Indiana police to crackdown on impaired driving this March

March 11, 2014

Indiana police to crackdown on impaired driving this March

Article provided by Arnold Terrill Anzini, P.C.
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This month, more than 250 law enforcement agencies across Indiana, including the Indiana State Police, will participate in a concentrated effort to crackdown on drivers who may be over the legal limit.

The expressed aim of this enforcement campaign - which is known as Operation Pull Over - it to catch more impaired drivers by utilizing saturation police patrols and sobriety checkpoints throughout Indiana.
Penalties for Multiple OWIs in Indiana

Many of the Indiana motorists who find themselves caught up in this drunk driving crackdown will likely face severe consequences, particularly if they have a previous Indiana drunk driving conviction on their record - a charge more commonly referred to in Indiana as operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI). Indeed, the penalties associated with OWI convictions in Indiana can become significantly more harsh with each subsequent offense.

For instance, while a first-time OWI offender is typically charged with a misdemeanor in Indiana, a second OWI may result in a felony. Specifically, two OWI convictions in Indiana within five years may result in:
-A Class D felony (which changes to a Level 6 felony beginning in July of 2014)
-Jail time of least five days or at least 180 hours of community service
-A license suspension ranging from 180 days to two years if the previous OWI conviction was within 10 years, although the minimum suspension increases to one year if the previous OWI occurred within five years
-A fine of up to $10,000
-A required alcohol abuse assessment, with the possible participation in an alcohol deterrent or treatment program
-Possible installation of an Ignition Interlock Device if the driver wants to obtain probationary driving privileges
-Probation of up to two years

However, it is also important to note that even first-time OWI offenders in Indiana can experience increased penalties due to a variety of circumstances. For example, if a driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least 0.15 percent, he or she will face a Class A misdemeanor instead of merely a Class C misdemeanor. Additionally, if this same driver also happens to be at least 21-years-old and has a passenger under the age of 18 in the vehicle at the time of arrest, the driver will likely be charged with a Class D felony.

Ultimately, though, these are only a few of the situations in which OWI penalties can be enhanced under Indiana law, which is why it is often best to consult with an experienced OWI defense attorney if you are facing drunk driving charges in Indiana - especially if you have a prior conviction. A skilled attorney can help explain your options and protect your rights.