Indiana DUI Laws, Penalties, and License Suspension

Indiana drunk driving laws have become more and more complicated and the penalties are more harsh that ever. The amount of alcohol a person can consume is becoming less and the effort to crack down on DUI's is rising. Most people arrested for drunk driving have never been in trouble with the law before, this will be the first time they were handcuffed, put into the back of a police car, and tried by the state in court.

The DMV and court process is confusing and there is no room for even the slightest error. Knowing the laws, penalties, fees and process is extremely important. The biggest mistake you can make is assuming that you don't need to speak to a lawyer. DUIs are very complex and a lot is at stake. If you plead guilty to a DUI, your guilty. No reducing, no plea bargaining, just guilty. Give your case a change, talk to a lawyer. You can schedule a free, no obligation consultation with an attorney today by calling (877) 678-5640.

Indiana Laws

The following driving actions are illegal in the State of Indiana:

• All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
• Under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher.
• Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.

Indiana Penalties

First Drunk Driving Conviction
The first time you are convicted of drunk driving in Indiana you will pay court costs and fees of $300 or more, you can also be fined up to $5,000. You will also face jail time not to exceed 1 year. Your drivers license will be suspended for a minimum of 30 days followed by a probationary period in which you will be allowed to drive only to work and back. It is also possible that you will be placed on probation and ordered to enroll in a substance abuse course at your own expense. If the court rules you may need to install an ignition interlock device on your car, attend a victim impact panel, and submit to chemical testing for drug and alcohol abuse.

Second Drunk Driving Conviction
For your second drunk driving conviction in the State of Indiana you will spend a minimum of 5 days in jail, up to 3 years in jail. You may also be ordered to perform community service. The fine you will receive will be no more than $10,000 and your license will be suspended for a minimum of 6 Months and possibly up to 2 years. It is also possible that you will be placed on probation and ordered to enroll in a substance abuse course at your own expense. If the court rules you may need to install an ignition interlock device on your car, attend a victim impact panel, and submit to chemical testing for drug and alcohol abuse.

Third Drunk Driving Conviction
Your third drunk driving conviction in Indiana will result in a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail up to 3 years in jail. You may also be ordered to perform community service. Your drivers license will be suspended for a minimum of 1 year and may be suspended for 10 years. The court will label you a habitual traffic violator, with harsh penalties for the future infractions. If you are charged and sentenced as a habitual substance offended, you may be imprisoned for an additional 1 to 8 years in jail. It is also possible that you will be placed on probation and ordered to enroll in a substance abuse course at your own expense. If the court rules you may need to install an ignition interlock device on your car, attend a victim impact panel, and submit to chemical testing for drug and alcohol abuse.

Indiana Drivers License Issues

The State of Indiana implied consent law deems that all drivers in Indiana agree to submit to a chemical test of their blood, breath or urine. Refusal to take such a test will bring a drivers license suspension of 1 year for your first refusal. As with many states, the State of Indiana treats chemical test refusals as serious or more serious than a actual drunk driving conviction.

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