How Long Does an OWI Stay on Your Record in Indianapolis?
Operating while intoxicated (OWI), also commonly referred to as driving under the influence (DUI) charges are taken very seriously in Indiana. A conviction for this crime will have many negative impacts on your life, including your criminal and driving records. For this reason, many people wonder how long an OWI will stay on their record after a conviction. Below, our Indianapolis DUI and OWI lawyer explain in greater detail.
How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Criminal Record?
A conviction for an OWI will remain on your criminal record, and driving record, for the rest of your life. While the law in Indiana does allow for OWIs to be expunged from public records, it does not allow for a conviction to be removed from your criminal or driving history. This means that an OWI conviction may not appear when employers or landlords conduct background checks. However, if you are going to apply for a job that requires you to drive, it may appear on your driving record.
Certain factors can change or reduce the impact an OWI conviction has on your record. For example, a person convicted of a felony OWI in Indiana must wait eight years before they become eligible to remove the offense from their public record.
How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Driving Record?
Like your criminal record, a DUI will also remain on your driving record for the rest of your life. The points resulting from an OWI conviction, though, only remain on your driving record for two years. After accumulating 16 points on your license within two years, you will likely face a license suspension. An OWI conviction will increase your risk of suspension for the same duration as the points remain on your license.
How Long Do Higher Insurance Premiums Last?
After an OWI conviction, auto insurance companies will also view you as a higher-risk driver, which will typically result in higher insurance premiums. You may have to pay higher premiums for three to five years, although this does vary from carrier to carrier. If you are convicted of another traffic offense, your insurance company may deny you coverage altogether, although this happens much more rarely.
To minimize the negative impacts an OWI conviction will have on your life, it is critical to speak to an OWI lawyer. An attorney will prepare a strong defense that will give you the best opportunity to fight the charges or negotiate a fair resolution.
Our DUI and OWI Lawyers in Indianapolis Can Help
Even having a conviction for a single OWI on your record can have very serious consequences. At Rigney Law, LLC, our Indianapolis DUI and OWI lawyer can help build the strong defense you need to protect your rights, and your future. Call us today at 317-623-0989 or fill out our online form to request a free consultation with our experienced attorney and to learn more about how we can help with your case.
Source:
iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/9#9-30-5-1