How We Help Clients Keep Driving Legally While Fighting an OWI/DUI in Indiana

Zach Baber • January 25, 2026

One of the biggest fears people have after being charged with an OWI or DUI isn’t just court,
it’s losing the ability to drive.

Ignition interlock device and Indiana driver materials showing legal driving options during an OWI case

For many people, driving isn’t optional.

It’s how you get to work, take care of your family, attend medical appointments, and live your daily life.

An OWI charge in Indiana can threaten that independence almost immediately.

At Baber & Baber, P.C., part of our approach is helping clients stay on the road legally whenever possible while their case is moving through the system.

That means understanding your options early and making smart, lawful decisions from the start.

Here’s how that typically works.

First: What Happens to Your License After an OWI Arrest?

In Indiana, an OWI charge and conviction can trigger two separate issues related to your license:

Administrative license actions through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Court-ordered restrictions or suspensions

These processes don’t always move at the same speed, and they don’t always have the same solutions.

That’s why it’s important to look at your situation as a whole, not just the criminal charge.

Ignition Interlock Devices (IID): What They Are and How They Help

One tool that often allows people to continue driving legally during an OWI case is an ignition interlock device (IID).

What is an ignition interlock?

An ignition interlock is a breath-testing device installed in your vehicle.

Before the car will start, the driver must provide a breath sample.

If alcohol is detected above a very low threshold, the vehicle won’t start.

Why would someone agree to an IID?

While no one wants an ignition interlock, in many cases it can be the difference between not driving at all and driving legally with restrictions.

Depending on the circumstances, an IID may:

Allow continued driving during a suspension period
Satisfy court or BMV requirements
Reduce the length or severity of license restrictions
Show proactive compliance, which can matter in court

Not every case requires one, and not every driver qualifies.

But when it is an option, timing and proper setup matter.

Specialized Driving Privileges (SDP): Driving With Court Approval

Indiana law allows some drivers facing OWI-related suspensions to request specialized driving privileges (often called “hardship” or “restricted” driving).

We keep this intentionally general because every case is different, but in the right situation, these privileges may allow driving:

To and from work
For medical appointments
For school or childcare responsibilities
For other court-approved purposes

These privileges are not automatic. They require:

Proper filing
Court approval
Compliance with specific conditions

Handled correctly, they can help clients maintain stability while their case is pending.

Why “Driving Legally” Is the Key Phrase

The goal is never to cut corners.

Driving while suspended, even for a good reason, can:

Create new criminal charges
Complicate your OWI case
Eliminate future options for relief

That’s why our focus is on legal, documented, court-approved solutions that protect both your freedom and your long-term case outcome.

What Else Matters While Your Case Is Pending

Keeping your license, or driving legally with restrictions, is often part of a bigger strategy, which may include:

Evaluating whether administrative suspensions can be challenged
Understanding how license issues intersect with the criminal case
Avoiding missteps that can lead to probation violations or additional charges
Planning ahead for record sealing or expungement when eligible

This is not a one-size-fits-all process.

The Bottom Line

An OWI charge in Indiana doesn’t always mean your life, and your ability to drive, comes to a complete stop.

With the right guidance, many clients are able to: