In Ohio, drunk driving carries severe consequences. If you’re charged with OVI (Operating a Vehicle under the Influence) or DUI (Driving Under the Influence), you could face a license suspension, hefty fines, or even jail time.
At Hiltner Trial Lawyers, we understand the serious challenges that come with a DUI charge. Backed by years of experience and a commitment to protecting our clients’ rights, our skilled attorneys work tirelessly to navigate the complexities of Ohio’s legal system. If you’re facing DUI charges, our firm is here to help you understand your options and fight for the best possible outcome.
So, what are the new DUI laws in Ohio? Let’s take a closer look at the changes Annie’s Law introduced and what they mean for individuals facing DUI charges, including felony charges.
What is Annie’s Law?
Annie’s Law is named after Annie Rooney, a Chillicothe resident tragically killed by a drunk driver in 2013. The law was designed to prevent similar fatalities by strengthening Ohio’s drunk driving laws.
The passage of Annie’s Law in 2017 brought significant changes to Ohio’s DUI laws, increasing sentencing requirements while providing alternatives for offenders to mitigate penalties.
The law achieves this by:
- Increasing penalties for DUI offenses, including longer license suspensions and jail time.
- Extending the “lookback period” from 6 years to 10 years
- Encouraging the use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs) to reduce recidivism and promote safer roads.
Increased Sentencing Requirements Under Annie’s Law
Annie’s Law significantly increased the penalties for DUI convictions in Ohio. Below are the new license suspension requirements under Annie’s Law:
- First offense: 1 to 3 years
- Second offense: 1 to 7 years
- Third offense: 2 to 12 years
- Fourth offense: 3 years to life
The law lengthened the lookback period from 6 years to 10 years. This means courts now consider any prior DUI convictions within the last decade when determining penalties.
Here are the criminal consequences you could be facing as a result of a DUI conviction:
- First offense: Up to 6 months in jail, up to 5 years probation, and fines of up to $1,075
- Second offense: Minimum 10 days in jail, fines up to $1,625, with other penalties mirroring those of a first offense
- Third offense: 30 days to 1 year in jail, up to 5 years probation, and fines up to $2,750
- Fourth offense: Classified as a felony, punishable by at least 1 year in prison and fines up to $10,500
Courts have the discretion to increase penalties further for repeat offenders. The penalties increase significantly if you have any prior DUI convictions within the last 10 years.
Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) as Safer Alternatives in Ohio
The purpose of Annie’s Law goes beyond punishing those convicted of drunk driving. Its primary goal is to reduce the number of drunk drivers on Ohio’s roads and prevent future tragedies.
To achieve this, the law provides an opportunity for individuals convicted of a DUI to reduce their license suspension or sentence by installing an ignition interlock device (IID).
An IID is a breathalyzer-like device installed in your vehicle. It prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Under ORC Section 4510.43, offenders may be eligible for reduced penalties by participating in an IID program. By installing an IID, offenders can:
- Avoid jail time (for first offenses)
- Receive unlimited driving privileges for first offenses or limited driving privileges for second and third offenses
However, the court can revoke driving privileges or reinstate your jail time if any of the following violations occur:
- Testing positive for alcohol while trying to start the vehicle
- Tampering with or disabling the IID
- Having someone else blow into the device
- Driving a vehicle that does not have an IID installed
By encouraging the use of IIDs, Annie’s Law aims to promote safer driving while providing offenders with a path to regain limited freedom responsibly.
Contact Our DUI Lawyers at Hiltner Trial Lawyers Today
At Hiltner Trial Lawyers, we are dedicated to defending the people in our community against harsh penalties and overzealous prosecution. With reliable representation from our seasoned legal team, you can feel confident that your case is in capable hands.
Contact us at 330-475-3164 to schedule a free consultation and have your questions about a DUI charge answered.
How Annie’s Law Impacts Felony DUI Charges in Ohio
The extended lookback period under Annie’s Law has significant implications for felony DUI charges.
If you have been convicted of 2 DUIs in the last 10 years, you could be facing felony charges, which are punishable by 30 days to a year in prison. The penalties include:
- Three prior offenses: Minimum 60 days in jail.
- Four or more offenses: Punishable by 1 year in prison and fines of up to $10,500.
Although Annie’s Law allows for reduced penalties through the IID program, this primarily benefits first-time and second-time offenders. For individuals facing felony DUI charges, avoiding jail time becomes more challenging under the updated laws.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to have an experienced DUI lawyer on your side. With a fierce advocate like our legal team at Hiltner Trial Lawyers, we work towards achieving the best outcome for your case, defend you by creating a strong strategy, and protect your rights every step of the way.
