A DUI charge in Indiana can sometimes escalate to a felony, depending on the circumstances and your history. Even a first-time DUI can become a felony if a minor is in the vehicle or if the offense involves an accident causing injury. Indiana also has strict laws for repeat offenders—any second DUI within seven years of a prior conviction is automatically treated as a felony, regardless of how much time has passed since the first. Real-life cases reveal how even decades-old DUI convictions can resurface, resulting in severe penalties. For instance, one client with a 30-year gap between offenses faced jail time due to the state’s stringent policies.
Navigating the complexities of DUI laws can be daunting, making it crucial to seek experienced legal counsel.