April 1, 2024 | DUI
Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense in Indianapolis, with implications that can drastically affect every aspect of your life. If you are facing charges, it’s important to understand the charges and how they can have far-reaching consequences.
Having skilled representation on your side could be essential for combating these charges and minimizing their impact on your future.
DUI Laws in Indianapolis, IN
In Indianapolis, Indiana, DUI laws are strictly enforced to maintain road safety.
The law criminalizes the following behaviors:
- Operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08% or above
- Operating a commercial vehicle with a BAC of .04% or above
- Operating a vehicle with a BAC of .02% or higher for drivers under 21
- Operating a vehicle with controlled substances or their metabolites present in your system
An arrest for DUI can also occur for those of legal drinking age even if they have no drugs in their system and their BAC is under .08%. Suppose an officer determines impairment based on observations such as erratic driving, poor performance during field sobriety tests, and other observations. In that case, they can charge a person with a DUI even if the BAC is below the legal limit.
It’s often easier to fight DUI charges in this situation, but it’s quite subjective, and an acquittal certainly isn’t guaranteed.
Being arrested for a DUI in Indianapolis can bring significant legal repercussions, with varying degrees, based on whether it’s your first offense and other factors.
First-Time DUI Penalties
For a first-time DUI conviction, you’re facing the following consequences:
- A suspension of your driver’s license for up to two years
- Fines of up to $5,000 if your BAC was .15 or higher
- Jail time up to 1 year, depending on your BAC and other factors
- Community service
- Alcohol and drug assessment and treatment program
- Installation of an ignition interlock device in some circumstances
In some cases, you may be eligible for probation for a first-time offense.
Second Offense DUI Penalties
If you’re arrested for a second DUI within seven years of your previous conviction, the penalties increase in severity.
In these cases, it’s a level six felony, and you’re facing the following penalties:
- Jail time of between five days and three years
- Fines of up to $10,000
- License suspension for up to 2 years
If your previous DUI involved bodily injury or death, your most recent arrest will be charged as a level 5 felony, which carries between one and 6 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
Ultimately, the more DUI convictions you have, the more severe the penalties will be going forward.
Collateral Consequences for DUI Convictions
A DUI conviction carries not just immediate legal penalties, but also collateral consequences that cast a wide net over various aspects of your life, including:
Job Issues
Most employers will conduct background checks, and a DUI on your record may make it difficult to obtain employment. Many companies view this kind of conviction as an indicator of unreliability or poor decision-making.
Impact on Professional Licensing
People involved in certain professions, particularly those requiring state licensing like law, medicine, and teaching, could have their licenses suspended or revoked following a DUI conviction.
Increased Insurance Premiums
Following a DUI conviction, expect car insurance premiums to spike significantly. Insurance providers consider individuals with DUI convictions as high-risk drivers and usually adjust rates accordingly.
Housing Challenges
Securing housing might also become more complicated post-DUI because landlords routinely perform background checks. A criminal record can dissuade potential landlords from renting to you.
Social Stigma
A DUI conviction often carries a social stigma with it, which can strain or even severely damage your personal and professional relationships. Friends, family members, and colleagues may view you differently in light of the charges.
Contact the Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC For Help Today
These far-reaching consequences of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol underscore the need for skilled legal representation if you’re facing a DUI charge. A skilled attorney can help you navigate the challenging process of dealing with the consequences of a DUI.
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC give us a call today at (317) 759-2599 or visit us at our Indianapolis law office.
Suhre & Associates, LLC – Indianapolis
101 W Ohio St #2000
Indianapolis, In 46204
United States
