Drunk driving is a dangerous habit, not only because of the risk of accidents, but also because of the potential consequences it can have for people convicted of DUIs (Driving Under the Influence).
Ohio takes driving under the influence very seriously. Under Ohio law, if you are found guilty of “operating a vehicle under the influence,” or OVI, you could face some strict criminal penalties. But there are other consequences you can face, beyond criminal penalties, if you’re pulled over for OVI.
The experienced defense attorneys at Hiltner Trial Lawyers understand the high stakes involved in an OVI case and know how to effectively build a defense against these charges. Read on for our breakdown of what can happen if you’re charged with OVI in Ohio.
What counts as OVI?
Conventional wisdom warns against getting behind the wheel if you’re “under the influence.” But what does this mean exactly?
Well, according to Ohio, you can be charged with OVI if you operate a vehicle under any of the following conditions:
- Your blood alcohol content (BAC) is at least .08%
- Your urine alcohol concentration is .110 or more
- You have a certain amount of marijuana, LSD, cocaine, heroin, amphetamine, methamphetamine, or PCP in your system
- You are “under the influence” of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both
Some of these conditions can be a bit subjective, but generally, you won’t be charged unless a biometric test shows that you have a dangerous amount of a controlled substance in your system.
Consequences of an OVI charge
If you find yourself charged with OVI, you should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An experienced defense attorney will know the law to potentially get your case dismissed or at least reduce the sentence that you face.
In Ohio, you can lose your license before you are even convicted of the charge. If you are tested above the permitted level, or if you refuse testing, you can have your license suspended for up to 3 years. If you need to drive during that time, you will have to apply for a restricted license.
If you are convicted, the penalties that you face for an OVI conviction depend on just how intoxicated you were when you were pulled over.
An OVI charge is considered “low level” if your BAC is under .17%. The penalties for a low-level conviction can be as much as a 3-year license suspension, 5 years of probation, a $1,000 fine, and up to 180 days in jail.
If your BAC was over .17%, your OVI charge is considered “high level,” and a conviction could result in higher jail time and more strict driving restrictions.
Hire a defense attorney in Ohio today
The best way to defend your record against a DUI or OVI charge is to consult with an experienced defense attorney. At Hiltner Trial Lawyers, our attorneys have years of experience and a thorough understanding of the law to ensure that our clients’ rights are respected and that their records aren’t tarnished by a single mistake. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
FAQs: DUI / OVI Consequences in Ohio
- What are the consequences of a DUI (OVI) charge in Ohio?
Consequences can include license suspension, fines, probation, mandatory alcohol education programs, and possible jail time. Penalties depend on blood alcohol level, prior offenses, and whether testing was refused.
- Can you lose your license before a DUI conviction in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio imposes an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) if a driver tests over the legal limit or refuses testing, even before the case is resolved in court.
- What is considered a high-level DUI in Ohio?
An OVI is considered high-level when a driver’s blood alcohol content is .17% or higher. High-level charges carry longer license suspensions and increased jail exposure.
- Does a first DUI offense in Ohio include jail time?
A first offense can include jail time, though alternatives such as probation or treatment programs may be available depending on the circumstances and BAC level.
- Can a DUI affect more than just criminal penalties?
Yes. A DUI can impact employment, insurance rates, professional licensing, and future driving privileges in addition to criminal consequences.
- Do penalties increase for repeat DUI offenses in Ohio?
Yes. Each additional DUI conviction increases potential jail time, fines, and license suspension periods under Ohio law.
