Fort Wayne OWI License Suspension Lawyer

If you were recently arrested for drunk driving in Indiana, you might already be aware of the criminal penalties for a conviction. Under the statute on Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OWI), you face misdemeanor charges for a first-time offense. Your sentence may include up to 60 days in jail, a maximum fine of $500, or both. The punishment increases for subsequent OWI convictions, potentially leading to 30 months of incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000. 

However, there is also an administrative proceeding involved with an OWI case and it affects your driving privileges. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) may suspend your driver’s license, leading to serious challenges as you try to meet personal, family, and employment responsibilities. Fortunately, there may be options for avoiding these harsh implications. Bellinger Law Office can guide you through the process, so please contact us to schedule a consultation. A Fort Wayne OWI license suspension lawyer can provide additional details, and some background information is useful.

How an Indiana OWI Affects Your Driver’s License

Upon showing that there was probable cause that you were driving while intoxicated, the BMV will suspend your license for at least 180 days. The suspension could be up to one year for subsequent offenses. In some cases, you could be eligible to obtain a hardship license that allows you to drive for work or school purposes. 

A hardship license is not available for some, so you are typically disqualified if you have a prior conviction for OWI. If you are eligible, you will need to meet the terms established by the court, such as participating in substance abuse assessment and counseling. Plus, the court might require you to install an ignition interlock device (IID), which will prevent your car’s engine from starting if it detects alcohol when you exhale. Installation and monthly fees for the IID are your responsibility. 

Options for Getting Your License Back After an OWI

You can resume driving once your suspension period is over, but there is nothing automatic about your driver’s license back. You must go through the process for reinstatement, meet the government’s requirements, and pay the mandatory fees. 

Our Indiana drunk driving suspension attorneys at Bellinger Law Office can serve all your needs after an OWI, including: 

• Assessing the facts of your case;
• Evaluating eligibility for a hardship license;
• Failing documents and appearing in court to request special driving privileges for work and school;
• Working with you to meet the requirements for an IID; and,
• Assisting with the reinstatement process after your suspension period is over, to ensure you get your license back asap. 

Speak to a Fort Wayne OWI License Suspension Lawyer Today

Losing your driving privileges can have a profound effect on your life, so it is important to take advantage of ways to get back behind the wheel. For more information, please contact the Bellinger Law Office to set up a consultation with an Indiana drunk driving suspension attorney. We can discuss options and assist with all essential legal tasks.