Possible penalties for your first DWI charge

On Behalf of | Aug 31, 2019 | Criminal Law, DUI

Because the legal blood alcohol content limit is so low in Indiana, it is possible to get a DWI without realizing that you are impaired. In some cases, just one drink can put you over the legal limit. If an officer pulls you over, you may find yourself facing charges for driving while intoxicated.

This can be quite devastating once you realize that you face a charge and penalties. You may even worry about what will happen to you and how this will impact your life. The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute explains that penalties for your first DWI offense are far less severe than if it is a subsequent offense.

You should still realize, though, that you will likely end up with a sentence that will impact your life. So, knowing what to expect can help you plan ahead to make as little of a disruption in your life as possible.

To begin with, once an officer determines are you are over the legal BAC limit, he or she will arrest you. This means going to the jail and going through processing. You may get bail quickly and get out right away, or you may have to spend the night in jail.

Once you go to court and plead guilty or the court finds you guilty, you will face the following penalties:

  • Paying a fine
  • Paying court costs and fees

The judge does have some discretion when handing down your sentence. These following are penalties you may face:

  • Attendance at a victim impact panel
  • Probation
  • One year in jail
  • Drug and alcohol testing
  • License suspension up to two years
  • Substance abuse program at your own cost

Keep in mind that any costs of your conviction can vary. The judge generally has the right to shape fines and other penalties based on the facts of your case.