Even First-Time OWI and DUI Offenses in Indiana Carry Serious Penalties
If you are facing a DUI or OWI charge as a first-time DUI offender in Indiana, it is important to understand what is at stake in your case within the criminal justice system. Even first-time DUI and OWI offenses carry severe penalties under Indiana DUI law—and a DUI arrest initiated by law enforcement officials or a police officer can lead to other consequences as well. Given the stakes of your case, it is extremely important to have an experienced First DUI Offense Indianapolis Attorney providing legal counsel and legal assistance on your side.
At Wruble Law LLC, our law firm understands how dismayed many first-time DUI suspects are following their charges. Often, these are citizens who have no prior DUI convictions and want to put this matter behind them, as well as avoid a guilty verdict as swiftly and favorably as possible. Our first DUI offense Indianapolis attorney, Stan Wruble, offers precisely the kind of aggressive, proactive legal defense focused on achieving a favorable outcome in Indianapolis DUI cases.
Potential Penalties for a First DUI or OWI in Indiana
While most people are aware that drunk driving charges can lead to serious criminal penalties, many people aren’t aware just how serious these penalties can be under DUI in Indiana law. Generally speaking, for a first offense DUI, the potential penalties under Indiana DUI laws, as enforced by both the state under Indiana Code 9-30-5 and the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), include:
- Court costs and fees (totaling hundreds of dollars)
- Fines of up to $5,000 (with a minimum often starting at $500 for Class C misdemeanors)
- Up to two-year driver’s license suspension
- Up to one-year jail time (typically a maximum of 60 days for a Class C misdemeanor, but up to one year for a Class A misdemeanor, especially if BAC is 0.15% or higher or endangerment is involved).
- Mandatory ignition interlock device (IID) installation
- Mandatory substance abuse education and community service
- Mandatory attendance at a victim impact panel
- Mandatory urine testing
- Additional terms of probation
However, various aggravating factors, such as lack of probable cause, failed field sobriety tests, refusal of a chemical test, allegations of reckless driving, or driving with a minor passenger, can elevate a first offense to felony charges. For example, if you are being accused of driving under the influence with a minor in your vehicle or causing an accident leading to serious bodily injury while operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, you could be facing additional criminal penalties—even for a first-time offense, potentially elevating the charge to a felony.
Consequences Without a Conviction: Understanding Indiana’s Implied Consent Law
The above penalties can be imposed in the event of a DUI or OWI conviction. However, when you get arrested for drunk driving in Indiana by law enforcement officers, you can face consequences regardless of the outcome of your case, which can impact commercial drivers, limit access to specialized driving privileges, and complicate your legal defense options. This is due to the state’s implied consent law.
Under Indiana’s OWI law and Indiana Code provisions, you can have your license suspended automatically after a DUI or OWI arrest. This can happen in two circumstances—either:
a). A chemical test shows your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or above the legal limit; OR,
b). You refuse to provide a BAC sample (i.e., you refuse to take the breathalyzer test as initiated by Indiana law enforcement). A refusal can lead to an automatic one-year license suspension, separate from any conviction penalties.
Driving on a suspended license can also have serious consequences, and if your driver’s license has already been suspended, you will want to discuss your options with an experienced first DUI offense Indianapolis attorney promptly.
Additional Consequences of a First DUI Offense in Indiana
Along with the penalties discussed above, a first OWI or DUI conviction in Indiana can lead to other consequences as well. For example, once you have a DUI or OWI conviction on your record:
- You will have to pay to reinstate your driving privileges
- Your auto insurance premiums will increase significantly for several years
- Your conviction will show up as a criminal record on background checks when you apply for jobs
- Your conviction will show up on background checks when you apply for a loan or housing
- Your conviction could have consequences related to your professional license, military career, or immigration status
Again, even these are just examples of first DUI offense in Indiana. It is not an exaggeration to say that a first-time DUI or OWI conviction in Indiana can have life-altering consequences. If you miss out on job opportunities or face increased financial burdens because of your conviction, the long-term costs could be astronomical. While you might be eligible to have your DUI expunged after five years (this depends on the specific circumstances of your case and whether it was a misdemeanor), by then, a significant amount of damage may have already been done.
The Importance of Experienced Legal Representation for Your First DUI or OWI
All of this makes it vitally important to hire an experienced first DUI offense Indianapolis attorney when you are facing your first OWI or DUI charges in Indiana. Criminal defense lawyer Stan Wruble has decades of experience in drunk driving laws and fighting to protect people in your shoes. He understands what you have at stake, and if you hire him to represent you, he will fight to make sure you do not face any unnecessary consequences and harsher penalties as a result of your drunk driving arrest.
As part of a skilled legal team at Wruble Law LLC, we know what it takes to assemble and craft the perfect first-time DUI/OWI defense. Based on our 25 years in the field of criminal defense law, here’s what our Indianapolis first time DUI attorney recommends you seek out in a legal partner, and what we provide:
- Skilled and Responsive Communicators: A strong legal team should prioritize effective communication, actively listening to clients and maintaining open lines of dialogue throughout the case. Clear and timely communication ensures a thorough understanding of the situation and enables the crafting of a robust defense strategy.
- Compassionate: Facing a first-time DUI Indiana charge can be a daunting experience, and a compassionate legal team can provide the necessary support and guidance. We approach each case empathetically, addressing clients’ concerns and helping them navigate the legal process with care and understanding.
- Not Afraid To Do What It Takes To Win: A dedicated legal team will leave no stone unturned in pursuing a successful defense for first DUI offense in Indiana, including participating in negotiations with the prosecuting attorney and strategic plea bargaining when appropriate. We are willing to go above and beyond, investing the time, effort, and resources needed to build a strong case. By carefully examining the details, exploring legal options, and utilizing effective strategies, we strive to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
But he can only help you if you get in touch. We know it can be intimidating to contact a lawyer, but we also know that seeking experienced legal representation is your only viable option. We make the process as simple, straightforward, and transparent as possible, and we are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about our representation.
Discuss Your OWI or DUI Case with Experienced First DUI Offense Indianapolis Attorney Stan Wruble
Are you facing your first DUI or OWI charge in Indiana? If so, we strongly encourage you to contact us for a free consultation with an Indianapolis first-time DUI lawyer, even if it is your first, second, or third DUI conviction, or even if you have been convicted of the same offense. To discuss your case in confidence with a DUI defense attorney, please call 317-308-8584 or tell us how we can reach you online now.