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DUI/OWI Defense Lawyers In Bloomington, Indiana

Last updated on February 23, 2026

In Indiana, charges for OWI (operating while intoxicated) carry far-ranging potential consequences. In addition to jail time, steep fines and a criminal record, your driver’s license will also be in jeopardy. The expense and inconvenience of an OWI conviction can take a toll on your day-to-day life. At Law Offices of Paul D. Baugh, PC, we are here to help minimize that toll.

We work hard to get the best results for clients. Applying more than 35 years of experience and a well-respected reputation in the courtroom, our lawyers will strive to preserve your driving privileges, protect you from jail time and lessen the OWI charge’s impact on your life.

Our goal is simple: As your criminal defense team, we will work tirelessly to get you the best deal possible for your situation.

Types Of OWI Charges Defended

Many OWI charges involve drunk driving. However, you can also face severe consequences for driving when impaired by drugs — including legal medications. Some of the types of OWI charges you may face in Indiana include:

Alcohol-related OWI: The most familiar type of OWI involves alcohol, with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or more leading to criminal charges.
Drugged driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of any sort of drug – including controlled substances and prescription medications – could lead to legal trouble.
Underage OWI: With a BAC of as little as 0.02, underage drivers face up to $500 in fines and a year-long license suspension.
Aggravated OWI: If a charge involves a BAC of 0.15 or higher, injuries or minors in the vehicle, it becomes much more serious.
Commercial driver OWI: OWI charges can change the course of a commercial driver’s career, with a first offense causing them to lose their CDL for one year and the second resulting in a lifetime disqualification. They also face charges at lower BAC levels when behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle.

Regardless of your circumstances, you can rely on our attorneys as your legal representative. From our offices in Bloomington, we represent people from all walks of life — professionals, college students, factory workers and more. You can expect attentive, one-on-one representation through all stages of your case.

Indiana OWI Penalties And Consequences

Even a first-time OWI offense can have a long-lasting impact on your life. Penalties include:

Up to 60 days of jail time if BAC was below 0.15%, and up to one year if BAC was above 0.15%
Fines of up to $500 if BAC was below 0.15%, and up to $5,000 if BAC was above 0.15%
License suspension of between 90 days and 2 years
Probation
Substance abuse education
Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)

If you have a prior OWI on your record, you face increasingly harsher penalties for repeat offenses. A second offense within five years is a felony, and you could face up to two-and-a-half years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.

Repeat offenses could also lead to designation as a habitual offender if you have two or three prior vehicular substance offenses, including one within the last ten years. This can add years to your jail time for a conviction.

An OWI can also bring other changes to your life and finances. These charges can increase the cost of your insurance and impact your education or career. Given these steep consequences, it is all the more important to get help from a defense lawyer.

DUI Defense For College Students And Young Adults

When young people face drunk or drugged driving charges, it is not only their freedom that is on the line. These charges could also change the course of their education and career. The academic consequences of a criminal conviction during college could include the loss of scholarships and financial aid, suspension or even expulsion. Having an OWI on their record could also make it difficult to get a professional license in the future.

Choose Law Offices of Paul D. Baugh, PC, For your Criminal Defense

From our office in Bloomington, our team supports the accused in Monroe, Bartholomew, Brown, Greene, Owen, Morgan, Jackson, and Lawrence counties. It will not cost you anything to find out more. Call 812-333-9688 or contact our team online to get started with a free initial consultation.