Understanding Driving While Suspended in Indiana
Being charged with driving while suspended in Indiana is more than just a traffic violation—it can lead to significant legal and financial consequences. Whether your license was suspended due to unpaid fines, insurance issues, or prior violations, taking the right steps can help protect your rights and minimize penalties.
As an Indiana criminal attorney, I’ve helped countless clients navigate license suspensions, fight unfair charges, and regain their driving privileges. Here’s what you need to know about driving while suspended in Indiana and how to handle these charges effectively.
The Seriousness of Driving While Suspended in Indiana
Driving while suspended is not a minor offense in Indiana. Depending on the circumstances, it can range from an infraction to a felony. Repeat offenses can lead to escalating penalties, including longer suspensions, steep fines, and even jail time.
Indiana courts, particularly in certain counties, take repeat violations seriously. Some jurisdictions impose harsh penalties for drivers who continue to operate vehicles while their license is suspended.
How Driving While Suspended is Charged
In Indiana, driving while suspended can fall into three main categories:
1. Infraction (First Offense or Minor Suspension)
🔹 Typically issued for a first-time offense
🔹 Punishable by fines and a short license suspension extension
🔹 No jail time, but can impact future driving privileges
2. Class A Misdemeanor (Repeat Offenses or Longer Suspensions)
🔹 Issued when driving while suspended within 10 years of a prior offense
🔹 Punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $5,000
🔹 Could impact employment and insurance rates
3. Level 6 Felony (Injury Involved)
🔹 If you cause an accident resulting in injury while driving with a suspended license
🔹 Punishable by up to 2.5 years in prison
🔹 Can lead to permanent criminal records and additional suspensions
Legal Presumptions and the Burden of Proof
Unlike other criminal charges, driving while suspended comes with a legal presumption—meaning the state assumes you knew about your suspension if the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) sent you a notice.
Even if you never received the notice due to an address change or lost mail, the court will likely still assume you were aware of your suspension. This can make fighting the charge more difficult—but not impossible.
Penalties for Driving While Suspended in Indiana
The penalties depend on your past driving record and the severity of the offense:
🚗 Infraction – Fines, potential extended suspension
🚗 Class A Misdemeanor – Up to 1 year in jail, $5,000 fine
🚗 Level 6 Felony – Up to 2.5 years in prison, severe fines
💡 Counties with strict policies often push for jail time on repeat offenses, even if no injury occurred.
Steps to Resolve a Driving While Suspended Charge
If you are charged with driving while suspended, taking immediate action can reduce penalties and improve your chances of reinstating your license.
1. Check Your License Status
Visit the Indiana BMV website to review your suspension details and reinstatement requirements.
2. Pay Outstanding Fees or Fines
Suspensions often occur due to unpaid tickets, court fees, or insurance lapses. Resolving these issues quickly can help reinstate your driving privileges.
3. Apply for Specialized Driving Privileges
Indiana allows some suspended drivers to obtain a hardship license or specialized driving privileges for:
✔ Driving to and from work
✔ Attending school
✔ Transporting children or attending medical appointments
An attorney can petition the court for these privileges, giving you limited legal ability to drive while your suspension is in effect.
4. Challenge the Suspension in Court
If you believe your suspension was issued in error or if you never received proper notice, your attorney can file a motion to dismiss or argue for reduced penalties.
Why You Need an Indiana Criminal Attorney
Fighting a driving while suspended charge requires legal knowledge and experience—especially if you have prior offenses or need your license reinstated quickly.
Hiring an experienced Indiana criminal attorney can:
✅ Review your suspension and check for legal errors
✅ Negotiate for reduced charges or fines
✅ Help you obtain specialized driving privileges
✅ Argue for dismissal if proper legal procedures weren’t followed
Take Action – Contact Vining Legal Today
If you’ve been charged with driving while suspended in Indiana, don’t wait until your case escalates. Taking the right legal steps now can help reduce penalties, protect your record, and get you back on the road legally.
📞 Call Vining Legal at (317) 759-3225 or
🔗 Schedule a Free Consultation
🚗 Protect your license, your freedom, and your future—get legal help today.