7 Best DUI Lawyers in Indianapolis for College Students and Young Drivers
Getting a DUI or OWI as a college student or a young driver can cause a lot of problems. It can affect scholarships, housing, sports, internships, and getting a license, in addition to legal penalties. In Indiana, if you are under 21, even a small amount of alcohol in your system can get you in trouble.
If you face these charges, it’s important to get a good lawyer. They will help protect your driving record and your standing at school. The firms listed below focus on helping young people with DUI cases. They know how schools and courts work and can tell you what to do right away, like keeping important information safe and talking with school officials. They will also help challenge the charges and try to lessen the impact on your school and future.
1. The Criminal Defense Team
When a student or driver under 21 is charged, The Criminal Defense Team leans on Indiana’s Zero Tolerance framework to attack the state’s proof at the earliest stages—reviewing the basis for the stop, officer instructions during field tests, and the reliability/chain of custody for breath or blood samples. Their dedicated underage DUI page explains how quickly a 0.02% reading can trigger consequences, and why immediate counsel matters to protect your record, license, and future opportunities.
Families also appreciate the firm’s clear, step-by-step guidance for minors and young adults: what to say (and not say), how to document the incident, and how to prepare for the school’s conduct process if applicable. The goal is to close the loop on both tracks—the court case and any campus action—while pursuing outcomes like diversion, charge reductions, or outright dismissals whenever the proof falls short.
For fast, experienced help, visit https://www.criminaldefenseteam.com/indianapolis-dui-lawyers/ to schedule a consultation and safeguard your future.
2. Sallee Law, LLC
Sallee Law’s Underage DUI guidance is blunt and student-friendly: time matters. Their materials outline immediate defense goals such as preventing license loss, challenging the stop and arrest, and protecting your permanent record—exactly the triage parents and students need after a weekend traffic stop.
From first call to resolution, the firm aims to keep students enrolled and moving forward—leveraging diversion programs, targeted plea negotiations, or suppression motions where testing or procedure went sideways. Their approach is both protective and practical for young drivers at risk of long-term collateral damage.
3. Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers
Suhre & Associates publishes underage-DUI guidance specific to Indianapolis and works frequently with minors and college-age clients. With former officers and prosecutors on the team, they scrutinize the legality of the stop, instructional errors on field tests, and the chain of custody on chemical tests—factors that can make or break a zero-tolerance case.
They also help students navigate two parallel systems—criminal court and school conduct—so you don’t accidentally harm one case while addressing the other. Expect 24/7 responsiveness, clear explanations, and an action plan that prioritizes license protection and minimizing academic fallout.
4. Hocker & Associates LLC
Hocker & Associates emphasizes the protection of a young driver’s future from day one. The team scrutinizes body-cam footage, standardized field-sobriety test administration, and every step in breath/blood evidence handling—particularly important in low-BAC underage cases where procedure can make or break the state’s proof. They also help families assemble mitigation materials and enroll in targeted education that supports lenient resolutions.
Because campus codes often move faster than courts, the firm coordinates defense themes so students don’t inadvertently harm one process while handling the other. The result is a coherent plan aimed at saving licenses, eligibility, and records—while pursuing diversions, deferrals, or outright dismissals where the evidence is thin.
5. Marc Lopez Law Firm
Marc Lopez Law Firm has a strong reputation for defending students and young adults facing underage OWI/DUI charges. Their team carefully analyzes every aspect of the arrest, from the legality of the traffic stop to the reliability of breathalyzer results, to challenge weak evidence and seek diversion or dismissal. They also work closely with families to gather supporting documentation—such as academic records and community involvement—that can positively influence negotiations with prosecutors.
In addition to courtroom defense, the firm guides clients through parallel university disciplinary proceedings. They help students prepare for school conduct hearings, ensuring that statements made on campus do not inadvertently harm the criminal case. This dual-track defense strategy protects both legal and academic futures.
6. Duepner Law
Duepner Law is known for proactive defense work and practical guidance tailored to college students and young drivers. Their attorneys act quickly to preserve video evidence, analyze test results, and identify procedural errors that could result in reduced penalties or outright dismissal. They also provide step-by-step advice to help students navigate both court requirements and campus disciplinary procedures.
The firm’s supportive approach includes frequent updates and plain-language explanations of legal options, helping families feel informed and confident. Combining sharp legal analysis with personalized service, Duepner Law aids young clients in protecting their driving privileges and academic opportunities.
7. Patel Defense
Patel Defense focuses on defending under-21 drivers and college students against DUI charges, offering a strategic approach to protect both legal and academic standing. Attorney Monish Patel meticulously reviews traffic-stop details, officer conduct, and chemical test protocols to uncover weaknesses in the state’s case. He is skilled in negotiating for deferrals and alternative resolutions that prevent a permanent criminal record.
The firm is also noted for responsive communication with both students and parents. Patel provides clear explanations of each legal step and helps coordinate actions between the criminal case and university proceedings, ensuring a consistent and effective defense.
Protecting Your Education and Your Future
A DUI or OWI charge can feel overwhelming for college students and young drivers, but the right legal help can prevent a single mistake from defining your future. The Indianapolis attorneys featured here understand the unique challenges young people face—from Indiana’s strict under-21 BAC limits to the added pressure of campus disciplinary hearings.
Acting quickly and partnering with a lawyer experienced in defending students and underage drivers provides you with an advocate who can challenge the evidence, negotiate for diversion or deferral programs, and guide you through both the courtroom and campus processes. Prompt, knowledgeable representation serves as the best way to protect your license, your academic standing, and the opportunities ahead.
