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Rathburn Law Office, P.C. Rathburn Law Office, P.C.
Available 24/7, Call Us: (463) 465-2401

Underage OWI Lawyer in Indianapolis

OWI Defense for Underage Drivers Throughout Central Indiana

An underage OWI, commonly called underage DUI, can be overwhelming for both the driver and their family. Indiana enforces strict alcohol laws for drivers under the age of 21, and even a small amount of alcohol can result in serious legal and license consequences. 

Rathburn Law Office, P.C. represents underage drivers throughout Indianapolis and Central Indiana, providing focused defense aimed at protecting futures, driving privileges, and educational and career opportunities. 

Attorney Chuck Rathburn has over 30 years of experience dedicated to DUI/OWI defense, including extensive training in field sobriety testing, sample review, and other related areas. He holds a rare credential as a Lawyer Scientist. 

Get a free virtual consultation with our Indianapolis underage DUI/OWI attorney by contacting us online or at (463) 465-2401. Available 24/7.

Understanding Underage OWI Laws in Indiana

Indiana law prohibits drivers under the age of 21 from operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. This is significantly lower than the 0.08% threshold for drivers age 21 and over.

An underage OWI charge does not require proof of intoxication at traditional adult levels. Even trace amounts of alcohol can result in arrest and prosecution, making these cases highly technical and evidence-driven.

Penalties for Underage OWI in Indianapolis

The penalties for an underage OWI in Indianapolis extend far beyond a simple ticket. They can impact a young person's ability to attend college or find a job.

Legal Penalties

  • License Suspension: A conviction usually results in a mandatory driver's license suspension of up to one year.
  • Fines: Court costs and fines can reach into the thousands of dollars.
  • Probation and Alcohol Classes: The court may order supervised probation and mandatory attendance at victim impact panels or alcohol education programs.

Collateral Consequences

  • College Admissions and Scholarships: Many universities require applicants to disclose criminal convictions. An OWI can lead to the loss of scholarships or even the revocation of an admission offer.
  • Insurance Hikes: Being convicted of an OWI as a minor can cause insurance premiums to skyrocket or lead to a total cancellation of the policy.
  • Professional Licensing: Future careers in nursing, law, or education can be hindered by a criminal record involving alcohol.
  • CDL Restrictions: A minor with an OWI on their record may be barred from obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in the future.

License Consequences for Underage Drivers

License suspension is often the most immediate and disruptive penalty in underage OWI cases. Suspensions can affect school attendance, employment, and family responsibilities. 

In some cases, specialized driving privileges may be available, but strict compliance is required. Rathburn Law Office, P.C. evaluates all available options to preserve or restore driving privileges as early as possible.

The Indiana Legal Process for Underage OWI

Navigating the Indianapolis court system can be overwhelming for a young person and their parents. Our Indianapolis OWI defense attorneys guides you through every step:

  1. The Initial Hearing: This is where the charges are formally read. We often use virtual consultations before this date to prepare our clients for what to expect.
  2. The Administrative License Suspension: Separate from the criminal case, the BMV will likely move to suspend the minor's license. We represent you in seeking "Specialized Driving Privileges" so your child can still get to school or work.
  3. Discovery: We review all evidence, including dashcam footage, bodycam video, and the maintenance logs for the breathalyzer used.
  4. Pre-Trial Negotiations: We often work with prosecutors to seek "Diversion Programs" for first-time offenders. Successful completion of a diversion program can result in the charges being dismissed entirely, keeping the minor's record clean.
  5. Trial: If a fair agreement cannot be reached, we are prepared to defend your child in court, leveraging our over 30 years of experience to challenge the state’s witnesses.

Underage OWI Defense at Rathburn Law Office, P.C.

For underage drivers, an OWI charge often comes at a pivotal moment in life. College admissions, scholarships, internships, military eligibility, and employment prospects can all be affected by a criminal record or license suspension. Even when alcohol consumption is minimal, Indiana’s zero-tolerance approach means underage drivers face penalties that can follow them for years.

