DUI Second Offense Lawyer in Indianapolis

Fighting for Clients Throughout Central Indiana

A second OWI arrest is far more serious than a first. Indiana treats repeat OWI offenses as an indication of increased risk, and prosecutors pursue these cases with particular vigor. A second offense can place your freedom, license, employment, and financial stability in immediate jeopardy.

Rathburn Law Office, P.C. represents individuals throughout Indianapolis and Central Indiana who are facing second-offense OWI charges and the severe consequences that follow. We have over 30 years of experience, with a primary focus on DUI defense for standard adult drivers, commercially licensed drivers, and underage drivers throughout Central Indiana.

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

Our Defense for Second-Offense DUI Cases

Drivers charged with a second OWI often face harsher penalties, stricter license consequences, and fewer options for leniency. Courts are less inclined to view the charge as a mistake, and prosecutors often seek more severe penalties. For many drivers, a second offense poses a significant threat to job security, professional licenses, and family responsibilities.

License suspension periods are longer, treatment requirements are more extensive, and the risk of jail or prison time increases significantly. Insurance premiums often skyrocket, and some drivers find themselves unable to legally drive for extended periods. Without experienced legal representation, the long-term consequences can be severe and complex to undo.

Rathburn Law Office, P.C. approaches second-offense OWI cases with a disciplined and technical method. We do not assume the evidence is reliable simply because it is a repeat allegation. Instead, every aspect of the case is carefully examined, including the traffic stop, arrest procedures, chemical testing methods, and prior conviction history.

Proven Proficiency in All Elements of DUI Defense

Attorney Chuck Rathburn’s extensive training in breath testing, standardized field sobriety testing, and alcohol-related evidence allows our firm to identify errors that can undermine the State’s case. We evaluate whether prior convictions are legally valid for enhancement, challenge improper testing procedures, and scrutinize whether law enforcement complied with Indiana statutes and regulations.

Where appropriate, our Indianapolis DUI second offense attorney seeks charge reductions, suppression of evidence, or dismissal of the charges. When a trial is necessary, we build a defense grounded in technical accuracy and procedural precision.

What Counts as a Second OWI in Indiana

Under Indiana law, a second OWI offense typically refers to a new OWI charge when the driver has a prior OWI conviction. If the previous conviction occurred within seven years, the latest charge may be elevated.

A second OWI within seven years is commonly charged as a Level 6 felony, rather than a misdemeanor. Even when the prior conviction is older, prosecutors may still seek enhanced penalties depending on the facts of the case.

Penalties for a Second OWI Offense

Penalties for a second OWI conviction can include:

Classification as a Level 6 felony
Up to two and a half years in jail or prison
Fines of up to $10,000
Mandatory substance abuse evaluation and treatment
Lengthy license suspension, often ranging from 180 days to two years
Possible ignition interlock device requirements

Additional enhancements may apply if the alleged blood alcohol concentration was 0.15% or higher, or if the offense involved endangerment or an accident.

License Consequences & Long-Term Effects

A second OWI conviction often results in the loss of driving privileges for an extended period. Reinstatement may require completion of treatment, proof of financial responsibility, and compliance with court-ordered conditions. For commercial drivers, a second OWI can lead to long-term or permanent career consequences.

Focused Defense When the Stakes Are Higher

A second OWI charge is not the time for a routine defense. Our firm provides focused, science-driven representation designed to challenge the evidence, protect driving privileges when possible, and limit the long-term impact of a repeat OWI allegation.

Call (463) 465-2401 or reach out online to schedule your complimentary virtual consultation about your second DUI offense today.

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.