If you’ve been charged under Indiana Code § 9-30-5-2, you’re likely facing an Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OWI) offense. However, if your charge includes an “endangerment” enhancement under subsection (b), the stakes are much higher. A basic OWI is a Class C misdemeanor with up to 60 days in jail and a \$500 fine, but adding endangerment elevates it to a Class A misdemeanor, increasing the potential sentence to one year in jail and a \$5,000 fine. The troubling part? This enhancement doesn’t require a serious accident—minor traffic infractions like drifting in your lane or rolling stops may be enough if the officer deems them dangerous.
Fortunately, being charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty. Prosecutors may aggressively pursue endangerment enhancements, but proving them is another matter. At the Marc Lopez Law Firm, defense attorneys challenge the evidence—from dashcam footage to officer reports—to expose weak or exaggerated claims. Since enhanced OWI charges can lead to harsher sentences, longer license suspensions, and a more damaging criminal record, it’s critical to act quickly. Understanding your charges and contacting an experienced Indiana OWI attorney can make all the difference in protecting your rights and your future.
