OVI Laws and Penalties in Ohio

Facing an OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) charge can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. The first step? Hiring an experienced Cadiz OVI lawyer like Sean Logue from the Youngstown Criminal Law Group. An OVI conviction has serious consequences, but an attorney who knows Ohio’s OVI laws inside and out can help you reduce or even dismiss your charges. Here’s a complete breakdown of Ohio’s OVI laws and penalties.

Ohio’s OVI Laws and Penalties Overview

First OVI

A First OVI is categorized as a first-degree misdemeanor in Ohio. Here’s what you’re looking at if convicted:

• Jail Time: Up to 6 months. A minimum of 3 days may be substituted for a judge-approved driver intervention program (typically 72 hours long and certified by the state).
• Fines: $375 to $1,075.
• License Suspension: 6 months to 3 years.
• Other Penalties:
• “Party” plates (yellow license plates specifically for those with OVI convictions) may be required.
• Ignition interlock device installation.
• Limited driving privileges are possible.
• Alcohol treatment and education programs.

First OVI with High BAC or Chemical Test Refusal

The rules change slightly if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is significantly high or you refuse the chemical test:

• Classified as a first-degree misdemeanor.
• All penalties from a standard First OVI apply, but the yellow OVI plates are mandatory.

Second OVI

Getting charged with a Second OVI (first-degree misdemeanor) comes with stricter penalties, including:

• Jail Time: Minimum 10 days, up to 6 months.
• Fines: $525 to $1,625.
• License Suspension: 1 to 5 years.
• Other Penalties:
• Probation.
• Alcohol assessment, education, and treatment requirements.
• Use of “party” plates.
• Limited driving privileges may begin after 45 days.
• House arrest or electronic monitoring may be imposed.

Second OVI with High BAC or Chemical Test Refusal

This charge escalates the penalties:

• Jail Time: 20 days to 6 months.
• Ignition interlock device installation and mandatory party plates.
• All the other penalties of a second OVI apply, including fines of $525 to $1,625, alcohol treatment programs, and long license suspensions.

Third OVI

A third OVI conviction increases both the financial and legal ramifications. This charge is still classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, and the penalties include:

• Fines: $850 to $2,750.
• Jail Time: 30 days to 1 year.
• License Suspension: 2 to 10 years.
• Other Punishments:
• Possible vehicle forfeiture if the car is titled in your name.
• Probation, electronic monitoring, and/or house arrest.
• Ignition interlock device and mandatory use of yellow “party” plates.
• Access to limited driving privileges only after 180 days.

Third OVI with High BAC or Chemical Test Refusal

With a high BAC or refusal to test, the potential jail time increases:

• Jail Time: 60 days to 1 year.
• Other penalties remain similar to a standard Third OVI.

First Felony OVI

Your Fourth OVI conviction (or more) within ten years is treated as a fourth-degree felony, with severe repercussions:

• Prison Time: 60 days to 2.5 years.
• Fines: $1,350 to $10,500.
• License Suspension:
• 3 years to life.
• Limited driving privileges may be granted after 3 years.
• Other Penalties:
• Forfeiture of your vehicle (if titled in your name).
• Alcohol and drug addiction treatment programs.
• Mandatory yellow plates and ignition interlock devices.

Second Felony OVI

A Second Felony OVI, prosecuted as a third-degree felony, carries stiffer penalties:

• Prison Time: 60 days to 5 years.
• As with the First Felony OVI, all other penalties apply, including higher fines, license suspension, and vehicle forfeiture.

Why You Need a Cadiz OVI Lawyer

OVI laws in Ohio, particularly in Harrison County, can be complex and challenging to understand. A skilled Cadiz criminal lawyer can evaluate your case, guide you through your legal options, and work towards reducing your charges or negotiating alternative penalties. Sean Logue and the Youngstown Criminal Law Group are experienced in handling OVI cases just like yours and can provide the representation you need.

Don’t leave your case to chance. Facing an OVI charge? Contact us today or call (330) 992-3036 for a free consultation. Whether you require a skilled Cadiz OVI lawyer, our team is here to help you achieve the best possible outcome.