Drunk driving has been on the rise and as more crashes have happened, our society has toughened the laws to punish those caught drunk driving. Few crimes come with minimum jail sentences. Drunk driving is one of those crimes.

To meet the definition of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVWI aka DUI) in Indiana, the State must show that you operated a vehicle while having alcohol in the amount of 0.08 percent of your blood content or with a Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance (or its metabolite) in your blood. A lowest level DUI is the lowest level misdemeanor a class C, but is often filed as a class A due to endangering others or yourself. Additionally, if you have prior offenses, if your BAC is 0.15 or greater, or if you cause an injury or death in a crash, it may increase the level of the offense.

Drivers Under 21
A person under 21 commits an infraction with a much lower BAC. Younger drivers driving with a BAC of at least 0.02 but less than 0.08 face a license suspension of up to one year and a fine of up to $500.

Minimum imprisonment sentences apply in addition to the ordinary possible punishment (hyperlink to punishment page). The minimum sentence for a second DUI is either five days imprisonment or 240 hours of community restitution or service. Some counties may not allow for community service and this then becomes a minimum imprisonment provision. A third DUI the minimum increases ten days imprisonment or 480 hours of community restitution or service and the court must order alcohol assessment and completion of treatment program for the third DUI as well.

As can be seen, DUIs are very serious offenses. Do not go it alone. We are here to help you get through this difficult time. Give us a call at 888-888-8980 for a consultation.