Indianapolis Criminal Defense Law Blog

Indiana police have made wider efforts to prevent people from driving after drinking alcohol. This includes setting up more DUI checkpoints and remaining more vigilant about drivers who appear intoxicated. 

After consuming an excessive amount of alcohol, some people are smart enough to know they should not drive. Instead, they get inside their cars to sleep it off until they feel better. However, in the middle of the night, the police see someone inside a vehicle and perform a welfare check to make sure everything is all right. You may think you are in the clear, but you could face arrest for DUI even though you slept. 

When it comes to remaining sober while operating a vehicle, Hoosiers know how to obey the law. According to a recent study, Indiana had one of the lowest rates of DUI arrests and incidents in 2017.

Everyone needs to remain cognizant of the law and avoid consuming alcohol before going on the road. While a DUI charge can be catastrophic for anyone, it is particularly dangerous for people who operate commercial vehicles, such as 18-wheelers. In addition to facing jail time and fines, commercial drivers may also lose their commercial licenses, preventing them from going back to their old jobs. Additionally, commercial drivers need to be aware that there are some key differences in the law when it comes to people who own a commercial driver's license.

Although Indiana has one of the lowest DUI rates in the country, there is still a sizable number of people who lose their lives each year as a result of drunk driving. In 2014, approximately 239 people died on Indiana roadways in alcohol-related crashes.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous for anyone, but it is particularly dangerous for people under the age of 21. A child can face numerous consequences, including everything from losing college scholarships to facing jail time. However, there are some circumstances where the parents can face penalties as well for the actions of the child. These situations have their limits, and a parent's liability ultimately comes down to specific circumstance. 

A fact sheet which was published by the State of Indiana draws attention to some of the consequences of underage drunk driving. For example, those accused of DUI in Indianapolis may face harsh financial penalties, a prison term, and the loss of their driving privileges. In fact, those under the age of 21 may have to pay a reinstatement fee and have their license suspended if they are charged with drunk driving.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated ten percent of teenagers in high school operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Moreover, research shows that drivers between 16 and 20 years old are far more likely to pass away in a motor vehicle wreck after they have been drinking in comparison to drivers in this age bracket who are sober.