Refusing a chemical test during a DUI stop in Indiana can lead to an automatic license suspension, even before you’re convicted of any crime. Under Indiana’s implied consent law, simply driving in the state means you’ve agreed to take a breath, blood, or urine test if an officer suspects you of driving under the influence. If you refuse, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) suspends your license on the spot. This administrative suspension is separate from—and can be stacked on top of—any penalties you may receive if you’re later convicted of DUI. Unfortunately, hardship licenses generally aren’t available for refusal suspensions, meaning you may not be able to drive at all for a significant period.
However, there are ways to fight a refusal suspension. An experienced DUI attorney can challenge whether you were properly informed of your rights, or whether your actions were misinterpreted as a refusal. Judges have limited discretion to lift refusal suspensions if it can be shown that your inability to drive negatively affects the community—not just you personally. Every judge handles these cases differently, and legal mistakes early in the process can have long-term consequences. That’s why it’s crucial to act quickly and get legal help if you’re facing a license suspension for DUI refusal.
