If you’ve recently been pulled over and charged with a DUI it is essential that you hire a DUI attorney in Indianapolis. Being arrested for a DUI can have serious consequences in Indiana, particularly if it is not your first offense. Hiring an Indianapolis DUI attorney assures that you are protected, and that you have access to the best possible defense.

Enhancing Factors

Although all DUIs are serious offenses and require a qualified Indianapolis DUI attorney, you may face enhanced charges for the following reasons:
• BAC reading in excess of 0.15-percent (Class A misdemeanor)
• Causing bodily injury to another person (Class D felony)
• Presence of a passenger under 18 years old (Class D felony)
• Causing death to another person (Class C felony)

First Offense

A first-time offense will earn either a Class C or Class A misdemeanor charge. Your license may be suspended between 90 days and two years and you will be subject to a fine of up to $500 and 30 to 60 days of jail if found guilty. These limits are raised to $5,000 and 1 year if the charge is Class A.

Second Offense

A second offense becomes a Class D felony. It can result in a fine up to $10,000, 5 days to 3 years in jail, a suspension of 180 days to 2 years, and mandatory sentencing of 180 hours of community service.

Third Offense

A third offense exposes you to an additional Class D felony with increased penalties. Community hours are increased to 360 hours, and the minimum jail sentence is raised to 10 days. Suspension of license range is raised to between 1 and 10 years. If charged as a habitual substance offender you may also receive an additional 1 to 8 years of jail time.

If you are being charged with a DUI, it is essential that you hire an Indianapolis DUI attorney to protect yourself because the stakes for conviction are high. Contact Potts Law today for more information and a free consultation at (317) 951-0087 OR fill out the online contact form.