Columbus and Delaware, Ohio DUI / OVI Attorney

Attorney David Johnson, of Johnson Legal, LLC, is an experienced Columbus and Delaware, Ohio DUI / OVI attorney who will discuss the details of your case, how to protect your ability to drive and fight the charges against you. Call Johnson Legal, LLC at (614) 987-0192 or send an email to schedule a consultation.

DUI / OVI Under Ohio Law

DUI (known as “OVI” in Ohio) is typically a 1st degree misdemeanor. DUI / OVI occurs, pursuant to 4511.19 of the Ohio Revised Code, when a person operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a combination of both, or the person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is over 0.08.

No matter the circumstances, a third DUI / OVI offense can result in serious potential penalties and a prosecutor seeking to aggressively convict you. This type of charge can result in significant penalties, as well as threatening your financial well-being.

The state of Ohio will seek to have you placed in prison for a third DUI / OVI offense. Therefore, it is imperative that you contact an experienced and passionate attorney who can help you navigate the legal system, prepare a strong defense, and aggressively seek to have the charge reduced or eliminated.

Penalties for a 3rd DUI / OVI Offense in Ohio

A third DUI / OVI offense is a serious offense carrying significant jail time and fines. The penalties for a third DUI / OVI offense are as follows:

A third DUI / OVI conviction carries a maximum 1 year in jail. Additionally, a third DUI/OVI conviction requires a mandatory 30 days in jail.
The court will impose a fine of $875 – $2750.
Criminal forfeiture of the vehicle if this is the third DUI / OVI conviction in the past 6 years.
Mandatory drug and alcohol treatment program.

Ohio Driver’s License Suspension for DUI / OVI

Pursuant to ORC 4510.02, a person convicted of a third DUI / OVI is subject to a class three driver’s license suspension. This means that the court will suspend your driver’s license for a period of 2 – 12 years. However, under 4510.021, the court may allow limited driving privileges for employment or educational purposes.

Administrative License Suspension for DUI / OVI in Ohio

Ohio is an implied consent state. The implied consent law mandates that a person must agree to blood, breath or urine testing if an officer suspects them of drunk driving. Refusing to agree to these tests dictates an administrative license suspension. This suspension is automatic. In addition, if you refusal to submit to a chemical test and you have a prior DUI / OVI within 20 years of the new DUI / OVI, you will be charged with a separate offense called DUI / OVI Test Refusal. This offense carries a mandatory jail sentence that is dependent upon the number of prior DUI / OVI convictions and test refusals.

A person who’s license has been suspended has 30 days to request a hearing to review the suspension. The person may also petition the court for limited driving privileges for educational or employment reasons.

Additional Ohio DUI / OVI Information

DUI / OVI FAQ

DUI / OVI Court Process

DUI / OVI Field Sobriety Tests

Driver Intervention Programs

Yellow License Plates

Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM)

Ignition Interlock

Driving Privileges

Vehicle Forfeiture and Immobilization

Ohio DUI / OVI Driver’s License Points

Court Suspension of License

Reinstatement of Driver’s License

For more information, consult Johnson Legal, LLC’s DUI / OVI blog.