DUI charges in Indiana don’t always happen at the scene. Even if you weren’t arrested after a crash or traffic stop, you can still be charged days, weeks, or even months later, especially when blood is taken at the hospital. Delays often happen because officers wait for toxicology results, because police suspect impairment without obvious signs, or because prosecutors later “up-file” a case from a lesser charge to a full DUI. Many people assume that silence means they’re in the clear, but Indiana law allows prosecutors up to two years to file misdemeanor DUI charges and even longer for felonies, meaning delayed filings are both common and legal.
If your blood was drawn or an officer hinted at a possible DUI, the smartest thing you can do is prepare early. Experienced DUI attorneys can anticipate how the case may unfold, guide you through proactive steps like classes or counseling, and build a positive record before charges are filed. Clients who take these steps look responsible, not reactive, when charges eventually arrive, which can make a major difference in penalties, license consequences, and plea negotiations. If you’re in this limbo period, the Marc Lopez Law Firm can help you get ahead of the situation before the State files anything.