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

Underage DUI Lawyer in Indianapolis 

OWI Defense for Underage Drivers Throughout Central Indiana

An underage OWI arrest 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 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 attorney by contacting us online or at (463) 465-2401. Available 24/7.

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.

What Is an Underage OWI 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

Potential penalties for an Indiana underage OWI conviction may include:

  • Suspension of driving privileges
  • Court-ordered alcohol education or counseling
  • Probation
  • Fines and court costs

If an underage driver registers a BAC of 0.08% or higher, additional adult OWI penalties may apply, including the possibility of jail time and longer license suspension periods. Prior offenses or aggravating factors can further increase exposure.

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.

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.