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

Aggravated DUI Lawyer in Indianapolis 

Premier DUI Defense for Clients Throughout Central Indiana

An aggravated DUI charge in Indiana signals that prosecutors are alleging circumstances beyond a routine OWI arrest. These cases often involve heightened penalties, increased scrutiny, and a greater risk of long-term consequences. 

For drivers, an aggravated OWI allegation can jeopardize freedom, driving privileges, and professional standing. Rathburn Law Office, P.C. represents individuals throughout Indianapolis and Central Indiana who are facing aggravated DUI charges and need a disciplined, evidence-focused defense.

We offer free initial virtual consultations with an Indianapolis aggravated DUI attorney. Call (463) 465-2401 or contact us online to get started. Available 24/7.

Advocacy for Drivers Charged with Aggravated OWI

Aggravated OWI allegations often bring immediate and severe consequences. You may face enhanced criminal penalties, longer license suspensions, and stricter probation conditions. 

Employment can be affected, particularly for drivers who rely on their licenses or hold commercial driving credentials. Insurance costs typically rise, and a conviction can leave a lasting mark on your criminal record.

Because aggravated DUI cases frequently involve complex factual and legal issues, missteps early in the process can significantly increase exposure. Taking these charges seriously from the outset is critical.

Our Defense Approach

Our firm approaches aggravated DUI cases with careful attention to both the legal and technical aspects of the State’s allegations. These cases often hinge on whether aggravating factors are supported by admissible evidence and whether law enforcement complied with required procedures.

We closely examine the traffic stop, arrest, and testing process to identify constitutional or statutory violations. Chemical testing data, field sobriety evaluations, and officer observations are reviewed for accuracy and reliability. 

Where aggravating elements are based on prior offenses, injuries, or elevated alcohol levels, our firm analyzes whether those enhancements are legally and factually sustainable.

When appropriate, we pursue suppression of evidence, challenge the basis for aggravation, and seek reduced charges or alternative resolutions aimed at minimizing long-term consequences. Protecting driving privileges and mitigating sentencing exposure remain central objectives.

What Is an Aggravated DUI in Indiana?

Indiana does not label a separate offense called “aggravated DUI,” but the term commonly refers to OWI cases involving enhanced circumstances, such as:

  • A high blood alcohol concentration, often 0.15% or higher
  • Endangerment of another person
  • Prior OWI convictions
  • OWI resulting in serious bodily injury or death
  • OWI involving a commercial driver or a driver with a suspended license

These aggravating factors can elevate a charge from a misdemeanor to a felony or significantly increase penalties.

Penalties for Aggravated DUI / OWI

Penalties depend on the specific aggravating factors alleged and may include:

  • Increased jail or prison exposure
  • Higher fines and court costs
  • Extended license suspension or revocation
  • Mandatory alcohol-related programs
  • Ignition interlock requirements

Felony-level aggravated OWI charges may carry multi-year prison sentences and long-term loss of driving privileges.

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.