Repeat DUI Offenses in Indiana Attorney

Fort Wayne lawyer represents drivers with prior convictions

At The Law Offices of Ryan E. Lackey in Fort Wayne, we understand the seriousness of repeat DUI offenses in Indiana. You can face heavy criminal penalties as well as lengthy suspension of your driving privileges. Our experienced criminal defense attorney will fight vigorously to get you the best possible outcome under the circumstances. 

How prior DUI convictions can affect your current case

A prior conviction for a DUI offense greatly increases the gravity of your current legal situation. The prosecutor will introduce evidence of your previous conviction. If your current case is within seven years, this lookback period allow the convictions to be taken into account in charging and sentencing. Defense of repeat offender charges requires building a strategy designed to mitigate the impact of the prior conviction. 

Penalties and consequences of multiple DUI convictions 

Indiana law provides for enhanced punishment of DUI offenders with multiple convictions. The possible penalties are as follows:

• Second DUI conviction — Charged as a Level 6 felony if within 7 years of the first conviction, it is punishable by six months to two and a half years behind bars and up to a $10,000 fine. 
• Third DUI conviction — In addition to Level 6 felony sentencing, an individual with a third conviction can face increased fines and incarceration if classified as a habitual substance offender.

Penalties increase for additional DUIs and for aggravating factors such as transporting a minor or causing an accident that results in injury or death. 

Indiana BMV and license-related issues

Upon an arrest for DUI, your license will be suspended automatically if you fail a blood alcohol test. This suspension, issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), is normally 180 days for a first offense. Multiple DUI convictions can result in court-ordered suspension of your license for longer periods, which can range from one to 10 years depending on your record. You may able to obtain limited driving rights, to allow you to drive to work or school during suspension, if you install an ignition interlock device (IID).

Testing and evidence challenges

As your legal counsel, we may be able to have charges dismissed by challenging the following:

• Breathalyzer results
• Blood tests
• Whether officers had probable cause to stop you

Challenging a field sobriety test may also be possible. Our skilled DUI defense attorney will investigate and identify whether errors may have been made in the field sobriety test or the way your stop and arrest was handled by officers. 

Defending against charges for repeat DUI offenses

Beating a DUI charge becomes more critical when you are being charged as a repeat offender. In addition to challenging how police handled the stop and the results of breathalyzer and blood tests, we may be able to negotiate a plea bargain to reduce charges and penalties or to get an alternative sentence such as entrance into a rehabilitation program rather than jail time. You can rely on us to aggressively pursue the most satisfactory resolution available in your case. 

Contact our Indiana defense lawyer for your repeat DUI charge

At The Law Offices of Ryan E. Lackey, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, we zealously advocate for clients arrested for repeat DUI offenses. Call us at 260-222-7364 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.