If you’ve been charged with DUI in Indiana, it’s likely under the state’s specific term—OVWI (Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated). Unlike the more familiar acronyms DUI or OWI, Indiana’s definition emphasizes “operating” rather than “driving,” meaning you can be charged even if your car isn’t moving. The law is broad, and penalties range from Class C misdemeanors for low-level, first-time offenses to serious felonies for repeat violations, endangering children, or causing injury or death. Indiana’s implied consent law means refusing a chemical test leads to automatic license suspension, and field sobriety tests—though flawed—can be used against you. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels determine the seriousness of charges, with stricter standards for commercial drivers and those under 21.
Your driver’s license status after an OVWI conviction depends on various factors, including whether you’re an Indiana resident or a commercial driver. Specialized driving privileges may be available, but not for CDL holders or out-of-state licenses. Fighting an OVWI charge involves scrutinizing every detail: Was the stop lawful? Were sobriety and chemical tests properly administered? At the Marc Lopez Law Firm, the legal team applies deep knowledge from both prosecution and defense perspectives to challenge the prosecution’s case. If you’re facing an OVWI charge, calling a skilled attorney can make all the difference.
