What Do You Do When You Are Arrested in Whitley County, Indiana?
Zach Baber • June 5, 2025
Getting arrested is one of the most overwhelming experiences a person can face, especially if it’s your first time.
Whether it happened in Columbia City, South Whitley, or another part of Whitley County, Indiana, you may feel embarrassed, scared, and unsure about what comes next.
At Baber & Baber, we’ve worked with thousands of clients who weren’t bad people, they just made a mistake. And many of them share one goal:
“I never want to go through this again.”
If that’s where your head and heart are right now, this guide is for you.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Say Very Little
Instead:
Step 2: Know What to Expect in Whitley County
Step 3: Reflect on What Led to This Moment
Ask yourself:
Step 4: Start Making Proactive Changes Now
Step 5: Work With a Criminal Defense Attorney Who Understands Whitley County
Own the mistake. Learn from it. And take action to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
If you do that, this can become a turning point, not a life sentence.
This post is for informational purposes only and not legal advice.
At Baber & Baber, we’ve worked with thousands of clients who weren’t bad people, they just made a mistake. And many of them share one goal:
“I never want to go through this again.”
If that’s where your head and heart are right now, this guide is for you.
So, after being arrested, take these steps:
Whether you're being pulled over, questioned, or taken into custody, the best thing you can do is stay calm and polite.
Do not argue, explain, or try to talk your way out of it.
Instead:
- Provide your name and ID
- Politely decline to answer questions without a lawyer present
- Don’t resist arrest or escalate the situation
What you say can and will be used against you.
Step 2: Know What to Expect in Whitley County
After an arrest, you may be:
- Booked into the Whitley County Jail
- Given a court date
- Asked to post bond
- Assigned a public defender or advised to hire an attorney
Local courts (including the Whitley Superior and Circuit Courts) move quickly.
Don’t delay in getting legal representation or preparing for your hearing.
Step 3: Reflect on What Led to This Moment
This part doesn’t show up on court documents, but it’s crucial if you want to make sure it never happens again.
Ask yourself:
- Was this a one-time mistake or part of a pattern?
- Who or what influences your decisions in stressful moments?
- What needs to change in your environment, habits, or thinking?
Step 4: Start Making Proactive Changes Now
Even before your court date, there are things you can do that show you’re serious about turning things around:
- Enroll in counseling or anger management
- Get a job or start applying
- Reconnect with a trusted support system
- Volunteer in the community
- Avoid further police contact and stay away from risky environments
Step 5: Work With a Criminal Defense Attorney Who Understands Whitley County
Every county handles cases a little differently.
You’ll want someone who knows:
- The Whitley County court process
- The judges and prosecutors
- What options (like deferral or probation) may be available
- How to guide you legally and help you stay out of the system for good
Final Thought: This Doesn’t Have to Define You
An arrest is serious. But it doesn’t have to define the rest of your life.
The best next step?
If you do that, this can become a turning point, not a life sentence.
📍 Based in Columbia City | Also Serving Warsaw, Albion, and Huntington
📞 260.244.4422
🌐https://www.bradbaberatty.com/
📞 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.
