Charges of Driving Under the Influence, or DUI, in Indiana depend on a person’s blood alcohol content (BAC) and whether they have any prior DUI convictions. An Indianapolis DUI attorney knows these laws well and may be able to counsel you on the best action to take to minimize your penalties, which can be jail time or heavy fines.

What Constitutes a DUI in Indiana?

If you are placed under arrest by a police officer on a DUI-related charge, it’s strongly advised that you consult an Indianapolis DUI attorney immediately. In Indiana, people with a BAC above .08% can be charged with a misdemeanor. Anyone who has a prior conviction for a DUI can be charged with a felony. A police officer can determine intoxication by smelling your breath, conducting a field sobriety test or administering the Breathalyzer test to check your BAC level. If you have more than the legal limit of alcohol in your system, you may be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and placed under arrest.

What Happens When A Person is Charged with a DUI?

A DUI Attorney in Indianapolis can help you navigate the legal system. After you’re charged, the officer processing the charges may release you pending your arraignment. Your driver’s license will be confiscated and you will be given information about your court date and suspension of your license. This notice can be used as a temporary license until your original is suspended or given back to you.

You will be subject to an administrative review hearing in which you and the arresting office can give evidence. Your arraignment is your first court appearance, and this is where an Indianapolis DUI attorney will defend your case. Sentences vary, and range from a fine to jail time, to license suspension or community service.

The lawyers at Potts Law LLC help you pursue the best course of action following your DUI charge and advise you on how best to proceed. Contact us today for more information and a free consultation at (317) 951-0087. You can also fill out our online contact form and we will call you directly.