Have you been charged with Operating While
Intoxicated (OWI) in Indiana? The Indiana DUI
Attorneys at the law office of Tony Zirkle
can help. A DUI or OWI charge can leave anyone
confused and discouraged, but our drunk driving
defense professionals can evaluate your case
and tell you what your possibilities are and
where you stand so you can make an informed decision
and know how to proceed.
Have you or someone you know been charged
with driving under the influence and need the
help of Indiana DUI Attorneys? Contact
the Indiana DUI Attorneys at the law office
of Tony Zirkle for legal consultation and representation
today!
In Indiana, anyone stopped by police with a Blood
Alcohol Concentration (BAC) over the legal limit
of .08 or with any schedule I or II controlled substance
or its metabolite in their system will be charged
with a Class C Misdemeanor. Schedule I or II controlled
substance may include: marijuana, cocaine, GHB, methamphetamine,
hydrocodone, Morphine, Amphetamine, Methadone, Heroin,
etc. A driver who is found to have a BAC of .15 or
greater, or endangers a person (including themselves)
while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
will be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor.
A second DUI or OWI violation within a period of
five years is considered a Class D Felony. A person
that causes serious injury to another person while
driving with a BAC of .08 or has a schedule I or
II controlled substance in their system will also
be charged with a class D Felony. If there has been
a previous OWI or DUI conviction within a five year
period, the person will be charged with a Class C
Felony. A driver with a BAC of .08 or higher, or
with a schedule I or II controlled substance in their
system that kills another person will be charged
with a Class C Felony. If
the driver who kills a person has a previous DUI
or OWI conviction within a five year period he/she
will be charged with a Class B Felony. There will
be a separate charge for each person hurt or killed
by the impaired driver.
Indiana penalties for each class of infraction:
Class C Misdemeanor: up to
60 days in prison and a fine of up to $500.
Class A Misdemeanor: up to
one year in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Class D Felony: up to three
years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Class C Felony: up to eight
years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Class B Felony: up to 20
years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
An open container of alcohol in the passenger
compartment while the vehicle is running or while
the vehicle is in the right-of-way of a public
highway, will be charged with a Class C infraction.
An open container is defined by: a container that
has been opened, a broken seal, or a container
that is missing some of its content. A Class C
Infraction is not considered a moving traffic
violation. However, if the person has a previous
judgment or conviction under this law within a
12 month period, they may have their driver’s
license suspension for up to a year. If a driver
who knowingly consumes alcohol while the vehicle
is being driven on a public highway may be charged
with a Class B Infraction and fined up to $1,000.
Let us help you now!
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