Understanding the Criminal Justice System
If you’re facing a DUI charge in Indiana, you already know that it can be a stressful situation. You’re undoubtedly worried about what penalties you might face and how a conviction could affect your future. But if your blood alcohol level is significantly over the legal limit in Indiana, you may face additional charges. That’s what a Greencastle, Indiana woman recently discovered.
On December 9, 2021, an Indiana State Police officer patrolling County Road 350 East and Highway 40 pulled over a Chevy passenger car for unsafe lane movements. He detected the smell of alcohol coming from the vehicle and conducted several field sobriety tests on the driver, a 24-year-old woman. She failed each test. The officer then administered a chemical test, finding the woman had a blood-alcohol level of .40%, five times Indiana’s legal limit.
The officer arrested the woman and booked her into the Clay County jail, where police held her awaiting bond. Police charged her with:
In Indiana, you may face a DUI if you operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or higher. If this is your first offense and your BAC is below .15%, you’ll face a Class C misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, and a license suspension of 180 days. If your BAC is .15% or over, you’ll face a Class A misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine. See Ind. Code §§ 9-30-5-1(a, b) (2021). If you fail to submit to a BAC test, you could face a license suspension of one year.
Moreover, like the Greencastle woman above, if you drive in a manner that is dangerous to another person, you could also face an additional Class A misdemeanor charge. See Ind. Code § 9-30-1-2 (2021). If you have prior DUI convictions, you’re arrested with someone under 18 in the car, or someone is seriously injured or killed, you could face even steeper penalties, including felony charges.
If you or someone you love faces DUI charges in Indiana, you need skilled legal guidance. The experienced defense attorneys at Razumich & Associates can help. Call us at 317-983-5333, email us at [email protected], or contact us through our website today.
