December 19, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Many people across the country travel across state lines to visit family and attend holiday events. However, holiday travel can sometimes lead to unexpected legal trouble in Indiana, from minor traffic stops to more serious charges like DUI and public indecency.
If you’re arrested while out of state, your situation can quickly become more complicated than you might initially expect. Learning about how out-of-state arrests work and what steps to take can help you protect your rights and minimize the damage when you return home.
What Happens if You’re Arrested Out of State?
When you’re arrested in another state, that state’s laws apply, not the ones from the state that you live in. This means that the local police, prosecutors, and courts will handle your case based on their legal system. However, because each state has different laws and procedures, your case can vary significantly depending on where you’re arrested.
If you’re charged with a crime while traveling, a few key things typically happen:
- You’re booked into custody and may be released on bail or bond.
- You’re given a court date to appear in the state where the arrest occurred.
- You may need to hire a local attorney to represent you in that jurisdiction.
If you fail to appear in court, the judge can issue a warrant that will remain active in both states. This can lead to serious consequences once you return to Indiana, including possible extradition.
What Is the Interstate Compact?
Indiana is a member of the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision (ICAOS), which allows states to share information about criminal cases and coordinate supervision for certain offenses. This means that if you’re convicted or on probation out of state, Indiana courts and law enforcement will likely be notified.
For example, if you’re arrested for a DUI while visiting Illinois, Ohio, or Kentucky, the offense could still appear on your Indiana driving record. The same is true if you live in Indiana and were arrested in one of those states instead. Depending on the severity of the case, your driver’s license could be suspended, and you may face additional penalties at home as well.
What Should I Do if I’ve Been Arrested While Traveling?
An arrest outside of your home state can feel virtually impossible to deal with, but taking the right steps immediately can help prevent the situation from escalating.
If you’re arrested during holiday travel, make sure to:
- Stay calm and cooperative. Arguing or resisting arrest will only make things worse.
- Exercise your right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions without an attorney present.
- Avoid discussing your case. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
- Contact an attorney right away. Hiring a criminal defense lawyer who’s licensed in the state where the alleged crime took place is necessary.
- Keep all paperwork. This includes your citation, booking documents, and court notice.
Taking these steps early can make a major difference in how your case is resolved later.
How an Indiana Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
An experienced Indiana criminal defense lawyer can play a key role in helping you manage the process.
As applicable to the facts of your case, your attorney can:
- Coordinate with an out-of-state lawyer handling your case if needed
- Explain how the charges might affect your record and license in Indiana
- Help resolve any warrants or probation violations that cross state lines
- Represent you in Indiana proceedings related to your out-of-state arrest, or directly if you were arrested in Indiana
In some circumstances, your lawyer may be able to help you avoid traveling back for every court date by arranging remote appearances and negotiating with prosecutors.
Contact an Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers if You’re Arrested Out of State
Getting arrested while traveling for the holidays can disrupt your life in more ways than one, but the right legal help can make all the difference. No matter the charges you’re up against, understanding both the local and interstate implications is essential.
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers give us a call today at (317) 759-2599 or visit us at our Indianapolis law office.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers – Indianapolis
101 W Ohio St #2000,
Indianapolis, In 46204
(317) 759-2599
