Indiana OWI and DUI Lawyers
An OWI Arrest Starts Two Cases: Your Criminal Charge and Your License.
Custom Law defends Indiana OWI and DUI allegations involving alcohol, drugs, test refusal, injury, and prior offenses.
OWI and DUI Charges in Indiana
An Indiana OWI case may involve alcohol, a controlled substance, or a combination of intoxicants. The source page identifies a .08% BAC limit for drivers age 21 and older, .02% for underage drivers, and .04% for commercial-license holders operating commercial vehicles.
After an arrest, clearly invoke the right to remain silent, answer no investigative questions, and sign no statement without counsel. Early defense work may affect both the criminal case and the separate license consequences.
Testing Issues
- Roadside portable breath tests
- Certified breath, blood, or urine testing under implied consent
- Walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and horizontal-gaze nystagmus tests
- Testing equipment, observation periods, warrants, and sample handling
- Prescription or illegal-drug metabolite allegations
Indiana Code §9-30-6-1 addresses implied consent after arrest. Refusal may trigger automatic suspension, civil consequences, courtroom use, and enhanced penalties.
Indiana OWI Levels and Penalties
- BAC .08 to .15: Class C misdemeanor under §9-30-5-1(a).
- BAC .15 or above: Class A misdemeanor under §9-30-5-1(b).
- Schedule I or II substance or metabolite: Class C misdemeanor.
- Endangering another person: Class A misdemeanor.
- Prior OWI or minor passenger: May become Level 6.
- Serious bodily injury: Level 6, potentially Level 5 with a prior.
- Fatal OWI: Level 5, potentially Level 4 with listed aggravators.
Sentencing Ranges
Class C carries up to 60 days and $500; Class A up to one year and $5,000; Level 6 six months to 2½ years and $10,000; Level 5 one to six years and $10,000; Level 4 two to 12 years and $10,000. Other consequences include probation, home confinement, community service, suspension, ignition interlock, treatment, a victim-impact panel, and SR-22 insurance.
Defending an OWI Case
Defense may challenge the legality of the stop, field-test administration, chemical-test accuracy, implied-consent procedure, warrant, endangerment allegation, causation of injury, or enhancement based on prior history. Goals may include acquittal, suppression, reduction, protection of driving privileges, or minimized incarceration.
Prepared for What Comes Next
What to Expect from Custom Law
Criminal defense requires more than a quick review of the charging paperwork. Our attorneys look at how the investigation started, how evidence was obtained, what the State must prove, and how the case may affect the client outside the courtroom.
Drawing on more than 20 years of legal experience, former-prosecutor insight, and extensive courtroom work, the team develops a tailored approach for negotiations, hearings, or trial while keeping clients informed from start to finish.
Former Prosecutor Insight
As former Indiana prosecutors, our criminal defense attorneys know the tactics that may be used against an accused person. The team has handled countless criminal cases and hundreds of successful jury trials.
Prepared for Court
We organize the facts, analyze the law, and prepare each matter with the possibility of hearings or trial in mind.
Direct Communication
Clients receive clear explanations, candid advice, and updates needed to make informed decisions throughout the case.
Client Reviews
What Our Clients Say
From day one they treated my case like it mattered. They fought hard, kept me informed, and got my charges dismissed. I can't recommend this team enough.
James R.
True trial attorneys. The prosecutor clearly did not want to face them. Professional, prepared, and genuinely on my side the whole time.
Michael T.
Responsive, honest, and incredibly knowledgeable. They handled my OWI charge with skill and got me a result I didn't think was possible.
David K.