Indianapolis OWI First Offense Lawyer
Operating while intoxicated (OWI) offenses are common. Many people drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, even though they know it’s against the law.
An OWI can seem confusing. OWI is also known as driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI). Indiana’s OWI laws make it illegal to operate (not just drive) any type of vehicle (including non-motor vehicles, such as bicycles) while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
An OWI comes with various penalties, including jail time, fines, and driver’s license suspension. Reduce your charges with help from Rigney Law LLC. Count on our Indianapolis OWI first offense lawyer to provide you with the best defense possible.
OWI Penalties
In Indiana, penalties for OWI in Indiana vary based on factors such as the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC), the ages of any passengers, and whether or not there are prior convictions involved. A first offense OWI is typically a Class C misdemeanor if the driver is using a controlled substance or has a BAC between 0.08 and 0.15. This offense is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
If your BAC measures at 0.15 or above, the charge becomes a Class A misdemeanor. It’s also a Class A misdemeanor if your BAC is lower but you injure someone while intoxicated. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
If you are age 21 or older and are operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a passenger under the age of 18, it becomes a Level 6 felony. It’s also a Level 6 felony if you cause serious bodily injury or kill a law enforcement animal while intoxicated. The penalties include up to 2.5 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
If you are operating while intoxicated and kill another person, the charge is elevated to a Level 5 felony. It becomes a Level 4 felony if you have a BAC of 0.15 or above. This felony is punishable by up to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Keep in mind that each person injured or killed when operating while intoxicated is treated as a separate offense, so it is possible to face multiple felonies for one incident.
On top of these penalties, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will likely suspend or revoke your driving privileges. Your driver’s license can be suspended for up to 180 days.
Contact Rigney Law LLC Today
While an OWI charge is typically handled as a misdemeanor, it still comes with serious penalties. Such a charge can affect your life in many ways. Get the right legal help for your case.
Contact Rigney Law LLC for the right legal help. Our experienced Indianapolis OWI first offense lawyer are available 24/7. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (317) 623-0989.
