An arrest for operating while intoxicated (OWI), also known as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), can disrupt your routine. You might seek quick clarity on what you could face, especially regarding jail time, financial penalties and your ability to drive.
Indiana law can trigger both a court case and a separate license track through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. These tracks can move simultaneously, so a clear map of possible outcomes can help.
Criminal penalties imposed by the court
Indiana law treats a first OWI charge as a misdemeanor, but the classification can vary based on the facts. If your alcohol concentration falls between 0.08 and 0.15, the charge can align with a Class C misdemeanor. If your alcohol concentration reaches 0.15 or higher, the charge can rise to a Class A misdemeanor.
Indiana sentencing law may allow up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine for a Class C misdemeanor. It may result in up to 1 year in jail and a $5,000 fine for a Class A misdemeanor.
Driver’s license and administrative consequences
Your court case may not control your driving privileges. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles may suspend your license if a chemical test shows prima facie evidence of intoxication.
Indiana law can impose an administrative suspension of up to 180 days. If you refuse a chemical test, the Bureau may suspend your driving privileges for one year.
Factors that increase penalties and additional requirements
Certain details can increase exposure or add conditions, such as:
- Alcohol concentration at 0.15 or higher
- Driving that endangers another person
- A passenger under age 18
- A crash that involves injuries
You may also be subject to education programs or ignition interlock requirements, depending on the court’s orders.
What timing may matter next
From here, timing often matters. You may receive a court notice listing an initial hearing date, which often appears within a few weeks of the arrest. You may also receive a separate notice from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles about a license suspension.
That notice often includes a short window, sometimes measured in days rather than weeks, to request a stay or limited driving privileges. Paying attention to those dates can help you decide what needs action now and what can wait, while leaving room for different paths as the process continues.