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Rathburn Law Office, P.C. Rathburn Law Office, P.C.
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DUI Lawyer Support Guide

What Should You Do After Getting a DUI in Indiana?

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, your first step should be to contact an experienced DUI Lawyer in Indianapolis. The legal process moves quickly, and without a DUI Lawyer, you risk severe penalties, including license suspension, heavy fines, and even jail time. A DUI Lawyer can help navigate the legal system and provide the best possible defense strategy.

Steps to Take Immediately After a DUI Arrest

  1. Remain Silent & Cooperate – Do not admit guilt or discuss your case with law enforcement.
  2. Document Everything – Take note of the details surrounding your arrest, including where you were, the time of day, and interactions with officers.
  3. Request a DMV Hearing – You have a limited time to contest your license suspension.
  4. Contact a DUI Lawyer – A DUI Lawyer in Indianapolis will review your case and begin building a strong defense.

Legal Consequences & Penalties

What are the potential penalties for my DUI charge?

The penalties for a DUI charge depend on the severity of the offense, your BAC level, and any prior DUI convictions. Indiana law imposes fines, license suspensions, and potential jail time based on the circumstances of your case. A DUI Lawyer can assess your case and develop a strategy to mitigate these penalties.

Will I go to jail for a DUI in Indiana?

A first-time DUI offense can result in jail time of up to 1 year, but sentencing depends on the judge and the details of your case. A DUI Lawyer can argue for alternatives such as probation or alcohol education programs.

Will I lose my driver’s license? If so, for how long?

License suspensions range from 180 days to 10 years, depending on whether it’s your first or subsequent offense. If you refused a breathalyzer test, your license suspension could be longer. A DUI Lawyer can help fight for a hardship license.

Can my DUI be reduced to a lesser charge (e.g., reckless driving)?

In some cases, a DUI Lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution to reduce charges to reckless driving or a lesser offense, avoiding harsh penalties.

Will this DUI go on my permanent record?

A DUI conviction remains on your record permanently in Indiana. However, expungement may be an option after a certain number of years with the help of an experienced DUI Lawyer.

Is a DUI considered a misdemeanor or a felony?

A first or second DUI offense is usually a misdemeanor, but a third DUI or one involving injuries can be charged as a felony, resulting in harsher penalties. A DUI Lawyer can help you understand the charges and potential consequences.

How will a DUI affect my employment or professional license?

Certain professions, especially those requiring a commercial driver’s license (CDL), can be severely impacted. A DUI conviction may also affect professional licensing for doctors, lawyers, and other regulated professionals. Consulting a DUI Lawyer is crucial in protecting your career.

Can I expunge or remove a DUI from my record later?

Expungement is possible under Indiana law, but it depends on how much time has passed and whether you have other convictions. A DUI Lawyer can assess your eligibility.

Meet Chuck Rathburn: A Leading DUI Lawyer in the U.S.

Chuck Rathburn is recognized as one of the top DUI Lawyers in the country. With decades of experience, he has successfully defended thousands of DUI cases in Indiana. His expertise extends beyond defending clients; he also trains other DUI Lawyers nationwide.

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.