Lake County OWI & DUI Defense

Andrew Tanzillo has defended OWI and DUI cases in Lake County courts for more than 40 years, and we work fast to protect your license and your record before your court date arrives.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

An arrest is not a conviction. A breathalyzer result is not the final word. What happens between now and your court date matters enormously — for your license, your job, and your record.

 

Indiana OWI law is technical, and that technicality works in your favor when you have an attorney who knows where to look. The stop has to be lawful. The testing equipment has to be properly maintained and correctly administered. The officer has to follow procedure at every step. When those standards aren't met, charges can be reduced or dismissed — and we've seen that happen in cases that looked difficult from the outside.

 

We've built our reputation on OWI cases other firms won't take on, and we've delivered results in cases that looked like long shots from the start. Andrew Tanzillo has been defending these cases in Lake County courts for more than 40 years. That's not a marketing line — it means he knows the judges, knows the prosecutors, and knows exactly how to build a defense that gives you the best realistic chance at the best possible outcome.

 

Call us before your court date gets any closer. The earlier we get involved, the more we can do.

What Happens With a First Offense vs. a Repeat OWI

A first OWI offense in Indiana still carries real consequences, including possible jail time, fines, license suspension, and an SR-22 insurance requirement that can follow you for years. It is not automatically treated as minor, and it should not be treated casually by your defense either. The right approach at this stage can mean the difference between a conviction that shadows your record and an outcome that lets you move forward.

 

Subsequent offenses carry escalating penalties under Indiana law, including longer suspension periods, mandatory minimum jail sentences in some cases, and the potential for felony charges depending on prior history and circumstances. We build the defense around where you are in that progression, not a one-size-fits-all playbook.

How We Approach Your OWI Case

1. Immediate Case Review

We review the arrest, the stop, the testing procedure, and any body camera or dash camera footage within the first days after you call, because early evidence review often reveals the strongest defenses.

2. Challenge the Evidence

We examine breathalyzer calibration records, field sobriety test administration, and probable cause for the stop itself, looking for the procedural gaps that can lead to reduced charges or dismissal.

3. Protect Your License

Where eligible, we petition for specialized driving privileges so you can continue getting to work, school, and appointments while your case is pending.

4. Negotiate or Litigate

We pursue the outcome that protects you most, whether that's a negotiated reduction, a diversion program, or taking the case to trial when the evidence supports it.

OWI & DUI Questions We Hear Most

  • Is OWI the same as DUI in Indiana?

    Yes. Indiana's statutory term is "Operating While Intoxicated," or OWI, while most people colloquially call it DUI or drunk driving. They refer to the same offense under Indiana law.

  • Will I lose my license immediately after an OWI arrest in Indiana?

    Indiana law allows for an administrative license suspension that can begin shortly after arrest, but specialized driving privileges are often available so you can keep driving for work and essential needs. We move quickly to petition for this relief.

  • How much does an OWI attorney cost in Lake County?

    We offer a free consultation on every criminal defense case, so you can understand your options and potential costs before making any commitment. Fees vary based on case complexity and are discussed transparently upfront.

  • Can a first offense OWI be reduced or dismissed in Indiana?

    It depends on the facts of the stop, the testing procedure, and the evidence, but experienced defense often identifies weaknesses that lead to reduced charges, diversion, or dismissal. Every case deserves a real evidentiary review before assuming the worst.

  • What are specialized driving privileges in Indiana?

    Specialized driving privileges are a court-granted exception that allows someone facing license suspension to continue driving to work, school, medical care, and other essential destinations. Not everyone qualifies automatically, but many OWI defendants are eligible with the right petition.

  • Should I hire a local Lake County attorney or a bigger firm from Indianapolis?

    Local knowledge of the specific court, prosecutors, and judges you'll face often matters more than firm size. Andrew Tanzillo has practiced in these Lake County courtrooms for over 40 years and knows how local cases actually get resolved.
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An OWI arrest is not a conviction, and it doesn't have to define what comes next. Call now and talk directly with an attorney who has spent 40 years in these courtrooms, not an intake screener.