Beyond court-imposed consequences, families often face increased insurance costs, transportation challenges, and reputational harm. Without knowledgeable legal representation, as a young driver, you may unknowingly accept penalties that could have been challenged or reduced.

Rathburn Law Office, P.C. approaches underage OWI cases with careful attention to procedure, evidence, and long-term consequences. We thoroughly review the traffic stop, detention, and arrest to determine whether law enforcement complied with constitutional and statutory requirements.

Chemical testing procedures, breath test administration, and field sobriety evaluations are closely examined for technical or procedural flaws. Attorney Chuck Rathburn’s extensive training in DUI-related testing allows us to identify issues that may not be apparent to a general-practice attorney. 

When appropriate, we seek dismissal, suppression of evidence, or resolutions that minimize lasting harm. We work vigorously to limit the impact on education and future employment.

Defending a Future, Not Just a Case—Call Our Underage OWI Lawyers Today

An underage OWI charge should never be treated as a minor issue. Our firm provides disciplined, science-focused defense designed to protect young drivers from unnecessary and lasting consequences. 

Early, informed legal representation from our Indianapolis underage DUI/OWI attorney can make a meaningful difference in how your case is resolved and how you move forward afterward. 

Call (463) 465-2401 or complete our online contact form to schedule a complimentary virtual consultation and discuss your underage DUI/OWI case today. 

Trusted by Our Clients

    Call Chuck!
    “I am always impressed by his knowledge and understanding and ability to think outside of the box.”
    - Mary M.
    Call Chuck!
    "Chuck’s knowledge and understanding of breath alcohol instruments is exceptional. He worked closely with a manufacturer for many years learning and sharing the knowledge with the defense community. I have gone to Chuck on many occasions to discuss breath alcohol issues and aspects of how the instrumentation deals with the sampling and analysis. I consider him one of the leading experts on breath alcohol within the defense community. As an attorney, Chuck works hard for his clients and doesn’t just deal cases away. He takes the cases personal and fights to get the best resolution possible. In my 30 some years as an expert in breath alcohol testing, Chuck Rathburn is, by far, one of my favorite attorneys for consulting and brainstorming ways to expose the pseudoscience and bad science in the alcohol testing community. I am always impressed by his knowledge and understanding and ability to think outside of the box. I do not hesitate to say Call Chuck!"
    - Mary M.
    Worked Hard to Help
    “Chuck was able to get the DUI dismissed to a lesser charge.”
    - John K.
    Worked Hard to Help
    "My first attorney told me I had to plead guilty to DUI because they didn't think I had a defense. Chuck was able to get the DUI dismissed to a lesser charge. He worked hard to help me."
    - John K.
    Outstanding Job
    “When looking for DataMaster training for my staff, I looked no further than Charles Rathburn.”
    - Jon S.
    Outstanding Job
    "When looking for DataMaster training for my staff, I looked no further than Charles Rathburn. Mr. Rathburn did an outstanding job educating my entire staff on the concepts of breath alcohol testing while thoroughly explaining the problems associated with breath alcohol testing."
    - Jon S.
    Intense Passion
    “I have taken several DataMaster Courses with Chuck and continue to be blown away by both his command of that instrument and his ability to teach it to others.”
    - Eric G.
    Intense Passion
    "I have taken several DataMaster Courses with Chuck and continue to be blown away by both his command of that instrument and his ability to teach it to others. Chuck has an intense passion for learning about this machine, and has a gift of how to present it in a format that is easy to digest and understand."
    - Eric G.
    Key to Success
    “Understanding the DataMaster better than the DA's and better than may of the State's experts has helped me get some fantastic results.”
    - Mark R.
    Key to Success
    "The in-depth DataMaster training I received from Chuck Rathburn has been a key to success in court. After taking the hands on breath test training from Chuck I am better able to analyze DUI breath cases from the inside out. Understanding the DataMaster better than the DA's and better than may of the State's experts has helped me get some fantastic results."
    - Mark R.