We know that navigating an OWI can be overwhelming. Understanding the requirements and process after an alcohol related driving offense in Indiana is an important step to getting back on the road. We’ve put together some general information to help you get started.
The ICJI lists the penalties for an OWI in Indiana, even a first offense:
- Court costs and fees exceeding $300
- Jail sentence of up to one year
- Fines up to $5,000
- Driver’s license suspension of up to two years
- Probation with required substance abuse education program
- Minimum 30-day license suspension, plus 180 days of work-only driving privileges
- Mandatory victim impact panel
- Drug and alcohol testing
Penalties may be higher for drivers with previous OWI charges, or whose arrest involved aggravating circumstances such as a car crash.
The court may also require drivers convicted of OWI to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in any vehicles they drive during their suspension period. If you want to continue to drive for any purpose—including work, education, and family responsibilities—it’s likely that you’ll have to have an IID installed for at least some of the time.