A second DUI charge in Indiana is significantly more serious than a first offense and is typically charged as a Level 6 felony if it occurs within seven years of the first conviction. This designation carries severe legal consequences including possible prison time, steep fines, extended license suspension, and lasting damage to your employment, housing, and civil rights. The legal system—judges, prosecutors, and the law itself—takes a much harsher view of repeat offenders, often interpreting a second arrest as a failure to reform and a risk to public safety. Even minimum penalties include mandatory jail or community service, and courts often go well beyond that.
Given these high stakes, anyone facing a second DUI in Indiana needs an experienced, proactive defense team. The Marc Lopez Law Firm emphasizes a strategic approach aimed at minimizing jail time, preserving driving privileges, and—critically—reducing the felony to a misdemeanor when possible. The sooner you act, the better your chances, as early intervention through treatment or counseling can improve how the court views your case. A felony DUI doesn’t just end in the courtroom; its effects ripple through your life for years. But with the right defense and swift action, there is still hope—and a path forward.