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If you're facing DUI charges, talk to an Ohio DUI lawyer

A DUI conviction can have a big impact on your life. Your job opportunities, insurance rates, and ability to drive can all be negatively affected, not to mention the stress a DUI/OVI charge can cause in your life. If you have been arrested for drunk driving and want to try fighting your charges, keep in mind that DUI law is complex, and often people charged with DUI or OVI can benefit from professional help.

An Ohio DUI lawyer can show you what kind of options you have and answer many of your questions. Total DUI wants to make the process of finding an Ohio DUI lawyer easier on you. To do so, we provide information on our website that gives you a general idea of what to expect when fighting your DUI or OVI charge. After you read over the website, Total DUI can help connect you with an Ohio DUI lawyer, who can take a look at your case.

Ohio Penalties for DUI/OVI

Ohio's tough DUI/OVI penalties include an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) handing down additional driver's license suspensions that are independent of any court-ordered suspension. Note that ALS penalties cover both BAC violations and breath test refusals (see below).

First-time DUI conviction

  • Mandatory jail sentence of at least 3 days;
  • fine of between $200 and $1,000;
  • Administrative License Suspension (ALS) for BAC violation resulting in driver's license suspension of 90 days;
  • court-ordered driver's license suspension for 3 months to 6 years.

Second DUI conviction

  • Mandatory jail sentence of at least 10 days with maximum of 6 months;
  • fine of between $300 and $1,500;
  • vehicle immobilization and plates impounded for 90 days;
  • Administrative License Suspension (ALS) for BAC violation resulting in driver's license suspension of 1 year;
  • court-ordered driver's license suspension for 1 year to 5 years.

Third DUI conviction

  • Mandatory jail sentence of at least 30 days with maximum of 1 year;
  • fine of between $500 and $2,500;
  • vehicle immobilization and plates impounded for 180 days;
  • Administrative License Suspension (ALS) for BAC violation resulting in driver's license suspension of 2 years;
  • court-ordered driver's license suspension for 1 year to 10 years.

Fourth and subsequent DUI conviction (also penalty for motor vehicle felony)

  • Mandatory jail sentence of at least 60 days with maximum of 1 year;
  • fine of between $750 and $10,000;
  • vehicle forfeited;
  • Administrative License Suspension (ALS) for BAC violation resulting in driver's license suspension of 3 years;
  • court-ordered driver's license suspension for 3 years to permanent.

Breath Tests in Ohio DUI/OVI Law

Can You Refuse a Breath Test?

  • NO

Breath Test Refusal Penalties (under Administrative License Suspension (ALS))

  • 1st refusal = 1-year suspension of driver's license
  • 2nd refusal = 2-year suspension
  • 3rd refusal = 3-year suspension
  • 4th or subsequent refusal = 5-year suspension

Remember: this is in addition to any court-ordered license suspensions for DUI/OVI penalties!

Looking for more answers about DUI/OVI in Ohio?

Want to fight your DUI charge?

To get started, call us toll-free at 1 (877) 349-1311 or use our free case evaluation form. The information you provide remains confidential, and allows us at Total DUI to put you in touch with a sponsoring Ohio DUI lawyer for a free consultation. During the consultation, you can ask questions, and the Ohio DUI lawyer can focus on your case and help you determine if there are weaknesses in the charges against you.

This consultation is a great way for you to find out more about your rights and your options regarding your drunk driving case. Once you have spoken with an Ohio DUI lawyer, you may have a better idea of how to proceed with your case, including what kind of a defense you may be able to present.

Preparation and information are key ingredients

A defense of DUI or OVI depends on your personal situation, and an Ohio DUI lawyer will look into the details of what happened when you were pulled over and arrested to see whether or not anything was improperly dealt with.

For instance, in some cases the official who pulls the vehicle over turns out to have lacked probable cause to do so. Another example of a possible weakness in an OVI case is if the blood alcohol test that was given was faulty, or the results were flawed.

If the Ohio DUI lawyer who examines your case finds anything that can be considered inconsistent with the law, you may be able to go into court with a stronger defense. When going into court, being as prepared as possible can make a huge difference—in fact, some DUI and OVI charges are dismissed or reduced if the defendant has a strong case.

Don't take a chance on your freedom—talk with an Ohio DUI lawyer as soon as possible to find out what you can do to prepare yourself.

Note: DUI laws may have changed since our last update. For the latest information on these DUI laws, speak to a DUI lawyer in the state.