DUI in Putnam County
Putnam County, Indiana, is a largely rural community in west-central Indiana, home to Greencastle and DePauw University, where the combination of college-town nightlife and rural highways creates conditions that lead to DUI arrests. Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OWI) — the term Indiana law uses instead of DUI — is a serious criminal offense that can affect your driving privileges, employment, and freedom. Whether you were stopped on US-40, State Road 231, or anywhere else in the county, the consequences of an OWI charge can follow you for years. An experienced OWI lawyer in Putnam County can help you understand your rights and work toward the best possible outcome.
Courts Handling DUI Cases in Putnam County
OWI cases in Putnam County are primarily handled by the Putnam Circuit Court and the Putnam Superior Court, both located at the Putnam County Courthouse in Greencastle, Indiana. Misdemeanor OWI charges are often processed through the Superior Court, while more serious felony OWI matters may be heard in the Circuit Court depending on case assignment. Understanding local court procedures, judges, and prosecutors is a key advantage that a locally knowledgeable attorney can bring to your defense.
Common DUI Situations in Putnam County
The most common OWI situations in Putnam County involve traffic stops on rural state highways and US routes where drivers are alleged to have been impaired by alcohol, marijuana, or prescription medications. College students and young adults near the DePauw University area are frequently involved in first-time OWI arrests, often with blood alcohol concentrations close to or slightly above the legal limit of 0.08 percent. Repeat OWI offenses, accidents involving alleged impairment, and cases involving the presence of controlled substances in a driver's system are also regularly seen in Putnam County courts.
Penalties and Outcomes in Indiana
Under Indiana Code 9-30-5, a first-offense OWI is typically a Class C misdemeanor carrying up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500, but it can be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in jail if the driver's BAC was 0.15 percent or higher. A second OWI offense within seven years is charged as a Level 6 felony, which can result in six months to two and a half years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Indiana also mandates license suspensions, mandatory substance abuse education programs, and in some cases the installation of an ignition interlock device as conditions of reinstating driving privileges.
Free — available now
DUI question in Putnam County?
Call our free hotline right now — available 24/7, no obligation.
Call free now
Why Go To Court for DUI in Putnam County
Go To Court Lawyers connects people facing OWI charges in Putnam County with attorneys who understand Indiana OWI law and the specific procedures of local courts in Greencastle. With free 24/7 legal information available and lawyer bookings coming soon, Go To Court makes it easier to take the first step toward protecting your rights and your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between OWI and DUI in Indiana?
Indiana uses the term OWI, which stands for Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, rather than the more commonly known term DUI. Under Indiana Code 9-30-5-1 and 9-30-5-2, it is unlawful to operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher, while impaired by alcohol or drugs, or with any controlled substance in your blood. The offense is the same concept as a DUI in other states, but Indiana law uses OWI as the official legal term in all court proceedings.
Will I lose my license after an OWI arrest in Putnam County?
Yes, Indiana law provides for both administrative and court-ordered license suspensions following an OWI arrest or conviction. If you fail or refuse a chemical test, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles can administratively suspend your license, and a court conviction carries additional suspension periods that vary based on your BAC and whether you have prior offenses. An attorney may be able to help you apply for a specialized driving privileges order, which can allow limited driving for essential purposes such as work, school, or medical appointments during your suspension period.
Can an OWI charge in Indiana be reduced or dismissed?
It is possible for an OWI charge to be reduced to a lesser offense, such as reckless driving, or in some circumstances dismissed entirely, depending on the evidence in your case. Factors such as the legality of the traffic stop, the calibration and administration of breath or blood testing equipment, and the conduct of law enforcement during your arrest can all form the basis of a legal defense. An experienced OWI attorney in Putnam County can review the facts of your case and identify any weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence that may support a reduction or dismissal.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer test in Indiana?
Indiana has an implied consent law under Indiana Code 9-30-6-1, which means that by driving on Indiana roads you have implicitly agreed to submit to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for OWI. Refusing a breathalyzer or blood test results in an automatic one-year license suspension for a first refusal, which is separate from any criminal penalties you may face. Refusal can also be used as evidence against you in court, and prosecutors may argue that the refusal indicates a consciousness of guilt, so it is important to understand both the consequences and potential defenses before and after a refusal occurs.
How does an OWI conviction affect my record in Indiana?
An OWI conviction in Indiana results in a permanent criminal record that can appear in background checks conducted by employers, landlords, and licensing boards. Indiana law does not allow expungement of OWI convictions under most circumstances, meaning the record is typically permanent and publicly accessible. Beyond the criminal record, a conviction can affect professional licenses, insurance rates, child custody matters, and in some cases immigration status, which is why taking an OWI charge seriously and seeking qualified legal representation is so important.