When someone is arrested for OVWI in Hamilton County, one of the first concerns is whether they will be able to keep driving. Indiana law allows for quick license suspensions based on chemical test results or refusals, often before people fully understand what is happening. Because a driver’s license is vital for work, family, and daily responsibilities, protecting it becomes a top priority. The strategy attorneys use depends on the specifics of your case, for example, whether you took a chemical test, whether you refused, and whether specialized driving privileges are available. Acting quickly can make a major difference, especially in avoiding or staying an automatic suspension.
Cases involving chemical tests and refusal suspensions follow very different rules. For first-time OVWI cases where a chemical test was completed, attorneys typically move fast to request a stay of the suspension and immediately file for specialized driving privileges, which can allow essential travel. Refusal cases are more serious because Indiana treats almost any hesitation as a refusal, triggering a one-year suspension with no specialized privileges. Even then, an attorney may be able to negotiate the refusal off the case to restore options. Judges weigh factors like BAC, criminal history, and whether a crash occurred, and strong preparation improves the likelihood of approval. Because timing is critical, contacting an OVWI attorney right away offers the best chance to protect not only your license but also your long-term future.