No amount of alcohol guarantees that you will be safe to drive. Even one drink can affect reaction time, judgment, and coordination. While one drink might not put most adults over the 0.08% BAC legal limit, there may be other consequences besides a DUI arrest.
Keep reading below to learn more about why you shouldn’t get behind the wheel after having a drink.
Overview of Indiana’s DUI Laws
In Indiana, driving under the influence is actually known as “Operating While Intoxicated (OWI).”
Indiana law states that a driver may be arrested for OWI if they operate a vehicle with an alcohol concentration of:
- 0.08% or higher for drivers 21 and up
- 0.02% to less than 0.08% for drivers under 21
- 0.04% or higher when operating a commercial motor vehicle
- Any detectable amount of certain Schedule I or Schedule II drugs
The way the body metabolizes alcohol varies from person to person, so the effects of one drink can vary depending on gender, weight, food intake, age, and other factors. Even one drink could potentially put you over the legal limit in some cases, so it is never worth it to risk getting behind the wheel after drinking.
Potential Penalties for OWI Convictions in Indiana
If you are convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) in Indiana, you can face serious consequences. The penalties generally become more severe when you have prior OWI convictions.
First Offense
A first OWI conviction can result in penalties such as:
- Fines of up to $5,000
- Court costs and other fees
- License suspension for up to two years
- Jail time of up to one year
The exact penalties will depend on the charge and the circumstances surrounding the offense.
Second Offense
A second OWI conviction can carry increased penalties, including:
- Fines of up to $10,000
- Jail time of at least five days and up to three years
- License suspension of at least 180 days and up to two years
- Probation
A prior conviction can significantly increase the potential consequences of another OWI offense.
Third Offense
The penalties can become even more serious after a third OWI conviction. They may include:
- Jail time of at least 10 days and up to three years
- Fines of up to $10,000
- License suspension of at least one year and up to 10 years
- Probation
The specific penalties for an OWI depend on several factors, including prior convictions and the facts of the case. Because repeat offenses can carry increasingly serious consequences, understanding the charge and the penalties you face is important.
Other Consequences of Operating While Intoxicated
An OWI can create problems beyond the criminal penalties imposed by the court. A conviction may lead to higher car insurance premiums or make it more difficult to maintain affordable coverage. It can also create problems when applying for certain jobs or housing and may have professional consequences depending on your occupation.
You could also face civil liability if you cause a car accident while impaired. Injured victims may seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the crash.
These consequences can affect your finances and other parts of your life long after an OWI case ends. The risk of hurting someone else also makes driving after drinking dangerous. Using a rideshare, calling a cab, or arranging for a sober driver is a safer choice.
Contact the Indianapolis DUI Accident Attorneys at Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Drunk driving accidents often result in serious injuries, so putting a complete and accurate value on your claim can be complex. You will likely need the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer who knows how to handle these types of cases.
If you have been hurt by a drunk driver, call Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. Our Indianapolis DUI accident lawyers can help pursue the compensation you deserve.