Getting arrested for a DUI in Boone County, Indiana can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re used to driving through quiet roads, farmland, and small towns. Many people assume DUI enforcement is less aggressive in smaller counties than in places like Marion County. That assumption can lead to costly mistakes.
The reality is this: Boone County takes OWI and DUI enforcement seriously. If you’re pulled over for drunk driving or suspected impairment, the process moves quickly, and what you do in the first moments matters.
This guide explains what typically happens during a DUI or OVWI arrest in Boone County, and why having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side is critical.
What Triggers a DUI or OVWI Stop in Boone County?
Most DUI and OWI cases in Indiana begin with a routine traffic stop. Officers do not need proof of intoxication to pull you over. Common reasons include:
- Speeding
- Drifting over the fog line or center line
- Failure to signal
- Driving without headlights at night
- Erratic or inconsistent braking
- Swerving or unsafe lane changes
Once an officer approaches your vehicle, a simple traffic stop can quickly turn into a DUI investigation.
How a Traffic Stop Becomes a DUI Investigation
After stopping you, the officer will ask for your driver’s license, registration, and often proof of insurance. At this point, the officer is already observing everything, your speech, movements, and behavior.
A DUI investigation may begin if the officer notices:
- The odor of alcohol
- Slurred or slow speech
- Bloodshot or glassy eyes
- Open containers in the vehicle
- Admissions about drinking
In some cases, the officer may already suspect intoxication before approaching your vehicle, such as when a driver is seen speeding, weaving, or driving erratically at 2:00 or 3:00 a.m.
Field Sobriety Tests and Portable Breath Tests
If the officer believes impairment may be present, you will likely be asked to step out of the vehicle. The next phase usually includes:
- Standardized field sobriety tests
- Questioning designed to gather evidence
- A portable breath test (PBT)
These tests are not pass-or-fail in the way most people think. They are tools officers use to justify an arrest. Poor performance often leads directly to handcuffs, even when other explanations exist.
Indiana Implied Consent: What You Need to Know
One of the most misunderstood parts of an OWI arrest is Indiana’s Implied Consent Law.
By holding an Indiana driver’s license, you have already agreed to implied consent. That means if an officer has probable cause to believe you are intoxicated, they can request a certified breath test or a blood draw.
You technically have the right to refuse, but refusal comes with serious consequences.
If you refuse:
- The officer can seek a warrant for your blood or breath
- If a warrant is issued, testing will still occur
- Your driver’s license is automatically suspended for one year
This decision should never be made lightly and should be evaluated by a criminal defense attorney who understands how Boone County handles these cases.
Arrest, Jail, and Court in Boone County
After testing, most drivers are arrested. In many Boone County DUI cases, that means:
- A blood draw at a medical facility
- Being booked into jail
- Spending the night, or longer, in custody
- Posting bond once eligible
After release, the legal process begins. You will be given court dates and formally charged with OVWI or DUI. From that point forward, the outcome depends heavily on your legal representation.
Why Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney Matters
An OWI or DUI conviction can affect your license, employment, finances, and future. These cases are technical, evidence-driven, and full of constitutional issues.
At Marc Lopez Law Firm, we know how Boone County DUI cases are investigated, charged, and prosecuted. We analyze every detail, from the traffic stop to the breath or blood testing, to identify weaknesses in the state’s case.
If you’re thinking about hiring a criminal lawyer, experience matters. So does local knowledge.
Charged With DUI or OWI in Boone County? Call Marc Lopez Law Firm
If you are facing an OWI, DUI, or drunk driving charge in Boone County, Indiana, don’t wait. The earlier a criminal defense attorney gets involved, the more options you may have.
Call Marc Lopez Law Firm at 463-283-7387 to schedule a consultation. We are client-focused, results-driven, and prepared to protect your rights at every stage of the process.
And remember, always plead the Fifth.
