Indianapolis DUI and OWI Driver’s-License Suspensions
If you have received a DUI or OWI in Indiana, your license can and will be suspended unless you have a knowledgeable Indianapolis DUI lawyer looking out for your better interest.
If a police officer sees you driving and suspects you are impaired, you will be pulled over and likely given a field sobriety test or a chemical test. DUI charges can be handed down for driving a car under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In Indiana, a DUI or OWI can result in a two-year driver’s license suspension.
If you have been handed a DUI or OWI, there is a real possibility your driver’s license could be suspended. Not only will a suspended license make driving to work, school or grocery stores impossible, but having a poor driving record can show potential employers that you are irresponsible on the road.
What You Need To Know About Your Driver’s License After a DUI in Indianapolis
Indiana allows for the suspension of your driver’s license if you either failed or refused a chemical test. This includes failing or refusing to take a breathalyzer, blood, or urine test for alcohol or drugs. A license suspension can last for 180 days if you failed a chemical test or one year if you refused to take a chemical test with no prior convictions.
Under Indiana state law, if you refuse to take a breath, blood, and urine tests to determine your BAC if you are suspected of DUI/OWI, your license will be automatically suspended.
At Hessler Law, Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer Sean Hessler has a track record of strong advocacy for people charged with all types of OWI offenses. When you are facing a DUI conviction in Indiana, it is important that you can rely on a local lawyer who has experience with successfully defending these types of charges in the court where your case is pending.
How Long Could My License Be Suspended After a DUI?
A DUI or OWI can result in the following when it comes to your Indiana driver’s license:
- Your First DUI/OWI – A first offense DUI in Indiana will likely result in your driver’s license being suspended for 180 days. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your DUI/OWI conviction, you may receive restricted driving privileges. However, if you refused to submit to a chemical test under Indiana’s implied consent law, this could result in a 1-year license.
- Subsequent DUI/OWI Convictions – The second time you are convicted of driving under the influence, your driver’s license may be suspended for a minimum of six months and up to two years. If you have a previous DUI conviction within the last five years or were driving under a DUI driver’s license suspension or revocation, this is considered a felony. If you refuse a certified chemical test with at least one prior conviction for OWI/DUI, your driver’s license can be suspended for up to two years.
When Can My Driver’s License Be Taken Away in Indiana?
Law enforcement may take your license at the time of your arrest. When an officer takes your license, this does not mean it is automatically suspended. You can apply for a duplicate license until your suspension by the Court or the Indiana BMV for identification purposes. However, if your license is suspended, you will no longer be able to drive. An experienced Indianapolis OWI defense lawyer can explain the possible outcomes of your specific DUI charge.
How to Reinstate Your Indiana Driver’s License After a DUI
The details of reinstating your driver’s license in Indiana after a DUI suspension can be complicated and expensive. But generally, you must apply for reinstatement with the BMV and pay a hefty fee. If it’s your first time reinstating your driver’s license, it’ll cost approximately $150. In addition, you’ll have to show proof of insurance, and evidence that you completed a treatment program if that was required.
How An Indianapolis OWI License Suspension Lawyer Can Help You
At Hessler Law, our Indianapolis DUI lawyers offer experienced OWI defense with a track record of successfully representing people accused of various OWI offenses and facing driver’s license suspensions. We have experience on both sides of the criminal justice system that gives us a unique perspective on charges such as OWI in order to give your case the best, possible outcome.
This website is intended for informational purposes only. Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship.