Understanding First-Time DUI Charges
One moment you’re driving home, and the next you’re facing flashing lights, a court date, and uncertainty about your future. We understand that a first-time DUI in Indianapolis can feel pretty frightening. Rathburn Law has spent more than 25 years defending drivers against DUI and OWI charges. We want you to know that you have options, and you don’t have to go through this alone.
What Is Considered a First-Time DUI in Indianapolis?
Indiana law refers to DUI as “Operating While Intoxicated,” or OWI. If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is between 0.08% and 0.14%, you may be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. Commercial drivers are held to stricter standards with a limit of 0.04%. For drivers under 21, Indiana’s zero-tolerance laws mean that almost any trace of alcohol can result in an arrest.
Even though this is your first offense, the consequences can be serious. That’s why it’s so important to have experienced defense from a law firm like Rathburn — one of Indianapolis’s leading authorities on DUI defense.
Penalties for a First-Time DUI Offense
Criminal Penalties and Jail Time
A first-time DUI can carry substantial penalties. You may face up to 60 days in jail and fines up to $500 for a Class C misdemeanor. If your BAC was 0.15% or higher, the charge escalates to Class A, with up to one year in jail and $5,000 in fines.
License Suspension and Driving Privileges
Your driver’s license can be suspended for 180 days if you fail a chemical test. If you refuse testing under Indiana’s implied consent law, the suspension may last one year. For many clients, the fear of losing driving privileges outweighs even jail time. At Rathburn Law, we fight aggressively to protect your ability to drive and pursue specialized driving privileges if available.
Court-Ordered Requirements
Judges may order alcohol assessments, mandatory education, treatment programs, or community service. These programs are designed to reduce repeat offenses, but they can also disrupt your job, family life, and reputation.
Long-Term Consequences
Even a first-time DUI conviction leaves a permanent mark on your record. That record can increase your insurance rates, jeopardize your career, and follow you for years. Our team works tirelessly to prevent this from happening whenever possible.
Aggravating Factors That Increase Penalties
Not all first-time DUI charges are treated the same. Certain circumstances can quickly escalate your case. If you had a child in the car, caused an accident with injuries, or had an extremely high BAC, your charges may be elevated. Some cases can even result in a Level 6 felony. These cases carry heavier fines, mandatory jail sentences, and life-changing consequences.
When these factors are present, having Rathburn on your side is critical. We know how to challenge the evidence and fight for reduced or alternative outcomes.
Defenses and Alternatives for a First-Time DUI
Challenging the Stop or the Evidence
Police must have a valid reason to stop your vehicle. If they lacked reasonable suspicion, your case may be dismissed. Likewise, breathalyzer and field sobriety tests are not foolproof. We can help uncover errors in testing or procedures.
Mitigating Circumstances
If this truly is your first offense, your attorney may be able to highlight mitigating factors: a clean driving record, cooperative behavior, or proactive steps like voluntary counseling. These details can help persuade the court to impose reduced penalties.
Diversion Programs and Alternative Sentencing
Some Indiana courts offer pretrial diversion programs for first-time offenders. By completing education or treatment requirements, you may be able to avoid a conviction altogether. Probation, community involvement, or alcohol monitoring can sometimes be used instead of jail time. Our team has successfully guided countless clients through these options.
Expungement Possibilities
If you do receive a conviction, Indiana law may allow expungement after a waiting period. This can help you restore your record and move forward. While expungement is not automatic, our firm helps clients pursue this option when eligible.
Why Choose Rathburn Law Office P.C., PC, for a First-Time DUI Defense
Rathburn Law has long specialized in DUI defense. Attorney Chuck Rathburn has trained judges, lawyers, and law enforcement officers in breath testing and sobriety procedures. That means when we review your case, we know exactly what to look for and how to challenge questionable evidence.
For over 25 years, our Indianapolis DUI defense team has been protecting the rights of drivers across Marion County and beyond. We understand the fear and uncertainty that these kinds of traffic stops can bring. We also know how to build strong defenses, minimize penalties, and protect professional licenses. Our firm offers free case evaluations because we believe that everyone deserves a fighting chance.
The Local Impact of a First-Time DUI in Indianapolis
Getting a first-time DUI in Indianapolis affects more than your driving record. It can limit your ability to commute to work in the city, transport your kids to school in the suburbs, or maintain a commercial driving career in Indiana’s trucking industry. For professionals, a DUI can threaten job stability and licensure. For CDL drivers, the consequences are especially harsh — even a single violation can cost you your career.
That’s why local representation matters. Rathburn Law knows the Indianapolis courts, the prosecutors, and the strategies that work here. When your future is on the line, you need a defense team with local experience and proven results.
Moving Forward After a First-Time DUI
The good news is that a first-time DUI does not have to define your future. With the right legal strategy, it is possible to protect your rights, your license, and your livelihood. We believe that one mistake should not ruin the rest of your life, which is why we encourage you to act quickly. The sooner you contact an Indianapolis DUI defense lawyer, the more options you may have. Whether you’re seeking reduced penalties, a dismissal, or an alternative program, our team will stand beside you.
If you or someone you love has been arrested for a first-time DUI in Indiana, contact our office for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.
