A Closer Look at Consequences for Drugged Driving in Indiana

Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) is a serious offense in Indiana, and those who are caught can face harsh consequences. The penalties for drugged driving vary depending on the type and amount of drug involved. In addition to legal repercussions, there may also be personal costs such as lost wages or higher auto insurance premiums. It’s important to understand the risks associated with operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs so that you can make an informed decision about your safety and that of others on the road.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at DUID laws in Indiana and examine some of the potential consequences for violating them.

Call 317-636-7514 to Speak With a DUID Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana
Call 317-636-7514 to Speak With a DUID Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana

What You Need to Know About Drugged Driving (DUID) in Indiana

In Indiana, it’s illegal to drive with any detectable amount of certain controlled substances in your system. This includes cannabis, opioids, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, and many other commonly abused drugs. If you’re pulled over or involved in an accident while impaired by drugs, the police may give you a field sobriety test to determine whether you are under the influence. If they believe that you are impaired, they can charge you with a DUID offense. The severity of the charge will depend on what type of drug is present and how much is in your system; for example, cocaine possession will usually result in more serious charges than marijuana possession.

DUID Convictions and Penalties

The consequences for drugged driving vary depending on the severity of the drug crime. If convicted, you could face a fine of up to $10,000 and/or up to two years in prison. You may also be required to complete drug treatment programs or community service. Additionally, your license could be suspended for six months or longer. Even if you don’t receive jail time or pay a fine, DUID convictions can remain on your criminal record and have negative impacts on employment opportunities and other areas of your life.

How to Stay Ahead of Your Rights and Your Safety

It’s important to stay informed about drugged driving laws in Indiana so that you can make safe decisions when it comes to getting behind the wheel. In addition to understanding the potential consequences for violating these laws, it’s also essential to know the signs of impairment – including slowed reaction time, difficulty concentrating, and impaired coordination – so that you can recognize when it’s not safe to drive. Making smart choices now can save you from facing serious legal and personal repercussions down the road.

In Summary

Drugged driving is a serious offense in Indiana, and those who are caught violating DUID laws may face harsh consequences including fines, prison time, license suspension, and more. It’s important to stay informed about these laws in order to make safe decisions when it comes to getting behind the wheel. Remembering the potential costs associated with drugged driving can help you avoid facing serious legal or personal repercussions in the future.

What to Do After a DUID Arrest in Indianapolis

If you have been arrested for drugged driving, also known as driving under the influence of drugs (DUID), it is important to seek the counsel of an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer. A conviction for drugged driving can have serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment. A qualified criminal defense attorney can review the evidence against you and develop a strategy to protect your rights and minimize the potential repercussions. They can also help you understand the complex legal issues involved in a DUID case, such as the validity of drug tests and how they may be challenged in court. With the guidance of a skilled criminal defense lawyer, you can potentially achieve a more favorable outcome in a drugged driving case.

Were you or your loved one recently arrested for drugged driving in or around Indy? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed DUID lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We can start working on your case TODAY.

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The Legal Penalties of Drugged Driving in Indiana

The dangers of drugged driving are becoming increasingly clear. While most people know the risks associated with drinking and driving, drugged driving is a growing problem that can have serious legal consequences. Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol is illegal in all 50 states, and drivers found guilty of drugged driving could face hefty fines, license suspension, jail time, and more.

In this blog post we’ll look at the legal penalties for drugged driving in Indiana so Hoosiers everywhere can understand exactly what’s at stake if you’re caught operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Call 317-636-7514 to Speak With a DUI Drugged Driving Lawyer in Indianapolis.
Call 317-636-7514 to Speak With a DUI Drugged Driving Lawyer in Indianapolis.

Indiana Drugged Driving Laws are Harsh

In Indiana, driving while under the influence of drugs, prescription or illicit, is considered a serious criminal offense. Generally speaking, drugged driving laws in the state are similar to DUI laws for alcohol. If you are pulled over and suspected of drugged driving, law enforcement will likely administer field sobriety tests and chemical testing before taking any further action. A person can be charged with drugged driving in Indiana if they are found to have any quantity of drugs in their system that impair their ability to safely and legally operate a motor vehicle. This includes illegal substances such as marijuana and cocaine, but also prescription medication such as opioids (i.e. hydrocodone, oxycodone, Percocet, etc.) and sedatives (i.e. benzodiazepines, barbiturates, “Z-drug” sleep medications, etc.).

Drugged Driving Convictions

If convicted of drugged driving, penalties vary depending on the severity of the case. For a first offense drugged driving conviction, the penalties can include up to 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500. Additional fines may apply, such as those related to court costs and attorney fees. An offender may also be ordered to complete an alcohol or drug education program at their own expense. Other consequences could include license suspension and/or a six-month probationary period, as well as a combination of restitution, community service, ankle monitoring, and house arrest.

