Drivers must be especially mindful of Indiana DUI laws during the holiday season when adult beverages are part of the camaraderie and good cheer at parties and get-togethers.
A driver who faces a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol may focus on short-term penalties, but a DUI conviction also comes with long-term consequences.
About Indiana penalties
If law enforcement stops you on suspicion of DUI and your blood alcohol content (BAC) ranges from .08% to .14%, the charge against you will constitute a Class C misdemeanor. Penalties can include a fine of $500 and the possibility of up to 60 days behind bars. If your BAC is .15% or higher, you face a Class A misdemeanor, a $5,000 fine and up to a year in jail. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles will also suspend your driving privileges if you refuse to take a chemical test or if you fail such a test.
Employment issues
The short-term penalties are disturbing enough, but if your job includes driving, your employer could terminate you when the DUI on your record becomes known. You may also find it difficult to find a new position. Employers perform background checks on applicants as a matter of course. A recruiter may pass you over, thinking you might have a problem with alcohol.
Auto insurance concerns
With a DUI on your record, your auto insurance company may consider you a high-risk driver and either cancel your policy or issue a new policy with much higher rates.
Next steps
Legal guidance is the best way to help you sort through the short-term and long-term consequences of a DUI charge. Your attorney will perform a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding your arrest and build a defense strategy to secure the best outcome possible for your case.