What To Do in the First 24 Hours After a DUI/OWI Arrest in Indiana

An OWI/DUI arrest can flip your life upside down overnight. One moment you’re driving home; the next you’re in handcuffs, facing criminal charges, and trying to figure out what this means for your license, your job, and your future.

Those first 24 hours matter. Here’s what you should do and what you should avoid right away.

1. Take the Charges Seriously

Even a first-time offense can come with serious consequences, including:

• Possible jail time

• Fines and court costs

• License suspension

• A permanent criminal record

Treat the situation as serious from day one. Ignoring paperwork or “hoping it goes away” will only make things worse.

2. Protect Your Right to Remain Silent

You do not have to explain your side to police, the prosecutor, or anyone from the government without a lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you later.

It’s usually best to provide only basic identifying information and clearly state that you want to speak with an attorney before answering questions about what happened.

3. Gather and Preserve Information

As soon as you’re able, write down everything you remember:

• Where you were stopped

• What the officer said and did

• Whether you were given field sobriety tests

• Whether you took or refused a breath or blood test

Small details can make a big difference in building your defense later.

4. Be Careful With Social Media

Do not post about your arrest, the night out, or your opinions about the officer or charges. Screenshots can become evidence. Keep details off social media and avoid discussing the case with anyone other than your lawyer.

5. Pay Attention to Deadlines

OWI/DUI cases can trigger tight deadlines related to your driver’s license and court appearances. Missing a deadline can mean automatic penalties or a warrant. Open your mail, read every notice, and bring everything to your attorney.

6. Contact an Indiana OWI/DUI Defense Lawyer

You don’t have to wait until your first court date to get help and you shouldn’t. The earlier a lawyer is involved, the more options you usually have. An experienced defense attorney can review the traffic stop, testing procedures, and all the circumstances to look for weaknesses in the case.

If you or a loved one have been arrested for OWI/DUI in Indiana, don’t navigate the first 24 hours alone.

Call Brinkley Law to schedule a criminal defense consultation and get a clear, step-by-step plan for what to do next.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney–client relationship.