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Indianapolis DUI Lawyers

Last updated on May 4, 2026

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense carrying serious and costly penalties. The level of the charges relates directly to two concepts: blood alcohol content and whether or not you endangered yourself or another person while operating a motor vehicle. It gets worse from there — if another person was seriously injured or you have prior DUI convictions, you may be faced with felony charges, loss of your driver’s license for a significant period of time and insurance rates you cannot afford.

Your livelihood may depend on the very attorney you hire to assist you in navigating all of these very difficult and trying issues. Attorney Todd Sallee has spent his career fighting DUI cases in Indiana, with a track record of noteworthy results. Mr. Sallee knows the science and law behind breath and blood testing, the implementation of field sobriety tests, and general police DUI investigations. He acquired these skills from his time as a deputy prosecutor and from the thousands of cases he has defended and tried throughout the state of Indiana.

Mr. Sallee has spoken to colleagues and new lawyers on the “Nuts and Bolts of DUI Defense,” such as how to challenge illegal traffic stops, roadside sobriety testing and certified chemical tests.

Better Call Sallee! Contact us 24/7 at 317-643-5507 for a free consultation. We serve Hendricks County, Hamilton County, Boone County and surrounding counties of Greater Indianapolis.

What Should I Do If I’m Pulled Over?

It is common to feel nervous, flustered or afraid if a law enforcement officer pulls you over for suspected drunk driving. Try to remember the following steps. If you do, you can prevent the situation from becoming much worse:

Pull over: Do not try to evade the scene; simply pull over when it is safe to do so.
Remain calm: Speak with the officer in a respectful, normal tone of voice, even if you feel they are not treating you politely.
Provide certain information: You must provide documents such as your driver’s license and proof of insurance.
Invoke your Fifth Amendment Right: Do not admit to drinking, and do not give additional information to the officer.
Do not allow a search: The officer may ask to search your car or bag, but you should refuse unless they have a warrant.
Take a breath test, not a field test: If you refuse to take a breathalyzer blood alcohol content (BAC) test, you may lose your license temporarily. You do, however, have the right to refuse field sobriety tests.
Request a lawyer: Tell the police officer that you would like an attorney present before you speak to them.

By following these instructions, you protect your Constitutional rights and give yourself a much better chance of avoiding a criminal charge or conviction.

What Are The Different Kinds Of Field Sobriety Tests?

Field sobriety tests (FST) are physical tasks that law enforcement officers use to assess whether a driver might have alcohol or drugs in their system. Common FSTs include:

Horizontal gaze nystagmus test: The officer observes the movement of your eyes as they follow a finger or a pen.
One-legged stand test: You stand on one leg for a period so the officer can assess whether drugs and alcohol have affected your balance.
Walk-and-turn-tests: Similarly, the officer has you walk heel to toe in a straight line and turn around so they can see your stability.

However, FSTs are not always accurate. A police officer’s interpretation of how someone performs on one is very subjective. This could lead to an arrest and DUI charge even if you do not have controlled substances in your system or if you have the legal amount of a controlled substance in your system. You have the right to refuse to perform an FST, and you should. If instructed to take a breath test, though, you could lose your license temporarily if you decline.

You Need Legal Representation Immediately

We are here to help anyone facing drunk driving charges:

First-time DUI (.08 or higher blood alcohol)
OVWI (less than .08 but other evidence of impairment)
Drug-impaired driving
Underage DUI
Felony DUI (repeat offense or DUI accident)

We regularly represent out-of-state drivers charged with DUI while visiting Indiana for the Indy 500, the Brickyard 400, the Final Four and other major events. A DUI conviction in Indiana carries over to your home state, including possible license sanctions, insurance hikes and criminal background checks. We will represent you in local proceedings, making every effort to win your case or mitigate the consequences.

At Sallee Law, LLC, our mindset is to challenge your DUI. The consequences are too high to simply plead guilty, when it may be possible to beat the arrest or negotiate a more favorable outcome. We also have been successful in helping clients fix driver’s license problems relating to DUI, obtaining specialized driving privileges or expunging old DUI records.

We Challenge The Basis For Your DUI Arrest

Blowing over the limit on a Breathalyzer is not automatically “game over.” The validity of a DUI breath test or blood sample can be challenged. Field sobriety tests and the basis for the traffic stop can be challenged. With your driving privileges, your employment and perhaps your freedom at stake, fighting the charges may be your only real option.

