Reader’s Question:

In relation to DUI in the State of Indiana, how can someone be considered as a habitual traffic violator? And if for some reason I get stopped for DUI here in Anderson, Indiana, should I make a statement to the police officer?

Noel

Anderson, IN

Habitual Traffic Violator, also popularly known as HTV, is what the Bureau of Motor Vehicles designates a person who accumulates several convictions of major traffic offenses, including the crime of DUI, or a single major conviction that is combined with nine minor violations within a period of 10 years. The penalty for this is driver’s license suspension for a period of five to 10 years. If a person drives after becoming a habitual traffic violator, the driver’s license of that person could be suspended for the rest of his life. This is one of the reasons why every single traffic violation, including DUI, must be taken seriously.

Regarding your other question, don’t ever make a statement to the police officer if you get stopped for DUI in Anderson, Indiana. What the officer needs to know or ask you is only your license and registration. Aside from the basic information that is required to establish your identity or to fill out an accident report, you can decline to answer any questions without your lawyer present. You do run the risk of getting a conviction if you do more than that.

Tags: drunk driving laws, DUI, DUI arrest, DUI lawyer