Indiana Lawyer Helps OWI Defendants Protect Their License 

Fort Wayne attorney assists in preserving driving privileges

Operating while intoxicated (OWI) is the Indiana criminal offense of driving with impaired faculties or an unlawful alcohol or drug concentration. A license suspension following an OWI arrest can affect your ability to keep your job and attend to daily responsibilities. At the Law Offices of Ryan E. Lackey in Fort Wayne, Indiana, we represent drivers throughout Allen County facing OWI charges. With wide experience in impaired driving cases, we understand how much is at stake when your ability to drive is at risk and will take all measures available to protect your rights. 

Do first-time OWI offenders face license suspension in Indiana?

If chemical testing after an arrest shows that a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles will automatically impose a 180-day pre-trial license suspension. A driver convicted of OWI faces an additional license suspension of 90 days to two years. That suspension period may depend on:

• The driver’s blood alcohol concentration
• Whether the driver refused chemical testing
• Whether an accident or injury occurred
• The driver’s prior record

It is important to act quickly after an arrest. Our OWI attorney can review the case and explain options that may help protect your license, including a petition for Specialized Driving Privileges (SDP) for essential trips, such as work, school or medical appointments. 

For how long does Indiana suspend the licenses of repeat OWI offenders?

Repeat OWI offenders face longer license suspensions than first-time offenders. In addition, a second or later OWI may lead to:

• Increased court penalties
• Ignition interlock device requirements
• Greater difficulty obtaining restricted driving privileges
• Habitual traffic violator status in some cases

Repeat allegations can affect the criminal case as well as the right to drive.

What steps should you take to protect your license after an Indiana OWI arrest?

You have to move quickly to protect your license because consequences begin before the criminal case is finished. You should:

• Review the paperwork from the arrest — Court notices, BMV notices and chemical test documents contain important deadlines.
• Speak with an OWI attorney promptly — An attorney can explain whether the stop, test or arrest may be challenged and can help you take the actions necessary.
• Preserve evidence: — Dashcam footage, witness names, receipts and phone records may help your defense.
• Avoid driving if your license is suspended — Driving with a suspended license exposes you to new charges that make the situation worse.
• Ask about Specialized Driving Privileges — You may be able to obtain limited permission to drive for essential purposes.

Taking action early improves your ability to protect your license and reduce the disruption caused by an OWI case. 

Are there any alternatives to license suspension after an OWI Arrest in Indiana?

You can petition the court for Specialized Driving Privileges – also known as a “hardship license” – that allows you to drive for essential purposes. Typically, this permission is limited to going to and from work or school and medical appointments. You may be required to have an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed on your vehicle at your own expense. Eligibility for Specialized Driving Privileges depends on various criteria, such as the facts of the case and the driver’s history. We can explain your options and help you pursue the best available path forward after an OWI arrest.

How serious is an OWI-related license suspension for Indiana CDL holders?

Commercial drivers rely on their licenses to earn income, and a disqualification can affect employment even if the alleged OWI occurred in a personal vehicle. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder convicted of OWI may face:

• Loss of commercial driving privileges
• Job suspension or termination
• Insurance and employer reporting issues
• Long-term career consequences
• Increased penalties for repeat violations

Specialized driving privileges may not protect a driver’s ability to operate a commercial vehicle. 

Protect your license by retaining a veteran OWI attorney 

The Law Offices of Ryan E. Lackey in Fort Wayne, Indiana represents people charged with OWI throughout Allen County. Call 260-222-7364 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation.