Drunk driving is illegal in every state, even though the laws concerning this offense are different in each jurisdiction. What some states call driving under the influence (DUI) offenses or driving while impaired (DWI) offenses, Indiana refers to as an operating while intoxicated (OWI) offense.
A driver accused of an OWI offense in Indiana might contemplate pleading guilty. People dislike the idea of a criminal trial. A guilty plea that minimizes their time in court may seem more appealing than fighting the OWI allegations.
Those who quickly decide to plead guilty put themselves in an unfavorable situation. Specifically, they run the risk of the courts imposing the harshest penalties possible. Even in scenarios where people do not cause crashes or injure other people, OWI penalties can be relatively significant.
What can the courts do?
The criminal courts in Indiana can impose a sentence of incarceration, large fines, probation, community service requirements and driver’s license penalties for an OWI conviction. The prior record of the motorist accused influences the possible penalties.
A first OWI conviction results in fines of up to $5,000. The courts can place the defendant on probation or may sentence them to up to a year in jail. The courts can also suspend the defendant’s driver’s license for up to two years.
If the driver had a prior OWI on their record, the penalties increase. The fine could cost as much as $10,000. The courts could sentence someone to up to three years in prison, and they could lose their license for two years.
A third OWI offense carries the same fine and maximum jail sentence as a second-time OWI offender. However, the potential license suspension increases to up to 10 years with a minimum suspension of at least one year.
Aggravating factors, such as causing crashes that injure other people, might lead to worse charges and more serious penalties. Drivers also have to consider the impact that a criminal record can have on their careers and finances. Insurance tends to cost more after an OWI offense. Someone with a conviction on their record may find it harder to continue developing their career.
Assertively fighting against OWI charges can help people avoid the various penalties that the courts can impose in the event of a conviction. There are ultimately numerous defense strategies that can help people avoid a criminal conviction after an OWI arrest.