Felony DUI Defense Lawyer

Rathburn Law Office P.C.: Indiana Felony DUI Attorney

Rathburn Law Office P.C., Indiana Felony DUI Attorney, is at the forefront of providing expert legal defense for individuals facing Felony DUI charges throughout Indiana. Our practice is dedicated to navigating the intricacies of Indiana’s DUI laws, with a particular focus on the serious and complex nature of felony DUI offenses.

We offer our services across a wide array of cities including Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Lafayette, Gary, Muncie, and Elkhart, ensuring that individuals across the state have access to high-quality legal support during these challenging times.

Understanding the severe consequences that come with a felony DUI charge, our team is committed to offering aggressive and strategic defense aimed at achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Whether it’s your first offense that qualifies as a felony due to certain aggravating factors, or if you’re facing enhanced penalties as a repeat offender, Rathburn Law Office P.C. is equipped with the knowledge and experience to advocate effectively on your behalf.

Felony DUI in Indiana: Understanding the Severity

Indiana law classifies a DUI as a felony under certain conditions, emphasizing the state’s serious approach to driving under the influence. A DUI offense escalates to a felony primarily when the driver has a prior DUI conviction within the past five years, showcasing a pattern of reckless behavior.

Additionally, DUI incidents resulting in bodily injury or death are immediately considered felonies, reflecting the grave consequences of impaired driving.

The Criteria and Consequences

Other circumstances that can elevate a DUI to felony status include driving with a suspended license, having a passenger under 18 in the vehicle, or registering a BAC significantly above the legal limit. Indiana’s stringent DUI laws aim to deter dangerous driving behaviors and protect public safety.

Individuals facing felony DUI charges encounter severe penalties, such as longer incarceration periods, higher fines, extended license suspensions, and the requirement to undergo substance abuse treatment programs.

Given the complexity of these laws and the serious implications of a felony DUI charge, securing experienced legal representation from a firm like Rathburn Law Office P.C. is crucial for an effective defense.

Aggravated DUI Charges in Indiana: An Overview

In Indiana, an aggravated DUI, also known as Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) with aggravating factors, involves circumstances that enhance the severity of a standard DUI charge.

While Indiana law does not use the term “aggravated DUI” explicitly, certain conditions can lead to more serious charges and penalties, akin to what many might consider an aggravated DUI.

Key Factors and Legal Implications

These aggravating factors include extremely high blood alcohol content (BAC), causing bodily injury or death, having previous DUI convictions, especially if recent, and driving with a minor in the vehicle. The presence of these factors can result in harsher consequences, such as increased fines, longer jail sentences, and more stringent license suspensions.

Indiana’s approach to handling DUIs with aggravating factors underscores its commitment to public safety and the serious view it takes on impaired driving offenses. For those facing such charges, consulting with a knowledgeable legal firm like Rathburn Law Office P.C. is essential to navigate the complexities of the state’s OWI laws and to advocate for a fair outcome.

DUI Sentencing in Indiana: Understanding Jail Time

In Indiana, the amount of jail time for a DUI (officially termed OWI – Operating While Intoxicated) largely depends on the specifics of the case, including prior offenses and the severity of the current incident.

For a first-time DUI offense, characterized by a BAC of 0.08% to 0.14% without aggravating factors, individuals may face Class C misdemeanor charges, with potential penalties including up to 60 days in jail and fines up to $500.

Repeat Offenses and Enhanced Penalties

For subsequent offenses or cases with aggravating factors (such as a high BAC, causing injury, or having a minor in the vehicle), penalties are significantly harsher. A second DUI within five years can lead to a Level 6 felony charge, carrying a potential jail time of six months to 2.5 years and fines up to $10,000.

Aggravating factors can also lead to mandatory minimum jail times, even for first-time offenders. It’s crucial for individuals facing DUI charges in Indiana to seek legal guidance, like that offered by Rathburn Law Office P.C., to understand the specific implications of their case and explore all available defense strategies.

Habitual DWI Felony Charge in Indiana: Definition and Implications

In Indiana, a Habitual DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) Felony Charge is levied against individuals who have repeatedly committed DWI offenses, underscoring the state’s strict stance against recurrent impaired driving.

This designation is applied to drivers who have accumulated multiple DWI convictions over a specific period, typically showing a pattern of disregard for driving laws and public safety.

To be classified as a habitual traffic violator for DWI, a person must have at least two prior DWI convictions within a ten-year period. Upon receiving this classification, any subsequent DWI offenses can result in more severe penalties, including longer jail sentences, higher fines, and extended or permanent loss of driving privileges.

The habitual offender status aims to deter repeat offenses by imposing harsher consequences and underscores the importance of rehabilitation for individuals with repeated DWI violations. Legal representation, such as Rathburn Law Office P.C., becomes essential for navigating these complex legal situations and advocating for the rights of the accused.

Protect Your Rights with Rathburn Law Office P.C.

Facing a felony DUI charge in Indiana can be an overwhelming experience, fraught with uncertainty and the potential for significant legal consequences. At Rathburn Law Office P.C., we understand the gravity of your situation and are dedicated to providing the robust defense and support you need during this challenging time.

Our commitment to excellence, combined with our deep knowledge of Indiana’s DUI laws, positions us as a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of a felony DUI charge.

Our goal is to not only defend your case with the utmost professionalism and diligence but also to ensure that you are informed and supported throughout every step of the legal process. With Rathburn Law Office P.C. by your side, you can trust that your case is in capable hands, as we strive to secure the most favorable outcome on your behalf.

Remember, a felony DUI charge does not have to define your future. With the right legal representation, there is a path forward.

Contact Rathburn Law Office P.C. today to learn how we can help protect your rights and advocate for your best interests as your Indiana Felony DUI Attorney.

Contact Us Today

At Rathburn Law Office, P.C., we're always ready to take your call! Give us a call at (463) 465-2401 or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

First Name
Last Name
Phone
Email
County
Next Court Date
Are you a new client?
How can we help you?
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Rathburn Law Office, P.C. at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Trusted by Our Clients

View All Reviews

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.