Indiana treats operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol as a serious crime. Even for a first offense, you could receive up to a year in jail for a conviction along with other penalties.
Before facing a court date for an Indiana OWI charge, review the possible criminal consequences in your case.
First-time OWI
An OWI arrest results if you have measured blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher. Penalties for a conviction include:
- Minimum of 30-day and up to two-year driver’s license suspension
- Fine of up to $5,000 plus court and vehicle towing costs
- Up to one year in jail
- Probation with periodic drug and alcohol testing
- Substance abuse education at your own expenses
- Attendance at a victim impact panel
Second-time OWI
If you get a second OWI conviction, you could receive:
- Minimum of 180-day and up to three-year license suspension
- Fine of up to $10,000 plus court and vehicle towing costs
- At least five days and up to three years in jail
- Community service
- Probation with periodic drug and alcohol testing
- Substance abuse education at your own expenses
- Attendance at a victim impact panel
Third-time OWI
A third OWI will result in these penalties:
- Minimum of 10-day and up to 10-year license suspension as a habitual traffic offender
- Fine of up to $10,000 plus court and vehicle towing costs
- At least 10 days and up to 10 years in jail if adjudged as a habitual traffic offender
- Community service
- Probation with periodic drug and alcohol testing
- Substance abuse education at your own expenses
- Attendance at a victim impact panel
Underage drivers are subject to a zero-tolerance law in Indiana. Before age 21, the BAC threshold for an OWI is 0.02%. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you or your attorney could ask the court for a downgrade to a wet reckless charge. This constitutes a reckless driving conviction with an additional $200 fine.
