{"id":2697,"date":"2021-10-21T09:40:49","date_gmt":"2021-10-21T09:40:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/?p=2697"},"modified":"2021-10-29T09:54:38","modified_gmt":"2021-10-29T09:54:38","slug":"indiana-dui-charge-and-penalties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/indiana-dui-charge-and-penalties\/","title":{"rendered":"Indiana DUI Charge and Penalties"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Drunk_Driving\"><\/span><b>Drunk Driving\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6631bc0f2a19d\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6631bc0f2a19d\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/indiana-dui-charge-and-penalties\/#Drunk_Driving\" title=\"Drunk Driving\u00a0\">Drunk Driving\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/indiana-dui-charge-and-penalties\/#Level_6_felony\" title=\"Level 6 felony\u00a0\">Level 6 felony\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignnone wp-image-2698 size-full\" title=\"what are the penalties for a DUI\" src=\"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/what-are-the-penalties-for-a-DUI.jpg\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/what-are-the-penalties-for-a-DUI.jpg\" alt=\"what are the penalties for a DUI\" width=\"626\" height=\"417\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%27626%27%20height%3D%27417%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%20626%20417%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%27626%27%20height%3D%27417%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/what-are-the-penalties-for-a-DUI-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/what-are-the-penalties-for-a-DUI-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/what-are-the-penalties-for-a-DUI-400x266.jpg 400w, https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/what-are-the-penalties-for-a-DUI-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/what-are-the-penalties-for-a-DUI.jpg 626w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 626px) 100vw, 626px\" \/> <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drinking and driving have some serious repercussions. Driving drunk might be trivial for some, but it poses a great danger to the driver, passenger, fellow motorists, and even pedestrians. It creates a significant impact on the quality of life, finances, and overall well-being of the people involved to promote highway safety. A<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/criminal-defense\/dui-charges\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> DUI is a severe crime in the United States<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. There are varying laws and respective punishments across different states; find out what the rules and their corresponding penalties are in Indiana.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The term DUI is easily used and readily understandable across America. However, the official term for drunk or drugged driving in Indiana is \u201cOperating While Intoxicated\u201d or OWI.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An Indiana OWI violation involves the use of any substance that affects the cognitive ability to operate a vehicle safely. This includes alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs. These substances are known to impair drivers with the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shorter attention span<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slower reaction and reflexes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weakened hand-eye coordination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Twisted judgment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">False sense of reality<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>Indiana OWI Laws<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The OWI laws of Indiana have varying stipulations on legal alcohol limits depending on the type of driver. The following would lead to a DUI arrest:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drivers under the age of 21 &#8211; not exceeding .02 blood alcohol concentration (BAC)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commercial drivers &#8211; not exceeding .04 BAC<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drivers in general &#8211; not exceeding .08 BAC<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drivers with a BAC of.15 or above will be charged with a more serious OWI charge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moreover, Indiana OWI laws also forbid any amount of a schedule 1 or II controlled substance in their system. This list of controlled substances includes opiates, hallucinogens, marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, fentanyl, Adderall, and methamphetamine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drugs stay in the system longer than alcohol and may induce dependency. Should a person register any amount of these controlled substances in their system, they can be charged with an OWI. The date and time when these controlled substances are consumed will not matter in the OWI case. For as long as there is proof that these substances are present in your system while operating or taking control of a vehicle, you may be indicted with an OWI.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Indiana OWI Convictions<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As there could be various circumstances leading to an OWI charge in Indiana, penalties also vary and are primarily dependent on the severity of the OWI committed. The frequency with which the violation is perpetrated is also considered.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should you be convicted with an OWI in Indiana, the case will be on record and considered as a prior perpetually. If you face an Indiana OWI charge, you need the best defense possible to avoid a conviction. For some, drivers charged with OWIs think that their case is helpless and automatically plead guilty. E<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">xperienced Indiana DUI attorneys<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> would argue this mentality as various factors are considered before a criminal conviction. DUIs or OWIs are not without hope. Talk to an attorney and build a solid defense.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Indiana OWI Penalties<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most OWI in Indiana is a Class C misdemeanor. This is when the driver registers a BAC of higher than .08 but less than .15. Possible penalties for this charge are:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a first offense &#8211; This could mean jail time of up to 60 days and a fine of up to <\/span><b>$500<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The driver\u2019s license is suspended for more or less 180 days and installing an ignition interlock device in the motor vehicle for up to 60 days.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the second and third offenses &#8211; Incarceration of up to 60 days and a fine of up to $500. The driver\u2019s license is revoked for more or less one year and the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in the motor vehicle for up to 60 days.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most likely, offenders will also be slapped with mandatory community service. Some may be mandated to participate in frequent and random alcohol or drug tests, engage in substance abuse programs and alcohol education, and join victim impact discussions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, if it is a severe DUI\/OWI charge or when the driver tests for a BAC that is .15 or higher, the penalties are also higher and are considered a Class A misdemeanor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a serious DUI\/OWI charge, jail time could be up to one year, fines up to $5,000, and the mandatory installation of the IID for a year.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Ignition Interlock Device<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The IID or otherwise known as an in-car breathalyzer, can detect alcohol on your breath. In cars installed with an IID, the driver will have to breathe into the IID. Should there be alcohol in the system, the vehicle will not start. If you are mandated to install an IID, you do so at your expense and costs on average at $3\/day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Is an OWI a felony or a misdemeanor in Indiana<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It depends. OWIs are primarily misdemeanors. But, if there are aggravating circumstances, the DUI court may charge a felony.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other factors considered whether the charge is for a misdemeanor or a felony are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Injuries sustained.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The value of damages.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age of passengers in the vehicle.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequency of offenses.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Indiana, three levels of felonies are applicable for DUIs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Level_6_felony\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Level 6 felony\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is charged when the offender\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Has been convicted with DUI\/OWI in the last seven years.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is 21 years old or above with a passenger who is 18 years old or below.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This level of felony could mean jail time of 6 months to 2.5 years with an advisory sentence of 12 months and a fine of up to $10,0000.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Level 5 felony<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is charged if the offender was able to cause injuries or death to other people due to the impaired driving of the offender. Moreover, this is also charged when the offender has been convicted with DUI\/OWI in the last five years that caused injury or death of another individual.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This level of felony could mean jail time of 12 months to 6 years with an advisory sentence of 3 years and a fine of up to $10,0000.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Level 4 felony &#8211; This is charged if the offender could cause serious injuries or death of another person. Moreover, this is also charged when the offender has had an OWI in the last ten years. The offender committed the current OWI on a suspended license due to another OWI charge or multiple traffic offenses and when their BAC is .15 or higher.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When the offender has caused severe injuries or death to multiple people, each person affected is considered a separate offense, increasing the OWI charge&#8217;s penalties exponentially based on magnitude and severity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Getting a DUI Lawyer<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talk to an Indiana DUI lawyer if you are arrested for DUI\/OWI charges. Our attorneys at Wilson &amp; Kinsman LLC are experienced in handling such cases. <a href=\"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/contact-us\/\">Visit our law office<\/a> in Elkhart, Indiana, or our website for a consultation. There are multiple factors to consider in a DUI charge. Having representatives who have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/criminal-defense\/dui-charges\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">excellent track records in building a DUI defense<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is exactly what you need. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Drunk Driving\u00a0 Drinking and driving have some serious repercussions. Driving drunk might be trivial for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2699,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[42],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2697"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2697"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2697\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2700,"href":"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2697\/revisions\/2700"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2699"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2697"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2697"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wilsonandkinsman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2697"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}