Don't Label Yourself As A "Criminal"
Zach Baber • June 2, 2025
How Baber & Baber Helps Clients Rebuild After an Arrest
in Columbia City, Warsaw, Huntington, and Albion
Being charged with a crime can feel like your entire world has been turned upside down.
The fear, the uncertainty, and the weight of judgment (especially from yourself) can be overwhelming.
But here’s what we want every client to hear from day one:
- You are not a “criminal.”
You are a person who made a mistake, or is being accused of one.
And at Baber & Baber, P.C., our number one goal is simple:
- That you never need us again.
If we do our job right, we help you not only navigate the criminal justice system but also provide you with the clarity, confidence, and support to avoid this situation in the future.
You Are Not Alone — And You Are Not a Label
When you're facing criminal charges, it's easy to spiral into shame, guilt, or anxiety.
These feelings are normal, but they don't have to define you.
Here are some real, actionable steps you can take to manage the emotional toll and start building your comeback:
✅ 1. Talk to Someone You Trust
It could be a close friend, family member, pastor, or counselor.
You don’t have to go through this alone.
Bottling it up makes the mental load heavier.
Shame thrives in silence.
You shouldn't talk about the facts of the case with anyone besides your attorney, but speaking about what you're going through otherwise helps take its power away.
✅ 2. Get Organized
Bring all of your paperwork, court dates, and any communication into one place.
The more control you feel over the details, the less chaotic everything seems.
Use a simple folder or a digital app, but take ownership of your case.
✅ 3. Avoid the Worst Voices
You are not your worst moment.
Surround yourself with people and thoughts that speak to your future, not your failure.
✅ 4. Focus on the Fundamentals
- Get good sleep
- Eat actual meals (not just fast food or nothing at all)
- Stay off substances that will only cloud your thinking
- Show up early for court or meetings
✅ 5. Let Us Be the Calm in the Chaos
We handle the legal complexities. You focus on getting better, not just beating the charge, but beating the cycle.
Our Goal Is That You’ll Never Need Us Again
Yes, we want to win your case.
Yes, we’ll fight for you in the courtroom.
But ultimately, our goal is bigger:
- We want you to look back one day and say, “That was the moment everything changed for me.”
We want to be the last defense attorney you ever need.
Because from here on out, you’re building a different story.
Serving Our Community — One Client at a Time
Baber & Baber, P.C. proudly provides criminal defense representation in:
- Columbia City (Whitley County)
- Warsaw (Kosciusko County)
- Huntington (Huntington County)
- Albion (Noble County)
But what sets us apart is what we focus on after the charges.
If You’re Facing Charges in Whitley, Kosciusko, Noble, or Huntington County—Call Us
You’re not alone. And you don’t have to carry this label for life. Let’s talk.
📍 Based in Columbia City | Also Serving Warsaw, Albion, and Huntington
📞 260.244.4422
🌐https://www.bradbaberatty.com/
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If it happened in Columbia City, South Whitley, or anywhere else in Whitley County, understanding what to expect can help ease anxiety and protect your future. This article breaks down what an OWI charge means, what happens next, and how to move forward. What Is an OWI in Indiana? In Indiana, OWI (also known as DUI in some states) generally means operating a vehicle while: Your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher You are under the influence of drugs or alcohol You have a Schedule I or II controlled substance in your system There are also enhanced penalties for BAC levels of 0.15% or higher or if a minor was in the car at the time of arrest. What Happens After an OWI Arrest in Whitley County? Arrest and Booking You will most likely be arrested on the spot, taken to the Whitley County Jail, and required to submit to a chemical test. License Suspension Failing a chemical test typically leads to an administrative license suspension. Refusing the test can lead to a longer license suspension. Initial Hearing Within days of your arrest, you’ll attend an initial hearing at Whitley Superior Court where charges are formally read. You’ll plead guilty or not guilty (most people plead not guilty at this stage, even if they intend to resolve the case). Pre-Trial Conference Usually scheduled 4 to 8 weeks later. This is when your attorney may negotiate with the prosecutor about plea agreements or alternative resolutions. Possible Outcomes Diversion or deferral programs (especially for first-time offenders) Plea agreement (reduced charges or penalties) Trial (if no agreement is reached) Potential Penalties for OWI in Indiana Penalties vary depending on the facts of the case and your prior history. Here are some possibilities: Jail time Community service Drug and alcohol counseling Additional license suspensions Fines, Court costs, and fees Will I Definitely Lose My License? Possibly. License suspension is one of the most common consequences. However, your attorney may be able to help you: Request specialized driving privileges (formerly known as hardship licenses) Challenge the suspension Reduce the length of suspension through a plea agreement Should You Get a Lawyer for an OWI in Whitley County? Yes. The stakes are high, and the process is complex. A defense attorney can: Review the legality of the stop and arrest Negotiate for reduced penalties or diversion Represent you in hearings and trial Help protect your license and minimize long-term consequences Final Thoughts An OWI arrest in Whitley County doesn’t have to define you. With the right legal support, it’s possible to move forward, protect your rights, and limit the impact on your future. If you’re facing OWI charges, educate yourself and seek guidance early. Baber & Baber, P.C. is based in Columbia City and serves clients across Whitley County and Northeast Indiana. Call 260.244.4422 or click here to schedule a consultation . Whitley County OWI Defense | Columbia City Criminal Lawyers | Northeast Indiana DUI Attorneys This article is not meant as specific legal advice and is only meant as general education.