Sallee Law, LLC is an experienced criminal defense attorney who has tried and won DUI cases in courts throughout Indiana. He can find the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and capitalize on those opportunities to show reasonable doubt. His strategic and aggressive approach has helped many clients avoid jail time and all the collateral consequences of a DUI conviction. (See examples of our DUI case results.)

Call us day or night for a free consultation at 317-643-5507.

When You Need To Beat The Test

Sallee Law, LLC represents people of all walks of life in Greater Indianapolis, including Hendricks County and all surrounding counties. We understand that a DUI conviction must be avoided if at all possible. Mr. Sallee began his career as a prosecuting attorney, where he learned how to build a case and anticipate the defenses. For the past decade, he has represented the accused, drawing on his prosecutor skills to challenge law enforcement police methods and the evidence itself.

He has successfully fought DUI charges on the basis of breath tests and blood tests. We hire experts to counter the state’s experts, putting the science on trial and explaining why the test may be procedurally flawed. What is the statistical margin of error? Was the test administered properly? Was the Breathalyzer correctly calibrated?

The firm has won cases by challenging the basis for stopping, searching and roadside testing of drivers. Was there probable cause for the traffic stop? Does the dashcam video contradict the officer’s version? Did the officer improperly rely on field sobriety tests such as reciting the alphabet backward? Were you out of your vehicle when the police arrived?
He has defeated enhanced DUI charges that could trigger prison time, such as a DUI accident resulting in serious injury or endangering a child passenger.

How Likely Is Jail Time For A First-Time DUI Offender?

The likelihood of jail time for a first-time DUI (OWI) offender is generally low unless there are aggravating circumstances. Indiana DUI laws classify a standard first offense as a Class C misdemeanor, with a maximum of 60 days in jail. However, judges often suspend this sentence for a first-timer without a high BAC or other factors like an accident.
Jail time becomes much more probable if the BAC is .15% or higher or if a minor passenger was present. Other penalties include:

License suspension: Up to two years, often with a mandatory suspension period before restricted driving privileges.
Community service: Commonly ordered as part of probation.
Ignition interlock device (IID): Frequently required to obtain restricted driving privileges.

A strong legal defense from an experienced law firm is crucial for mitigating penalties.

A Former Prosecutor On Your Side

Call attorney Todd Sallee any time, day or night, seven days a week. Do not speak to police officers or prosecutors despite what authorities may say to you. They are your adversaries. Their only goal is to convict you. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.

An experienced DUI attorney can speak for you while defending your legal rights, negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf and advise you on what actions to take going forward. Attorney Sallee has the experience you need in any criminal case, with more than 20 years of experience both prosecuting and defending people in the criminal justice system.

Why Hire An Indianapolis DUI Lawyer From Sallee Law, LLC?

Your choice of legal representation when facing DUI charges directly impacts your future. Our criminal defense attorneys bring over two decades of focused experience to every case we handle. Unlike general practitioners who dabble in multiple areas, our criminal defense lawyers dedicate their entire practice to defending clients against serious charges.

Attorney Todd Sallee has been selected for inclusion in the SuperLawyers list for three consecutive years, reflecting his standing among Indiana’s top legal professionals. His colleagues throughout the state rely on his knowledge for complicated cases, often seeking his insight on challenging defense strategy matters. This reputation stems from handling thousands of DUI cases and speaking at state bar conferences where he educates other attorneys on DUI defense tactics.

Our team understands that every DUI case involving the influence of alcohol requires a unique approach. Whether challenging blood alcohol level testing procedures or questioning traffic stop legality, we develop individualized strategies based on case-specific circumstances.

Todd L. Sallee founded this practice in 2004 after serving as a deputy prosecutor, giving him invaluable insight into how prosecutors build their cases. Megan Von Ruhtenberg brings a fresh perspective as our Associate Attorney, while Eric Krupp serves as counsel and Carey D. York rounds out our experienced team.

What sets our firm apart is our genuine care for client outcomes. Multiple reviews highlight how we make clients feel valued and understood during difficult times. We take time to explain legal processes clearly, helping ensure you can make informed decisions about your case.

Our underage DUI defense services address the unique challenges minors face in the justice system.

Discuss Your DUI With A Lawyer Now

You need an attorney who knows every legal and factual aspect of an OVWI/DUI case. You need Sallee Law, LLC. Call 317-643-5507 for a free consultation with an Indianapolis DUI defense lawyer or contact us online, and we will respond soon.