Habitual Offenders

For repeat drugged driving offenses, the penalties are even more severe. A second drugged driving conviction could include up to one year in prison and/or fines of up to $1,000. A third drugged driving conviction can carry a sentence of up to three years in prison and/or fines of up to $10,000. Additional consequences may include community service, mandatory treatment programs, and license revocation.

Driving on Drugs is a Serious Crime

It’s important to understand that drugged driving is a serious offense and can have serious legal penalties. If you are found guilty of drugged driving in Indiana, it’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible. With the help of an experienced Indianapolis drugged driving attorney, you can understand the legal penalties and explore available options for reducing or eliminating them. Remember – driving under the influence of drugs, whether prescription or illegal, is a crime that not only puts you at risk, but also other drivers on the road. Don’t take chances with your safety or the safety of others behind the wheel. Understand the law, make smart decisions, and stay safe!

If you have been charged for driving under the influence, it is crucial that you enlist an experienced DUI lawyer to fight tenaciously against every aspect of your drug case and strive to achieve a more favorable outcome in court. Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana about your drugged driving charges, today. We can meet over the phone, via online video conference, or in person at our office.

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8 Ways You Can Be Charged With Intoxicated Driving

Intoxicated driving charges are very serious, and the law is designed to use such cases as a means to set an example for the rest of the public. The laws surrounding OWI charges vary from state to state, as do the possible enhancements that can increase the severity of the charges. There are several ways you can be charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Continue below to learn the 8 types of DUI charges, what they mean, and how you can beat them with skilled legal representation.

DUI Lawyers Near Me Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
DUI Lawyers Near Me Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Types of OWI Enhancements

Potential OWI enhancements depend on several factors, but the most common types of enhancements to drunk driving charges include operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15% or higher, drunk driving with a minor as a passenger, drunk driving that causes another person bodily injury, and drunk driving that causes the death of another person.

Aggravated DUI

An aggravated DUI is any average DUI charge, but with enhancements. See enhancement examples above. Aggravated DUI charges are the same thing as Felony DUI charges, which is the term used in Indiana. Additional aggravated DUI offenses include DUI in a school zone, operating a school bus under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving intoxicated without a valid license, having multiple convictions within a short time frame, and more.

Drugged Driving (DUID)

Alcohol is not the only substance that can lead to a DUI arrest. Operating a vehicle while under the influence of Schedule I or Schedule II drugs, whether legal or illegal, can lead to a DUID charge in Indiana, which stands for “driving under the influence of drugs.” A police officer can legally arrest you for a DUID charge simply based on a reasonable suspicion that such drugs are in your system.

DUI Accidents

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious crime in itself; but couple it with an accident and the charges get worse. In Indiana, DUI-related accidents are labeled as Felony DUI charges, and come with severe penalties.

DUI Manslaughter

When DUI accidents end with fatalities, the charges increase to DUI manslaughter. Although the fatalities in these cases are unintentional, the charge still come with very severe penalties in Indiana. DUI manslaughter is a Level 5 Felony, which is a very serious charge.

Felony DUI

First-offense DUI charges are generally misdemeanors. But with enhancements or previous convictions, DUI charges turn into a felony very fast. Such factors include multiple convictions, fatalities, presence of children, bodily harm, property damage, and more. With the help of a tough defense lawyer, felony DUI charges can sometimes be reduced to lower felonies or misdemeanors.

Misdemeanor DUI

A typical DUI charge in Indiana is a misdemeanor crime, unless there are enhancements involved, or a person has prior DUI convictions within a certain time frame (usually 5 to 10 years). First time DUI offenses are Class C misdemeanors, but with BAC levels higher than 0.15%, they jump to Class A misdemeanors. With the help of a tough defense lawyer, Level 6 felony DUI’s can often times be reduced to DUI misdemeanors.

Property Damage DUI

When a DUI accident ends with property damages, the penalties and fines increase dramatically. A person can expect longer jail time, harsher sentencing agreements, and extreme fines. And although these are considered aggravated DUI’s, they are not always charged as felonies. However, if property damages are extensive, the charge is likely to increase to a felony.

Underage DUI

Indiana has a “per se” stance on underage drinking and driving. This means there is a zero-tolerance rule for underage drinking. Any person under the age of 21, the national legal drinking age, is forbidden to consume or purchase alcoholic beverages. Underage drinking is a crime in itself, but combined with driving and DUI charges, underage drinkers face serious penalties. Standard penalties include license suspension, jail time, probation, hefty fines, community service, and diversion programs.

Are you looking for criminal defense attorney who can help you reduce your OWI criminal charges in Indiana? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer about your Indiana DUI charges. Our legal team can help you obtain the best possible outcome to your criminal matters!

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