Have You Been Accused Of Drunk Driving? Call Our Bloomington Attorneys

Last updated on August 17, 2026

Drunk driving offenses represent some of the most common charges in Indiana’s justice system. People from all walks of life can be charged with drunk driving, and for many people, a drunk driving traffic stop represents the first time they have been detained by the police.

At Shapiro & Shapiro Law Office, L.L.P., we have many years of experience defending ordinary people who have been accused of drunk driving offenses. We understand the pressures you face when you have been accused of drunk driving, and we are skilled in the strategies that can help.

Harsh Penalties

Even for those who have been detained or arrested before, a drunk driving arrest can be a frightening experience. The police and prosecutors can be intimidating and the legal terminology utterly confusing.

The penalties for drunk driving offenses can be severe in Indiana. The first consequence can be a preconviction license suspension. A court appearance might be required. You may be eligible for a specialized driving privilege to prevent loss of your driver’s license. Ask us at Shapiro & Shapiro Law Office, L.L.P., if you qualify for such a privilege.

For repeat offenders, the penalties are generally even harsher. There could be the potential for significant mandatory jail sentences and license suspensions, depending on the circumstances. The consequences can be especially serious if you are designated as a habitual traffic violator or a habitual vehicular substance offender.

Misdemeanor OWI Vs. Felony OWI

Whether you face misdemeanor or felony OWI charges in Indiana, the type of charge significantly impacts the potential penalties and defense strategies you may have. The distinction depends on your blood alcohol content (BAC) levels, prior convictions, the circumstances surrounding the offense and whether anybody was injured as a result of your actions.

Indiana classifies most first-time OWI offenses as misdemeanors. Operating a vehicle with a BAC between .08 and .14 constitutes a Class C misdemeanor carrying up to 60 days in jail and fines up to $500. Operating with a BAC of .15 or higher elevates the charge to a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and $5,000 in fines. Similarly, operating while intoxicated in a manner that endangers another person constitutes a Class A misdemeanor even without the presence of elevated BAC levels.

Several circumstances elevate OWI charges to felonies with substantially harsher penalties:

• A second OWI conviction within seven years of a previous conviction automatically becomes a Level 6 felony carrying six months to two and one-half years of imprisonment and fines up to $10,000. Courts must impose mandatory minimum jail sentences of at least five days for one prior conviction and 10 days for two or more prior convictions.
• OWI charges become Level 6 felonies when drivers aged 21 or older operate vehicles with passengers under 18 years old while having a BAC of .15 or greater, or while intoxicated in a manner endangering others. 
• Any OWI offense causing serious bodily injury to another person is elevated to felony status. When OWI offenses result in death, charges escalate to higher-level felonies with potential sentences measured in years or decades, depending on circumstances and BAC levels.

Understanding these distinctions with the help of a skilled defense lawyer can be crucial when developing defense strategies. Our Bloomington attorneys will analyze your specific circumstances to determine the charges you face, address prosecution weaknesses and protect your rights throughout the criminal justice process.

Tactics For Beating An Indiana OWI Charge

When you are facing serious potential penalties, having help from a skilled criminal defense attorney is crucial. At Shapiro & Shapiro Law Office, L.L.P., we have extensive experience helping people charged with drunk driving offenses.

Our team looks for ways to challenge the evidence the prosecution will use against you. Our defense strategies include:

Questioning The Traffic Stop

We start by investigating whether the police had valid reasons to pull you over in the first place. Officers need a valid reason to stop you, such as a traffic violation or signs of impaired driving. If the stop was unlawful, the court may throw out any evidence the police collected.

Challenging Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests can be unreliable. We look at whether the officer gave the tests correctly. We also consider other factors that could affect your performance, like uneven ground, poor lighting, medical conditions or the shoes you were wearing. These tests rely heavily on the officer’s opinion, and we know how to question their conclusions.

Scrutinizing Chemical Tests

We can also look into the equipment and procedures used to test your blood alcohol level. Breathalyzers need regular calibration and maintenance to work properly. Blood tests require strict handling, storage and analysis procedures. We look for mistakes in the testing process that could make the results unreliable.

Identifying Procedural Violations

We also review whether the police followed proper procedures during your arrest. Did they inform you of your rights? Did they conduct the tests within the legal time limits? Did they explain what would happen if you refused a test? Any violation of proper procedure could help your defense.

Minimizing The Impact

If you have been found guilty, we work hard to reduce the penalties and protect your future. We have helped many people obtain driving privileges so they can continue getting to work, school, worship services, medical appointments and other important destinations during a license suspension.

Contact Us Today

If you have been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, acting quickly can be vital to your chances of success with your criminal defense. Call our Bloomington, Indiana, law office today at 812-484-3844. You can also contact us by email. We offer a free initial consultation.