The Indiana DUI laws, also known as OWI or operating a vehicle while intoxicated, govern people driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or an intoxicant with a blood alcohol level (BAL) of .08% or greater. If the police officer observes signs of driving impairment, a person can also be arrested for a DUI case regardless of the BAL. The result of the field sobriety test is also considered.
Indiana OWI Arrests
Once you are suspected of OWI in Indiana, you should voluntarily submit yourself for a BAC test to determine the level of alcohol in your bloodstream. If you decline to take the chemical test you have to face its consequences such as automatic suspension of your license. Your refusal can also be used against you in court to prove your guilt of drunk-driving. Bear in mind that the decision to whether take or refuse the test solely depends on your judgment. You do not have the right to talk to a lawyer to come up with a decision yet. What makes the Indiana DUI law unique is that it still gives you the chance to drive from the time of arrest until you receive your suspension from either the court or from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. During this time, you may want to seek legal help from your lawyer to make the case easier for you. Remember that repeat offenders will have tougher penalties to deal with and the conviction will stay on-record for five years. Therefore, it is very vital that you consult a lawyer to keep your name clean from a DUI offense in the state if Indiana.
Basic Consequences for First Time Offenders
The state of Indiana is enough lenient to first time DUI offenders allowing them to defer their charges after completing the alcohol evaluation and treatment program. If not, first time offenders will face the following charges:
If you have subsequent OWI offenses within a 5-year period of your conviction, you will have to face tougher penalties and punishments.
License Suspensions for Indiana OWI
In addition to the mentioned charges that you will serve for your conviction, a DUI case will likewise suspend your license in the following manner:
Also, if you refuse to take the BAC test, you have to surrender your license for a period of one year. Nonetheless, a hardship license will still permit you to drive to and from work or school. Moreover, you may reduce your license suspension after completing the alcohol treatment program.
Insurance Consequences
If you have a DUI/OWI offense, you will be put in a high risk insurance following your conviction. Of course, this will mean greater premiums than that of the average insurance policy. What’s even worst is that your insurance company may cancel your existing policy as a result of your conviction, thus forcing you to find another carrier. This is indeed a tough battle for you in order to re-qualify to drive in Indiana.