In the charging information, an Indiana DUI is officially referred to as operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVWI), but it’s all the same. One term (OVWI) is formal, while the other (DUI) is more commonly used in informal, everyday language.
A DUI can be life-changing, even when it’s only charged as a misdemeanor. The lowest possible DUI charge in the State of Indiana is a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
If the police allege that you endangered someone—and this can include yourself—you can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of 365 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.
If you’re driving while intoxicated and you cause an accident that results in serious bodily injury, this is bad news. The prosecutor can charge you with a Level 5 felony, which carries a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Yikes!
So what is serious bodily injury? Well, it’s defined by statute, and unsurprisingly, it focuses on the victim. If the injury creates a substantial risk of death, that qualifies. It also counts as serious bodily injury if it causes:
For example, if you’re drunk, and you cause a collision that breaks someone’s arm, you can be charged with a Level 5 felony.
If you’re facing criminal charges for DUI causing serious bodily injury, you owe it to yourself to speak to an experienced defense attorney. Give us a call at 317-632-3642 and remember—always plead the 5th!