Possible Sentences for a Second OWI Charge in Indiana

Whether you are checking in for yourself or a loved one, a second OWI charge in Indiana is something to be concerned about, especially if it’s happened within 5 years of the first. Although it can vary slightly from county to county, the general bail and criminal sentencing guidelines for a second intoxicated driving offense is something you can rely on for a predictable list of possible court outcomes.

Continue reading to learn how the state penalizes a second DUI charge, and what you can do to avoid the maximum sentence as a defendant in an Indiana criminal court.

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Indianapolis DUI Attorney 317-636-7514

OWI Charges are Serious at Any Level in Indiana

Just one DUI charge is enough to cause great concern. Indiana takes intoxicated driving very seriously, and the sentencing guidelines for such crimes show. A first drunk driving conviction is a Class C Misdemeanor, which will leave an offender facing possible jail time of 60 to 360 days, up to $5,000 in fines, up to 2 years supervised probation, up to 2 years license suspension, and more.

OWI, DUI, & DWI are INTERCHANGEABLE terms. They are all the SAME OFFENSE in Indiana.

As for a second DUI charge, the penalties are much harsher. A second drunk driving conviction is a Level 6 Felony, which leaves an offender facing possible jail time of 6 months to 2 ½ years, up to $10,000 in fines, 6 months to 2 years supervised probation, 6 months to 2 years drivers’ license suspension, and more. In Indiana, if a second DUI charge happens within 5 years of the first, it is considered a subsequent offense, and therefore, subjected to stricter penalties.

Additional court-ordered penalties that can be added to an offender’s sentence at the judges personal and professional discretion include community service, victim impact panel participation, Moms Against Drunk Driving conference attendance, rehabilitation, alcohol and drug education classes, ignition interlock devices, house arrest, and more.

Want to Know What a 3rd DUI Conviction Will Get You?

✅ Minimum 10 Days, but Up to 2 ½ Years in Jail
✅ Probation Up to 2 Years
✅ License Suspended 6 months – 2 ½ years
✅ Court-Determined Fines
✅ 480 Hours Community Service*
✅ Alcohol and Drug Assessment*
✅ Victim Impact Program (VIP)*
* = cannot be reduced

How to Avoid the Max Sentence for a Second DUI in Indiana

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law at 317-636-7514 if you have been charged with a DUI felony in Indianapolis, Indiana or within its surrounding counties. Attorney David E. Lewis is here to ensure your rights are protected and you avoid jail time. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss the best course of action for your DUI defense. Contact our Indianapolis criminal law firm today to get started.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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