Operating a vehicle while intoxicated OWI charges are the Indiana equivalent of driving under the influence (DUI) offenses. Anyone accused of driving in an unsafe manner due to chemical impairment or exceeding the chemical limit for their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) could face OWI charges that lead to fines, jail time and a driver’s license suspension.
Underage drivers are subject to a stricter standard for their BAC, which increases the likelihood of an OWI arrest. Drivers under the age of 21 are at risk of OWI charges with a BAC of 0.02% or higher. What penalties might they face after a conviction or guilty plea?
The penalties depend on the situation
Sentencing for an underage OWI offense is similar to any other criminal matter. The details about the situation leading to charges and the discretion of the courts are key considerations. Aggravating factors can potentially worsen the allegations against a young driver and the penalties that the courts might impose.
The potential penalties include a one-year driver’s license suspension, a $500 fine and a requirement to attend a victim impact panel. However, the state can also pursue felony charges with much more serious consequences if there was a minor passenger under the age of 18 in the vehicle with the impaired motorist or if the impaired underage driver causes a crash that injures others.
Teenagers and 20-year-olds accused of OWI offenses may need guidance to respond effectively to the charges they’re facing. Working with a criminal defense attorney can help young drivers and their families limit the lasting consequences of a youthful mistake or a misunderstanding that has led to OWI charges.