When we were finally granted our driving permit at 15 years old, we were so excited to finally have an opportunity to feel what it’s like behind the wheel. At 16, we finally earned our drivers’ license, and felt empowered with our new-found independence. Ever since, we have relied on our vehicles to drive us around town, and in some cases, earn us a living. Needless to say, our driving privileges are something to certainly appreciate, and protect.

So, after being arrested on criminal charges in Indiana, one might immediately, wonder how their charges will affect their drivers’ license status. This is especially important for those who, as mentioned, earn a living through driving, such as ride-sharing employees, bus drivers, delivery drivers, mailmen, and more. If you are wondering what’s to become of your current driving privileges now that you are facing criminal charges, it is helpful to simply learn what to expect under Indiana law.

Continue reading to learn how criminal charges tend to impact a defendant’s drivers’ license, as well as, who to hire for aggressive criminal defense in Indiana.

Indiana Drivers’ License Suspensions and Restrictions

Criminal charges range from minor to major, on a vast scope of offenses. Upon sentencing, a judge can choose to grant a wide spectrum of driving authorizations for an offender depending on several factors. Such factors might include past criminal history, age, employment, and more. If drivers’ licenses are modified by a judge, they can choose how to do so at their own discretion. They may only allow a person to drive to and from school or work, or simply allow offenders to drive during specified times of the day.

In most cases, however, driving privileges are only revoked or restricted for those convicted of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a controlled substance. These are known as DUI’s, DWI’s, and OWI’s, all of which mean the same type of charge. For cases of drunk driving, they may also assign an ignition interlock device on their vehicle to prevent future intoxicated driving if they are a habitual offender.

Reinstating Your Driving Privileges After a DUI Arrest

After being arrested under drunk driving charges, if you didn’t refuse a chemical test, and it hasn’t been 10 days since the arrest, you may qualify to have your driving privileges saved from suspension! What was once called a “hardship” or “probationary” license is now referred to a “specialized driving privileges” (SDP) in Indiana.

Specialized Driving Privileges (SDP)

Specialized driving privileges can be given to those whose drivers’ licenses have been suspended for a temporary amount of time. They can only be granted by a court, and vary depending on a judge’s discretion. A judge will decide the limits and extent of a person’s SDP’s by taking into consideration their past records and current traffic or driving infractions. Habitual traffic offenders and serious violators will be less likely to have lenient driving authorization, whereas a person who’s been charged with their first DUI may be given more rights.  If your license has been permanently revoked, you would not be eligible for SDPs in Indiana.

Specialized driving privileges can include a wide spectrum of driving consents. But again, the extent of permission is entirely up to the court. A judge may allow a person to drive to and from work, to and from school, to and from daycare, or simple drive during certain specified times of the day. They may also allow you to drive anywhere and anytime you like, with the condition of an ignition interlock device (IID), which prohibits drivers from starting their vehicles under the influence of alcohol.

Specialized driving privileges, when granted, are usually given for at least 180 days. Those who qualify and do not qualify for SDPs include a broad range of people. For instance, the legislature decided that SDPs do NOT apply to those who have never had a valid drivers’ license, who have a commercial drivers’ license (CDL), and who have refused a chemical test (IN 9-30-6).

Where to Find a Skilled DUI Defense Lawyer in Indiana

If you do not already have a licensed Indianapolis DUI defense lawyer working on your Indiana criminal case, you need one right away. Contact David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to start building a strong and impactful defense against your Federal or Indiana criminal charges so that you have a chance at avoiding the maximum penalties for your alleged crimes, and maintaining your driving privileges. Our esteemed criminal defense law firm offers free initial consultations, so there are no out-of-pocket obligations to you. Get started protecting your future, today.