What Happens in Court for a DUI in Northeast Indiana? A Step-by-Step Guide
Zach Baber • January 22, 2026
Being charged with an OWI (commonly called a DUI) in Northeast Indiana can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been through the court system before.
Many people walk into their first court date unsure of what will happen, what’s expected of them, or how serious the situation really is.
If you’re facing an OWI charge in Columbia City, Fort Wayne, Warsaw, or anywhere in Northeast Indiana, here’s a clear, realistic breakdown of what typically happens in court, and where having an experienced criminal defense attorney can make a difference.
First: OWI vs. DUI in Indiana
An OWI can be charged as:
At this hearing:
Step 2: Pretrial Conferences & Evidence Review
After the initial hearing, your case moves into the pretrial phase.
This is where much of the real legal work happens:
Step 3: Court-Ordered Conditions (Often While the Case Is Pending)
Depending on the circumstances, the court may order:
Step 4: Trial (If the Case Doesn’t Resolve Early)
If a case does not resolve through pretrial negotiations, it may proceed to:
Step 5: Sentencing (If There Is a Conviction or Plea)
If a conviction occurs (by plea or trial), sentencing may include:
Why Local Experience in Northeast Indiana Matters
OWI cases are handled differently depending on:
What If You’re Worried About Your Record?
Understanding your options early can protect your future.
Talk With a Northeast Indiana OWI Defense Attorney
If you’re facing an OWI charge and aren’t sure what comes next, getting clear information early can make a real difference.
📍 Serving Columbia City, Whitley County, Fort Wayne, Warsaw, and all of Northeast Indiana
📞 Contact Baber & Baber, P.C. to discuss your situation and understand your options.
If you’re facing an OWI charge in Columbia City, Fort Wayne, Warsaw, or anywhere in Northeast Indiana, here’s a clear, realistic breakdown of what typically happens in court, and where having an experienced criminal defense attorney can make a difference.
First: OWI vs. DUI in Indiana
Indiana law uses the term OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) rather than DUI.
While people often use the terms interchangeably, OWI is the legal charge you’ll see on court documents.
An OWI can be charged as:
- A misdemeanor, or
- A felony, depending on factors like prior convictions having a minor in the car.
Your first court date is usually called an Initial Hearing.
This is not a trial.
At this hearing:
- The judge formally advises you of the charges
- You’re informed of your rights
- Bond conditions may be reviewed or modified
- A plea of not guilty is typically entered (often automatically if you have an attorney)
⚠️ This is a critical moment. What you say, even casually, can matter.
Having an attorney present helps ensure nothing is said or agreed to prematurely.
Step 2: Pretrial Conferences & Evidence Review
After the initial hearing, your case moves into the pretrial phase.
This is where much of the real legal work happens:
- Police reports, body-cam footage, and breath or blood test results are reviewed
- Legal issues (such as traffic stop legality or testing procedures) are analyzed
- Negotiations with the prosecutor may begin
Step 3: Court-Ordered Conditions (Often While the Case Is Pending)
Depending on the circumstances, the court may order:
- Alcohol or drug evaluations
- Classes or treatment
- Compliance with bond conditions
- Temporary license suspensions (handled separately through the BMV)
Understanding what is mandatory versus what is strategic to complete early is important.
Doing the wrong thing, or nothing at all, can negatively impact the outcome.
Step 4: Trial (If the Case Doesn’t Resolve Early)
If a case does not resolve through pretrial negotiations, it may proceed to:
- A bench trial (judge decides), or
- A jury trial
- The stop was lawful
- The evidence was properly obtained
- You were operating a vehicle while intoxicated under Indiana law
Not every case should go to trial.
But when trial is necessary, preparation and experience matter.
Step 5: Sentencing (If There Is a Conviction or Plea)
If a conviction occurs (by plea or trial), sentencing may include:
- Fines and court costs
- Probation
- License suspension
- Alcohol education or treatment
- Jail time
Why Local Experience in Northeast Indiana Matters
OWI cases are handled differently depending on:
- The county
- The court
- The prosecutor
- The judge
What works in one county may not work in another.
A defense strategy should account for local court practices, not just the statute.
At Baber & Baber, P.C., we’ve spent decades practicing in Northeast Indiana courts.
That experience allows us to give clients realistic expectations and practical guidance at every stage of the process.
What If You’re Worried About Your Record?
Many people don’t realize that some OWI-related cases may later qualify for record sealing or expungement, depending on the outcome and timing.
Thinking ahead matters.
Understanding your options early can protect your future.
Talk With a Northeast Indiana OWI Defense Attorney
If you’re facing an OWI charge and aren’t sure what comes next, getting clear information early can make a real difference.
📍 Serving Columbia City, Whitley County, Fort Wayne, Warsaw, and all of Northeast Indiana
📞 Contact Baber & Baber, P.C. to discuss your situation and understand your options.
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