 to up to $5,000.00 depending on the complexity of the case. If things get complicated, or it's a felony case and not a 1st-time misdemeanor, prices will go up! This would include additional hourly rates.


• Affected job, or job loss: Depending on your type of job, a suspended driver's license or revocation can mean you may not have a job! If your employer requires a clean driving record, you may lose your employment. If you can't drive, then you can't work.

Household income: