In the state of Indiana, drunk driving is a serious offense. It is known as operating a vehicle while intoxicated. You may be surprised to learn that you could avoid the penalties of an OWI. One of the best options that may be available to you is specialized driving privileges.
However, not every driver will be eligible for these privileges. Find out what your options are by contacting an experienced Indianapolis DUI lawyer. Get help seeking the DUI driving privileges you need.
Penalties of a DUI Conviction
If you are found guilty of an OWI, you will face harsh penalties. First-time offenders are subject to severe penalties. Some various criminal penalties you might encounter include:
- Jail or prison time
- Fines
- License suspension or revocation
- Installation of an ignition interlock device
- Completion of a drug or alcohol treatment program
- Completion of a driver retraining course
- Probation
- Community service
- Points on your driving record
- Increased insurance premiums
These aren’t the only penalties you could face if you are convicted of an OWI in Indiana. Have you considered a plea agreement? By working with the state’s prosecutor, you may be able to avoid most of these penalties. You could dodge a damaging guilty verdict as well.
Who Qualifies for Specialized Driving Privileges?
Specialized driving privileges used to be called a hardship license until recent changes in 2020. There are many situations where you may not qualify for Indiana DUI driving privileges. Some of these include:
- Refusing to submit to a chemical blood alcohol test
- Violating the terms of previous specialized driving privileges
- License suspension due to incompetence
- Causing a death due to the OWI
- License suspension for passing a school bus
- You are not an Indiana resident
Do any of the above situations apply to you? If you can honestly answer no, it may be possible for your petition to be granted. It may not always be clear whether you qualify for specialized driving privileges under Indiana law. Find out more about what options may be available to you. Contact a dedicated OWI lawyer in Indiana today.
How to Obtain Driving Privileges After a DUI in Indiana
There are a couple of ways that you can obtain specialized driving privileges under Indiana law. First, you may be able to work with the state. Your license will likely be suspended for a minimum of one year. But you could obtain Specialized Driver’s Privileges that allow you to drive under specific conditions.
Examples of When You Might Need Driving Privileges
For example, you could be allowed to operate a vehicle between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., but only on Monday through Friday. That way, you can drive yourself to and from work during the week.
Or maybe you are your parent’s sole caregiver. And you need to be able to drive them to weekly or monthly doctor appointments. These are just a few reasons why you might need driving privileges despite a license suspension.
Information to Include in Your Petition
Your petition to obtain specialized driving privileges should be clear. It needs to include specific information, including:
- Your age
- Your address
- The type of driving privileges you are requesting
- Detailed descriptions of why you are requesting specific privileges
The court can then determine whether to grant or deny your petition. If your petition is granted, the court can decide how long you should be granted specialized driving privileges. They can also determine what these privileges include.
Contact an OWI Lawyer in Indiana
Have you been charged with an OWI? You may be able to escape the penalties and agree to specialized driving privileges instead. Explore your legal options further when you contact Hessler Law PC. Your Indiana OWI lawyer will do everything possible to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
You could even be acquitted based on the facts of your case. Discuss the specific details of the charges against you. Schedule your no-cost, risk-free case review today. Call our office at (317) 886-8800 or complete our online contact form to get started and talk with a criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, IN.