Ohio DUI Lawyers

If you’re caught driving under the influence of alcohol, the consequences can be severe. DUI/OVI charges can have a detrimental impact on your life and career, potentially resulting in a lifetime loss of driving privileges and professional setbacks.

In such situations, it’s crucial to seek the guidance of a skilled St. Clairsville OVI lawyer who can help minimize the penalties or even have the charges dropped. At St. Clairsville Criminal Law Group, our experienced St. Clairsville criminal lawyer will provide the necessary support and assistance to swiftly navigate your case, allowing you to address the consequences effectively.

Ohio DUI Laws

It is illegal to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as specified in the OHIO REVISED CODE (ORC) 4511.19. The following conditions are considered in DUI cases:

• Substance abuse, whether it involves alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
• Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) exceeded 0.8 during the time of the incident.

In Ohio, there are various situations that could lead to an OVI charge, including:

• BAC exceeded the legal limit (0.8 for general drivers, 0.4 for commercial vehicle drivers) at the time of the incident.
• DUI charges can be imposed even if BAC is below the legal limit. According to ORC 4506.01, police must prove that the consumption of drugs, substances, or over-the-counter medication impaired your judgment and reflexes.
• ORC 4729.01 specifies dangerous drugs that can impair your judgment and reflexes. Even if you have a valid prescription, it might not serve as a strong defense.

These are the fundamental DUI laws that can be applied to your case. However, there are numerous other DUI laws that could be relevant, underscoring the importance of consulting an experienced St. Clairsville OVI lawyer.

Difference Of OVI and DUI

The terms OVI and DUI are abbreviations used to represent similar charges, varying depending on the state. In Ohio, the offense is referred to as operating a vehicle under the influence or OVI. Although the fundamental difference between these cases is minimal, it’s crucial for the prosecutor to establish that the driver was intoxicated while operating the vehicle. In these complex situations, it is essential to seek the expertise of a knowledgeable St. Clairsville criminal lawyer.

DUI Offenses St. Clairsville Criminal Law Group Handles

Our experienced St. Clairsville criminal lawyer is equipped to handle various DUI cases, including:

• First DUI Offense: This charge applies when you are convicted of a DUI case for the first time within a 10-year period. You may face charges if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds the legal limit or if impairment is caused by medication.

• Second DUI Offense: If you receive a DUI charge within 10 years of your first offense, you will be dealing with a second DUI offense. Penalties and fines increase, along with the potential for longer jail time.

• Third DUI Offense: This offense occurs when you are charged for the third time within a 10-year period. Consequences may include imprisonment, hefty fines, and house arrest. After regaining your license, you may be required to display a yellow OVI plate on your vehicle.

• Physical Control of Vehicle: Under ORC 4511.194, operating a vehicle while impaired is prohibited. This offense is considered a misdemeanor with lesser punishment compared to the first DUI offense.

• Under Age DUI or OVUAC: Individuals under the age of 21 are prohibited from consuming alcohol in Ohio. If impairment occurs due to prescription drugs, legal assistance is crucial.

• Aggravated Vehicular Assault and Homicide: If an accident caused by drunk driving results in injury or death, it becomes a felony offense with severe penalties.

DUI Laws and Penalties

DUI charges encompass a range of penalties that can vary depending on the circumstances. Resolving these charges and achieving a favorable outcome often necessitates the expertise of a skilled St. Clairsville OVI lawyer. Engage our services to navigate the complexities of the legal system and work towards dropping your charges.

For better engagement and comprehensive legal guidance, rely on our St. Clairsville OVI lawyer to handle your DUI case efficiently.

First DUI (First Degree Misdemeanor)

• 3 days of imprisonment or completion of a 72-hour certified driver intervention program approved by a judge
• Up to 6 months imprisonment
• Fines ranging from $375 to $1,075
• Driver’s license suspension for 3-6 years
• Optional limited driving privileges after 15 days from the initial charge
• Optional alcohol education and treatment programs
• Optional yellow OVI license plate
• Optional ignition interlock device

First DUI With a High BAC or Chemical Test Refusal (First Degree Misdemeanor)

• Six days in prison or completion of a 72-hour certified driver intervention program approved by a judge
• Up to six months in jail
• Financial penalties between $375 and $1,075
• Driver’s license suspension for six months to three years
• Yellow OVI license plate
• Optional limited driving privileges after 15 days from the initial charge
• Optional alcohol education and treatment programs
• Optional ignition interlock device

Second DUI (First Degree Misdemeanor):

• Prison sentence between ten days and six months
• Fines ranging from $525 to $1,625
• Probation
• House arrest and/or electronic monitoring
• Driver’s license suspension from one to five years
• Limited driving privileges available after forty five days
• Yellow OVI license plates
• Alcohol assessment, education, and treatment

Second DUI With a High BAC or Chemical Test Refusal (First Degree Misdemeanor):

• Prison sentence between twenty days and six months
• Fines ranging from $525 to $1,625
• Probation
• House arrest and/or electronic monitoring
• Driver’s license suspension from one to five years
• Limited driving privileges available after forty-five days
• Yellow OVI license plates
• Alcohol assessment, education, and treatment
• Ignition interlock device

Third DUI (First Degree Misdemeanor)

• Prison sentence: between thirty days and one year
• Fines: ranging from $850 to $2,750
• Probation
• House arrest and/or electronic monitoring
• Vehicle forfeiture if the offender is the owner
• Limited driving privileges granted after 180 days from initial charge
• Driver’s license suspension: between two and ten years
• Yellow OVI plates
• Alcohol assessment, education, and treatment
• Installation of ignition interlock device

Third DUI With a High BAC or Chemical Test Refusal (First Degree Misdemeanor)

• Jail sentence: between sixty days and one year
• Fines: ranging from $850 to $2,750
• Probation
• House arrest and/or electronic monitoring
• Vehicle forfeiture if the title is in your name
• Limited driving privileges granted after 180 days from initial charge
• Driver’s license suspension: between two and ten years
• Yellow OVI plates
• Alcohol assessment, education, and treatment
• Installation of ignition interlock device

First Offense Felony DUI (Fourth Degree Felony)

• Imprisonment: 60 days to 30 months
• Fines: $1,350 to $10,500
• Vehicle may be forfeited if it’s in your name
• Driver’s license suspension: 3 years to lifetime
• Limited driving privileges available after 3 years
• Required to use yellow OVI plates
• Ignition interlock device required
• Completion of alcohol and drug addiction program

Second Offense Felony DUI (Third Degree Felony)

• Imprisonment: 60 days to 5 years
• Fines: $1,350 to $10,500
• Vehicle may be forfeited if you are the owner
• Driver’s license suspension: 3 years to lifetime
• Limited driving privileges available after 3 years
• Required to use yellow OVI plates
• Ignition interlock device required
• Completion of alcohol and drug addiction program

If you are facing charges, we recommend consulting a St. Clairsville criminal lawyer from St. Clairsville Criminal Law Group. Our dedicated team will carefully review your case and provide you with the best resolution options. Contact us today for assistance.