For any Indiana driver who also drinks alcohol, a DUI arrest is a scary and unfortunate possibility. While DUI is a common enough criminal charge, several misconceptions persist about DUIs arrests and how they can occur in Indiana.
This blog aims to clarify these misunderstandings, arm Indiana drivers with knowledge, and explain why no one should face DUI charges without the assistance of an Indiana DUI lawyer.
Fact: An Indiana Driver Can Be Charged with DUI Even If Their ACE Is Less Than 0.08
One of the most common misconceptions concerning DUIs is the belief that a person can’t be charged if their alcohol concentration equivalent (ACE) doesn’t reach a certain specific level. While 0.08* is the most well known standard when it comes to DUI charges, Indiana law highlights multiple legal limits, confirming that you can, indeed, face DUI charges under different circumstances.
For example, operating with an ACE of at least 0.08 can get you charged with a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. If you’re caught driving with an ACE of at least 0.15, you can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. This carries a maximum penalty of 365 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Additionally, the presence of any drugs or metabolites in one’s system can lead to similar legal consequences.
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* grams of ethanol per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath