If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving in Boone County, Indiana, you may be asking a simple but important question: What’s the difference between OWI and DUI?
The short answer is this, there isn’t one. But the way Indiana uses the terms matters, especially when your freedom, license, and future are on the line.
Understanding how Indiana law treats OWI, DUI, and OVWI charges can help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
What Does OWI Mean in Indiana?
In Indiana, the formal charge is OWI or OVWI, which stands for Operating (or Operating a Vehicle) While Intoxicated.
Other states commonly use DUI, meaning Driving Under the Influence. Indiana simply uses different terminology, but the offense itself is the same.
If you’re charged in Boone County, your paperwork will not say “DUI.” Instead, you’ll see:
- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OVWI)
- Operating While Intoxicated Endangering a Person
- Operating While Intoxicated Causing Serious Bodily Injury
These are all OWI-related offenses under Indiana law.
DUI vs. OWI vs. OVWI: Same Charge, Different Words
People use DUI, OWI, and OVWI interchangeably, and for practical purposes, that’s correct.
Here’s how it plays out in real life:
- If you call our office and say you were charged with a DUI, we know you’re talking about an OWI.
- If you have prior DUI convictions from another state, Indiana courts can still use them to enhance an OWI charge.
- Insurance companies treat DUI and OWI as the same offense. If you’re asked whether you’ve had a DUI, an Indiana OWI must be reported.
The terminology changes. The consequences do not.
Why Indiana Uses OWI Instead of DUI
Indiana law focuses on operation, not just driving. That distinction matters.
You don’t have to be actively driving down the road to be charged. Law enforcement may allege OWI if they believe you were:
- In control of a vehicle
- Sitting in the driver’s seat of a running vehicle
- Capable of operating the vehicle
That broader definition gives prosecutors more room to bring charges, and makes experienced criminal defense representation critical.
How OWI Charges Can Escalate
Not all OWI charges are the same. Factors that can increase penalties include:
- Prior OWI or DUI convictions
- Allegations of endangerment
- High blood alcohol concentration
- Accidents involving injury
- Minor passengers in the vehicle
What starts as a misdemeanor can quickly become a felony. That’s why early legal guidance matters.
OWI and Insurance: What You Need to Know
Insurance companies don’t care what Indiana calls it.
If you’re asked whether you have a DUI and you were convicted of an OWI in Boone County, you must disclose it. Failing to do so can result in policy cancellation or denial of coverage.
Why Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney Early Matters
An OWI arrest doesn’t automatically mean a conviction. Every case turns on details:
- Was the stop lawful?
- Was the arrest supported by probable cause?
- Were field sobriety tests administered correctly?
- Were chemical tests reliable and properly handled?
These are not issues you want to sort out alone.
A focused criminal defense attorney can evaluate the evidence, challenge weaknesses in the State’s case, and work toward the best possible outcome, whether that’s reduced charges, dismissal, or protecting your license.
Charged With OWI in Boone County? Make the Right Call
If you’re facing an OWI, OVWI, or DUI-related charge in Boone County, you deserve clear answers and a defense strategy built around your specific situation.
At the Marc Lopez Law Firm, we help people navigate criminal charges with clarity, preparation, and resolve. We understand what’s at stake, and we know how Indiana courts handle these cases.
Call 463-222-0896 to schedule a consultation.
And remember—always plead the Fifth.
